Seminar series: Introduction to Japanese Philosophy
Thursday 07/09, 08/27, 09/10, 10/08, 12/03 2026, respectively 6:30-8:00 pm
Seminar language: German

This seminar series aims to provide an “Introduction to Japanese Philosophy.” We will read selected excerpts from the works of NISHIDA Kitarō (1870–1945), TANABE Hajime (1889–1962), NISHITANI Keiji (1900–1990), UEDA Shizuteru (1926–2019), KUKI Shūzō (1888–1941), and WATSUJI Tetsurō (1889–1960), while also exploring central concepts of Japanese philosophy—such as Absolute Nothingness/Emptiness, Pure Experience, or Species—to name just a few. Nishida and Tanabe are regarded as the founders of the so-called Kyōto School, whose primary endeavor was to bring diverse philosophical traditions into dialogue with each other—Western philosophy and Christianity on the one hand, and Eastern intellectual history and Zen Buddhism on the other. We will read and discuss these texts together. The first five sessions will begin with a general introduction to Japanese philosophy, followed by an initial overview of Nishida’s philosophy.

Knowledge of Japanese is welcome but not required. We will be reading the texts in German translation; these materials will be made available via email prior to the sessions.