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The Kyoto School: An Introduction Paperback – January 21, 2013
by Robert E. Carter (Author)
4.1 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
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“...an excellent introduction to the work of some of the major figures of the Kyoto School of Philosophy … the book provides the foundation for a first-rate syllabus for an entire course on the Kyoto School.” ― Religious Studies Review
“…Carter skillfully introduces the reader to the complexity of the thought of the Kyoto School thinkers while challenging the reader to continue his or her search by taking advantage of the multiple sources included in the Selected Bibliography. One leaves this book with a sense of a deeper appreciation of the distinctiveness of the Kyoto School thinkers and their struggle to elucidate what Nishida terms as ‘unspeakable.’” ― Journal of Buddhist Ethics
“Robert Carter’s skill at making complex philosophical concepts comprehensible is once again in evidence in this excellent book … With its lucid explanations, emphasis on the relevance of Kyoto school thought to everyday life, and concrete examples, The Kyoto School is an excellent text for a course on Japanese philosophy―all the more so because of its ample references to recent literature, glossary of terms, and helpful bibliography.” ― Monumenta Nipponica
About the Author
Robert E. Carter is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Trent University in Canada. His many books include The Japanese Arts and Self-Cultivation and Encounter with Enlightenment: A Study of Japanese Ethics, both also published by SUNY Press.
Product details
Publisher : State University of New York Press (January 21, 2013)
Language : English
Paperback : 258 pages
Customer Reviews:
4.1 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
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toronto
4.0 out of 5 stars Not absoluteReviewed in the United States on July 31, 2013
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This is a reasonable general introduction to the Kyoto School, but doesn't really go very deep. For that, Heisig is better and the old collection of essays by Taitetsu Unno. Or go straight to Religion and Nothingness -- it isn't that hard to read if you have any background in Western philosophy and a reasonable knowledge of Mahayana Buddhism. The issue with reading the Kyoto School is that their deep insights are surrounded by lots and lots of generalities on Western philosophy that are not that sophisticated (I leave aside the social and political material, which has problems of its own). You have to get on their "wavelength" and then it becomes a fascinating bridge (abyss) between thought realms.
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francis s. harvey
5.0 out of 5 stars Clarifies Buddhism ClearlyReviewed in the United States on September 24, 2016
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Carter does a great job on a difficult topic. He explains some of the difficult concepts in Buddhism. In fact, of the authors I have read, he explains it the best. It is also written in an interesting style, not dry.
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Sergej
5.0 out of 5 stars Watsuji TetsuroReviewed in the United States on July 1, 2013
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The book is divided into four chapters, each considers one japanese philosopher from the Kyoto School. These are Nishida Kitaro, Tanabe Hajime, Keiji Nishitani and Watsuji Tetsuro. This is great since their thought is so diverse, that one usually finds himself interested in a particular thinkers thoughts
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PVreader
5.0 out of 5 stars Great intro to Modern Japanese PhilosophyReviewed in the United States on February 19, 2014
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There are very few entry level texts in this field. This is a scholarly and informed exception. Dr. Carter has also produced several other exemplary studies regarding contemporary Japanese Arts and Culture. Thank you, Dr. Carter.
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H. E. Davey
5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Introduction to the Kyoto SchoolReviewed in the United States on March 17, 2014
The Kyoto School is the Japanese philosophical faction focused at Kyoto University that integrated Western philosophy and religions. It then famously used them to reinvent religious and moral insights unique to Eastern cultural practice. Conversely, this designation is also used to portray several postwar academics from different disciplines who have taught at this campus, been swayed by the first thinkers of Kyoto School philosophy, and who have advanced distinguishing concepts of Japanese distinctiveness.
Starting around 1913 with Nishida Kitaro, it grew into a renowned and active movement. Nevertheless, it is not a "school" of philosophy in the conventional sense of the word. It more accurately describes the collection of scholars, who congregated around Kyoto University. Since its founder, Nishida, encouraged freethinking, not every “member” of the Kyoto School espoused an identical philosophy. There is not one, unified philosophy for the Kyoto School, but there are certain common and identifying traits displayed by the philosophers associated with this movement/university.
What are these traits? There are several, all expertly described by Dr. Robert Carter, professor emeritus in philosophy for Canada’s Trent University. One key point is the idea of “nothingness,” which is often rendered as ku or mu in Japan. But nothingness is easily misinterpreted in a nihilistic way, and perhaps “formlessness” might be a better transliteration. (Something can be formless and yet still exist. Think of wind.) Regardless, many Western people interested in Eastern religion and/or meditation have encountered this concept. Just as many have been mystified as to what it means and what to do with it in a practical sense.
If you’re one of those folks, or if you have a specific interest in the Kyoto School, you need this exceptional introduction by Dr. Carter. Educated at Harvard, with several critically acclaimed books under his belt, and having spent significant time in Japan, he makes the impenetrable penetrable. And he accomplishes this feat without dumbing down his subject matter. Eastern philosophy followers will want this unique work in their libraries.
7 people found this helpful
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David Shaner
5.0 out of 5 stars First RateReviewed in the United States on March 13, 2013
For anyone interested in modern Japanese philosophy, this work is absolutely the best introduction available. Professor Carter has established himself as the very best cross-cultural communicator bridging Japanese and western philosophical traditions. Like his other works, in this study Carter evidences a knack for making the sublime and complex, clear and simple. The Kyoto School is remarkably jargon free ... a feat nearly impossible given the nature of the subject matter. Kyoto School philosophers tend to bend and twist language, including inventing new expressions, in their attempt describe philosophical subtleties and nuances not easily expressed in everyday language. Carter's extraordinary talent is to cut to the essence of things and make them transparent for clarity and understanding. I highly recommend this book for university students of Japanese philosophy and anyone interested in new ways of thinking about the philosophy of religion.
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Jerry Larock
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating ReadReviewed in the United States on May 5, 2014
Professor Robert E. Carter again uses his unique talent, this time to bring the Kyoto School of Japanese philosophy to life. He has a particular knack for taking difficult, obscure subjects and making them comprehensible. His new book is an excellent introduction to this fascinating area of thought. Carter discusses the teachings of four prominent Japanese philosophers, focusing on shared themes. This book is a relatively easy read that makes this topic accessible to virtually everyone, making it a great addition to his many other books on Far Eastern philosophy. Highly recommended.
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