Koji Tachibana - Böcker

This is the first volume to explore the modern reception and contemporary relevance of Aristotle and his philosophy in Japan, making it a valuable contribution to both global Aristotelian studies and studies of Japanese philosophical traditions.The study of Aristotle’s philosophy in Japan is already over a hundred years old, yet the fruits of these efforts have mostly been published in Japanese and thus circulated almost entirely within Japan. Japanese scholarship, however, has not been conducted in isolation but rather has developed by keeping up with crucial contemporary trends in international scholarship. Aristotelian studies in Japan have therefore been neither particularly Japanese nor Far East Asian at first glance, which is one reason why they have not received much attention in Japanese philosophical literature. This volume addresses this gap, exploring the long historical struggle of Japanese people to read, understand and adopt Aristotle’s philosophy in a philosophical tradition different from the West. It also examines the applicability of Aristotle’s philosophy to contemporary issues and demonstrates the extent to which his philosophy remains relevant today, whether in the East or West.Aristotle in Japan: Reception, Interpretation and Application is of interest to students and scholars of Aristotelian philosophy, as well as those working on Japanese philosophy and classical reception.

Incorporating various perspectives on the Japanese notion of virtue, Alternative Virtues investigates and expands our current understanding of virtue and presents a foundational case study of an alternative approach to virtues.The study of virtue has long been dominated by Western (i.e., Christian) and far-Eastern (i.e., Confucian) points of view. However, Japanese thinkers and scholars have struggled with these traditions. The rise of cultural intermingling with these traditions has created a unique code of values in Japan, which have grown from their own historical and cultural sources other than the Christian and Confucian traditions. Viewed through the filter of Japanese history and culture as well as focusing on different contexts in Japan, the book investigates both moral and epistemic virtues. Discussing the theoretical and practical implications that such alternative virtues may have on our lives, this book will contribute to reforming the current research trends in virtue theory and encouraging the wider public to consider the notion of virtue from a fresh perspective.Due to the content and scope of the book, it will appeal to a variety of readers– both locally and internationally–interested not only in Japanese historical, cultural, and philosophical investigations of virtues but also in learning more about alternative perspectives on virtues. This readership includes scholars and university students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) in the fields of philosophy, history, cultural studies, moral psychology, and education.

Incorporating various perspectives on the Japanese notion of virtue, Alternative Virtues investigates and expands our current understanding of virtue and presents a foundational case study of an alternative approach to virtues.The study of virtue has long been dominated by Western (i.e., Christian) and far-Eastern (i.e., Confucian) points of view. However, Japanese thinkers and scholars have struggled with these traditions. The rise of cultural intermingling with these traditions has created a unique code of values in Japan, which have grown from their own historical and cultural sources other than the Christian and Confucian traditions. Viewed through the filter of Japanese history and culture as well as focusing on different contexts in Japan, the book investigates both moral and epistemic virtues. Discussing the theoretical and practical implications that such alternative virtues may have on our lives, this book will contribute to reforming the current research trends in virtue theory and encouraging the wider public to consider the notion of virtue from a fresh perspective.Due to the content and scope of the book, it will appeal to a variety of readers– both locally and internationally–interested not only in Japanese historical, cultural, and philosophical investigations of virtues but also in learning more about alternative perspectives on virtues. This readership includes scholars and university students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) in the fields of philosophy, history, cultural studies, moral psychology, and education.