The Development of Philosophy in Japan: A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of Princeton University in Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

As a scholar studying in the United States, Tsunezo Kishinami wrote the comprehensive text - The Development of Philosophy in Japan. Written during a critical period for Japan, when it was emerging from the dominance of European influence and undergoing the Meiji Restoration, Kishinami's text gives insight into the philosophical underpinnings of the resurgence, and also into the changes that resulted.




"Neither their past history nor their prevailing tastes show any tendency to idealism. They are lovers of the practical and the real. Our poetry and our philosophy and the mind that appreciates them are alike the result of a network of subtle influences to which the Japanese are comparative strangers." -Historian Walter Dening




Reading Kishinami's text provides a window to an intriguing point in Japan's history, and the way that others viewed Japanese culture. The author concluded that Japanese culture would continue to evolve over time as it faced more influences. Little did he know how prescient his conclusions were, as the country later became embroiled in both World Wars, which ushered in more changes for their broad culture and specific philosophies. Historical scholars of Japanese culture will surely find this a valuable text.