The Kyoto School

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors aim to provide an introduction to the Kyoto School of modern Japanese philosophy. The chapter begins with a historical overview of the formation of various images of the School. It then briefly examines the controversial political engagements of members of the School during the Pacific War. The central sections of the chapter introduce the main figures and ideas of the first, second, and third generations of the School. The chapter concludes with some reflections on how the School may contribute to a contemporary philosophical critique of technology and to a renewed dialogue between Eastern and Western traditions.