Philosophy as metanoetics

by Tanabe Hajime

A milestone in Japan's post-war philosophical thought and a dramatic turning point in Tanabe's own philosophy, Philosophy as Metanoetics calls for nothing less than a complete and radical rethinking of the philosophical task itself. It is a powerful, original work, showing vast erudition in all areas of both Eastern and Western thought.

Genres: Philosophy, Buddhism, Religion, Japan, Japanese Literature, Zen, Nonfiction

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Anttoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly original work, which deserves a place among the classics of philosophy comparable to Kant's three Critiques, Schelling's work on human freedom, and Adorno's negative dialectics. In addition, Tanabe's work has the potential to broaden the understanding of Buddhism in the West, since Philosophy as Metanoetics has its starting point not in the more famous Buddhist sect, Zen, but rather in the tradition of Pure Land Buddhism. Especially the latter part of the present volume doubles as an introduction to Pure Land Buddhist monk Shinran's thought, who is an important figure in the Pure Land sect.
Contrary to common opinion, I did not find Tanabe's prose to be particularly dense, only demanding, but only as all truly deep and insightful books are demanding. As a reading instruction, I would suggest that the reader gives him or herself wholly to the experience of reading this book, trusting that Tanabe will guide the reader to conclusions and insights. As such, Philosophy as Metanoetics is in itself a wonderful exercise of metanoetics, of zange.