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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 Tetsuro and Akira's enlightening views of education, deeply rooted in spiritual insights that originate in Buddhism and Confucianism. 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 Tetsuro and Akira's central concept of letting go of our self-centeredness and our roles. 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
1. Confucianism and Learning Your Place
2. Relation without an Other?
3. Buddhism and Awakening to Yourself
4. Towards a Dynamic Practical Nexus
5. Moral Education
6. Student Guidance
Conclusion: Learning Your Place, Emptying Your Cup
Bibliography
Index
Product details

Published | Feb 19 2026 |
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Format | Hardback |
Edition | 1st |
Extent | 248 |
ISBN | 9781350572768 |
Imprint | Bloomsbury Academic |
Dimensions | 9 x 5 inches |
Series | Bloomsbury Introductions to World Philosophies |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
About the contributors
Reviews
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In this ground-breaking book, Anton Sevilla-Liu succeeds in bringing aspects of Japanese philosophical thinking to the Western reader in a highly readable and engaging way. Concentrating especially on the work of Mori, the philosophy of education, and Watsuji, the philosopher of place, the book shows the practical relevance of their thought to education, therapy, and the living of a human life. These important representatives of the Kyoto School of Philosophy – the only distinctively Japanese development of philosophy – bring together an inheritance of Western philosophical ideas with Eastern ways of life and thought in a manner that offers insights and possibilities for practice from which all can potentially benefit. Sevilla-Liu's writing is firmly grounded in his professional and practical experience, and his discussion is well attuned to and realistic about the stresses and challenges of the contemporary world.
Paul Standish, Chair of Philosophy of Education, University College London, UK