Philosophy of Science and The Kyoto School: An Introduction to Nishida Kitaro, Tanabe Hajime and Tosaka Jun

This book provides an introduction to the Kyoto School, a major Japanese philosophical movement, through the interests and arguments of its founder, Nishida Kitaro, his successor, Tanabe Hajime, and student-turned-critic, Tosaka Jun. It focuses on their contributions to thinking about place, space, and dialectics and connects their work to issues debated in the philosophy of science and physics today. Each chapter engages historical contexts and includes excerpts, translations, focus boxes, a timeline, glossary, and index. It is an ideal starting point for students and lecturers looking to better acquaint themselves with these central Japanese philosophers and learn why their work impacts our current thinking about science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book provides an insightful and comprehensive exploration into a significant Japanese philosophical movement, delving into the interests, arguments, and contributions of its founder, Nishida Kitaro (1870-1945), his successor, Tanabe Hajime (1885-1962), and student-turned-critic, Tosaka Jun (1900-1945). By focusing on their profound insights into the concepts of place, space, and dialectics, this concise introduction brings these influential thinkers to life, showcasing their relevance in contemporary philosophical discourse.

Beginning with an overview of the reception of quantum physics and relativity theory in Japan, the book delves into the philosophical implications of these scientific breakthroughs. It explores how Nishida, Tanabe, and Tosaka interpreted and responded to these theories, drawing upon their unique philosophical perspectives to offer fresh interpretations and insights.

Through carefully chosen excerpts and original translations, the book offers readers a deep understanding of Nishida's philosophical ideas, including his concept of "Absolute Nothingness" and his exploration of the relationship between consciousness and the physical world. Tanabe's contributions are also highlighted, with an emphasis on his philosophical synthesis of Eastern and Western thought and his exploration of the nature of time and space.

Furthermore, Tosaka's critical perspective is explored, as he challenged the orthodoxies of the Kyoto School and offered a more nuanced understanding of the movement's philosophical implications. His critiques of traditional Japanese philosophy and his advocacy for a more inclusive and democratic approach to philosophy are examined, providing valuable insights into the evolution of Japanese philosophy.

In addition to providing a comprehensive overview of the Kyoto School's philosophical ideas, the book also engages with historical contexts and includes insightful focus boxes that explain complex concepts and problems of contextualization. A timeline, glossary, and index further enhance the reader's understanding of the movement and its significance in the history of philosophy.

This introduction is an invaluable resource for students and lecturers seeking to delve deeper into the works of Nishida, Tanabe, and Tosaka. It offers a comprehensive and accessible entry point into the rich tapestry of Japanese philosophy, enabling readers to gain a deeper appreciation of these influential thinkers and their contributions to contemporary philosophical discourse.

By exploring the interests, arguments, and contributions of Nishida, Tanabe, and Tosaka, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of Japanese philosophy and its impact on contemporary thought. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Kyoto School and its profound influence on the philosophical landscape.

Weight: 296g
Dimension: 139 x 214 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350141100