- 1. An Inquiry Into The Good, written by Nishida Kitarō in 1911, is a seminal work in the field of philosophy that seeks to explore the nature of reality and the concept of the 'good' from a uniquely Japanese perspective, synthesizing Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. Nishida, a pivotal figure in the Kyoto School of philosophy, delves into the relationship between individual consciousness and the absolute, proposing that true understanding can be achieved through a self-reflective engagement with the world. In this text, he draws upon concepts from Zen Buddhism and Western thought, particularly the ideas of Hegel and Kant, to articulate his vision of a non-dualistic reality where the distinction between subject and object is transcended. The work invites readers to contemplate the nature of existence, morality, and the interconnectedness of all beings, arguing that the ultimate 'good' can only be realized through direct experience and intuition rather than purely rational thought. Nishida's exploration of 'pure experience' serves as a foundational element, emphasizing the importance of intuitive knowledge as a means to grasp the underlying unity of life. This inquiry challenges traditional philosophical paradigms and offers a profound reflection on how one's understanding of the good can lead to a more harmonious existence within the community and the cosmos.
What is the original Japanese title of 'An Inquiry Into The Good'?
A) Bushidō
B) Kokoro
C) Wabi-Sabi
D) Zen no Kenkyū
- 2. Nishida Kitarō's philosophy in 'An Inquiry Into The Good' is primarily concerned with what fundamental concept?
A) Political ethics
B) Aesthetic beauty
C) Scientific method
D) Pure experience
- 3. What philosophical tradition heavily influenced Nishida's work?
A) British empiricism
B) Zen Buddhism
C) Ancient Greek philosophy
D) Existentialism
- 4. What does Nishida mean by 'pure experience'?
A) Religious ecstasy
B) Scientific experimentation
C) Aesthetic appreciation
D) Experience before subject-object differentiation
- 5. What is the relationship between religion and philosophy in Nishida's view?
A) They are completely separate
B) They converge in ultimate reality
C) Religion supersedes philosophy
D) Philosophy disproves religion
- 6. How does Nishida define 'the good'?
A) Serving society
B) Realization of one's true nature
C) Achieving happiness
D) Following moral rules
- 7. What is the significance of 'acting-intuition' in Nishida's philosophy?
A) Unity of action and perception
B) Moral intuition
C) Scientific intuition
D) Artistic inspiration
- 8. What is the role of contradiction in Nishida's philosophy?
A) A logical error
B) Only apparent
C) To be eliminated
D) Essential to reality
- 9. What is Nishida's view on the mind-body problem?
A) They are separate substances
B) Mind controls body
C) Body determines mind
D) They are unified in pure experience
- 10. How does Nishida approach the concept of God?
A) As social construct
B) As first cause
C) As absolute nothingness
D) As personal deity
- 11. What is the significance of 'absolute contradictory self-identity'?
A) Logical paradox
B) Unity of opposites
C) Psychological conflict
D) Moral dilemma
- 12. How does Nishida view artistic creation?
A) As social commentary
B) As emotional outlet
C) As expression of pure experience
D) As imitation of nature
- 13. What is the relationship between knowledge and reality in Nishida's philosophy?
A) They are identical
B) Knowledge arises from reality
C) Reality is constructed by knowledge
D) They are unrelated
- 14. How does Nishida characterize time?
A) As self-determination of eternal now
B) As linear progression
C) As cyclical repetition
D) As human construct
- 15. What is the role of will in Nishida's ethics?
A) Control over desires
B) Moral decision-making
C) Social obligation
D) Expression of true self
- 16. What is the role of negation in Nishida's philosophy?
A) Logical operation
B) Moral prohibition
C) Path to deeper reality
D) Psychological defense
- 17. How does Nishida characterize freedom?
A) Individual choice
B) Absence of constraints
C) Self-determination of absolute
D) Political rights
- 18. Nishida's concept of 'jikaku' refers to:
A) Aesthetic appreciation
B) Self-awareness
C) Moral duty
D) Social harmony
- 19. What year was 'An Inquiry Into The Good' first published?
A) 1911
B) 1905
C) 1935
D) 1920
- 20. What Western philosopher's work significantly influenced Nishida?
A) John Locke
B) William James
C) Immanuel Kant
D) Friedrich Nietzsche
- 21. What university was Nishida Kitarō associated with for most of his career?
A) Kyoto University
B) Tokyo University
C) Osaka University
D) Tohoku University
- 22. Nishida's philosophical school is commonly known as:
A) The Modernist School
B) The Tokyo School
C) The Kyoto School
D) The Zen School
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