The Kyoto School: An IntroductionAn accessible discussion of the thought of key figures of the Kyoto School of Japanese philosophy. This book provides a much-needed introduction to the Kyoto School of Japanese philosophy. Robert E. Carter focuses on four influential Japanese philosophers: the three most important members of the Kyoto School (Nishida Kitar?, Tanabe Hajime, and Nishitani Keiji), and a fourth (Watsuji Tetsur?), who was, at most, an associate member of the school. Each of these thinkers wrestled systematically with the Eastern idea of nothingness, albeit from very different perspectives. Many Western scholars, students, and serious general readers are intrigued by this school of thought, which reflects Japan s engagement with the West. A number of works by various thinkers associated with the Kyoto School are now available in English, but these works are often difficult to grasp for those not already well-versed in the philosophical and historical context. Carter s book provides an accessible yet substantive introduction to the school andoffers an East-West dialogue that enriches our understanding of Japanese thought while also shedding light on our own assumptions, habits of thought, and prejudices. |
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Abe Masao absolute nothingness achieved action intuition arises awareness basho become Buddha Buddhist climate Confucianism consciousness D. T. Suzuki distinctions Dōgen Eckhart emptiness encounter enlightenment ethics everyday everything evil existence field of Śūnyatā formless grasp Hawai’i Press Heidegger Heisig herder home‑ground Honolulu human Ibid individual Inquiry insight James Japan Japanese Philosophy Kasulis kōan kokoro Kyoto School Kyōzan living logic meaning mediation Metanoetics mind Modern Japanese Philosophy mysticism Nanzan Nanzan Institute nation nature negation ness Nietzsche nihilism ningen Nishida Kitarō Nishitani Keiji nondual one’s ordinary original Other‑power person perspective pure experience Pure Land reality realization reason relationship Religion and Culture Religion and Nothingness religious repentance result Sanshō self‑contradictory self‑power selfless sense Shinran Shintō simply social society Sōtō Śūnyatā Tanabe Hajime Tanabe’s teaching term things thinkers thinking thought tion tradition trans transformation translated true understanding unity University of Hawai’i Watsuji Tetsurō Western writings Zen Buddhism