What Is Modernity?: Writings of Takeuchi Yoshimi (Modern Chinese Literature from Taiwan)

Regarded as one of the foremost thinkers in Japanese postwar intellectual history, Takeuchi Yoshimi questioned the very nature of thought, emphasizing that thinking is less a subjective act than an opening to alterity. His works were central in drawing Japanese attention to the problems inherent in western colonialism and to the cultural importance of Asia, especially China. This book represents the first appearance of Takeuchi's essays in English translation and explores Japanese modernity, literature, and nationalism as well as Chinese intellectual history. Regarded as one of the foremost thinkers in postwar Japan, Takeuchi Yoshimi (1910-1977) questioned traditional Japanese thought and radically reconfigured an understanding of the subject's relationship to the world. His works were also central in drawing Japanese attention to the problems inherent in western colonialism and to the cultural importance of Asia, especially China. Takeuchi's writings synthesized philosophy, literature, and history, focusing not simply on Japan and the West but rather on the triangular relationship between Japan, the West, and China. This book, which represents the first appearance of Takeuchi's essays in English translation, explores Japanese modernity, literature, and nationalism as well as Chinese intellectual history. Takeuchi's research demonstrates how Asians attempted to make sense of European modernity without sacrificing their own cultural histories. An authentic method of modernity for Asia, Takeuchi concludes, needs to stress difference and plurality as opposed to the homogenizing force of westernization. Contents Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1. Ways of Introducing Culture (Japanese Literature and Chinese Literature II) —Focusing Upon Lu Xun Chapter 2. What Is Modernity? (The Case of Japan and China)| Chapter 3. The Question of Politics and Literature (Japanese Literature and Chinese Literature I) Chapter 4. Hu Shi and Dewey Chapter 5. Overcoming Modernity Chapter 6. Asia as Method Glossary Index of Names Ways Of Introducing Culture (japanese Literature And Chinese Literature Ii) : Focusing Upon Lu Xun -- What Is Modernity? (the Case Of Japan And China ) -- The Question Of Politics And Literature (japanese Literature And Chinese Literature I) -- Hu Shi And Dewey -- Overcoming Modernity -- Asia As Method. Edited, Translated, And With An Introduction By Richard F. Calichman. Includes Index. Yoshimi questioned the very nature of thought, arguing that thinking is less a subjective act than an opening to alterity. His works were central in drawing Japanese attention to the problems inherent in Western colonialism & to the cultural importance of Asia Lu Xun became known in Japan quite early.