The Kyoto School: An Introduction

About this book

An 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 Japans 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. Carters book provides an accessible yet substantive introduction to the school and offers an East-West dialogue that enriches our understanding of Japanese thought while also shedding light on our own assumptions habits of thought and prejudices.