Intercultural Phenomenology

Abstract

Intercultural Phenomenology explores the nature of reality by engaging in a cross-cultural dialogue between two of the most influential philosophical traditions of the 20th century. Drawing on ideas from phenomenology, Japanese philosophy and Zen Buddhism, it follows the philosophers who changed their perception of the world by choosing to suspend judgement. Guided by this philosophical method known as the “epoché”, or suspension of judgment in ancient Greek, it is an introduction to the philosophy and practice of letting objects in the world speak for themselves. Inspired by Nishida Kitaro’s insight that true reality is beyond the subject-object duality, the book uses a series of examples and exercises to explore the background to Husserl’s idea of the phenomenological epoché, Hans-Georg Gadamer’s emphasis on play in human understanding and the haiku poet Matsuo Basho’s call for a new level of freedom. This practice-oriented approach moves beyond the traditional East-West divide. It connects various traditions, old and new, contemplative and theoretical, and explains why Japanese philosophy and phenomenology can enrich the quality of our lived experience. Ishihara and Tainer introduce a new approach to the basic practice of phenomenology and the epoché (suspension of judgment) pioneered by Edmund Husserl. The book is designed to serve readers from the general public seeking ways to improve basic quality of life, as well as undergraduate college students interested in phenomenology’s theory and historical background. Both Western philosophy (Kant, Gadamer, Ricoeur and Heidegger) and Asian contemplative traditions (Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism) are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the Kyoto School tradition, Japanese culture and Zen, drawing upon insights from philosophers Nishida Kitarō, Nishitani Keiji and Ueda Shizuteru, the Zen master Dōgen Zenji and the famous Haiku poet Matsuo Bashō. Theory and practice are combined in a wide variety of experiential exercises and simple life explorations—all potential entries into a more appreciative way of playing with reality.