Introduction: On the Originality and the Fruitfulness of the Encounter Between Phenomenology and Japanese Philosophy

Abstract

The encounter between phenomenology and Japanese philosophy has produced one of the most notable “idea-storms” within the history of world philosophy. The aim of this volume is to show how the result of this storm is not merely of historical interest. The aforementioned storm is a matter of great theoretical interest because it derives from the encounter, or perhaps even clash, between ideas that go beyond phenomenology and indigenous Japanese thought. Due to both his pivotal role in the development of Japanese philosophy and the fact that many of his works have been translated into non-Japanese languages, much room has been devoted to NISHIDA Kitaro. By also considering some of his main followers and critics, the contributions contained in this volume show how the meeting between Japanese philosophy and phenomenology can offer many important and original insights for issues, ideas, and theories related to, for instance, self and self-consciousness, ethical and religious life, and social experience. These issues are important not only for researchers of phenomenology, but also for a broader philosophical forum and intercultural thinking in general.