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Japanese Philosophies of Education

Watsuji Tetsuro and Mori Akira

Japanese Philosophies of Education cover

Japanese Philosophies of Education

Watsuji Tetsuro and Mori Akira

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Pre-order. Available Jan 22 2026
$98.55 RRP $109.50 Website price saving $10.95 (10%)

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Description

Grounded in Japanese philosophy and ideas of non-duality and emptiness, this is a much-welcomed contribution to central issues in philosophy of education.

Anton Sevilla-Liu uses the thought of ethicist Watsuji Tetsuro (1889-1960) and philosopher of education Mori Akira (1915-1976) to address the dangers of self-centeredness and conformism in a competitive education system. When individual performance is encouraged, is there a way to stress relationality without losing the sense of individuality and uniqueness?

We are introduced to Watsuji and Mori's enlightening views of education, deeply rooted in spiritual insights that originate in Buddhism and Confucianism while engaging human sciences. By applying their theories to educational practices, Sevilla-Liu shows how to connect students' creative potential with a dynamic sense of community. Importantly, alongside this active philosophy, he introduces Watsuji and Mori's central concept of letting go of our self-centeredness, fixed roles, attachments to sensations, and rigid ideas. We see how the philosophy of emptiness can positively impact educational practices.

This engaging book outlines a vision of education that balances individual creativity with a sense of community, responding to real challenges in educational systems around the world. It is the ideal starting point for educators and students interested in Japanese ideas about learning and unlearning, doing and letting-go, and the unique dynamicity of the philosophy of emptiness.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Kyoto School of Philosophy and Education

1. Confucianism and Finding Your Place
2. Relation without an Other?
3. Buddhism and Awakening to Self
4. The Practical-Pragmatic Nexus
5. The Rhythm of Life
6. Learning to Live
Conclusion

Notes
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Bloomsbury Academic Test
Published Jan 22 2026
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Extent 248
ISBN 9781350572768
Imprint Bloomsbury Academic
Dimensions 216 x 138 mm
Series Bloomsbury Introductions to World Philosophies
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Anton Sevilla-Liu

Anton Sevilla-Liu is Associate Professor of Clinic…

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