- 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) Wabi-Sabi
B) Zen no Kenkyū
C) Kokoro
D) Bushidō
- 2. Nishida Kitarō's philosophy in 'An Inquiry Into The Good' is primarily concerned with what fundamental concept?
A) Scientific method
B) Pure experience
C) Aesthetic beauty
D) Political ethics
- 3. What philosophical tradition heavily influenced Nishida's work?
A) Existentialism
B) Zen Buddhism
C) British empiricism
D) Ancient Greek philosophy
- 4. What does Nishida mean by 'pure experience'?
A) Religious ecstasy
B) Aesthetic appreciation
C) Scientific experimentation
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) Religion supersedes philosophy
C) Philosophy disproves religion
D) They converge in ultimate reality
- 6. How does Nishida define 'the good'?
A) Serving society
B) Following moral rules
C) Achieving happiness
D) Realization of one's true nature
- 7. What is the significance of 'acting-intuition' in Nishida's philosophy?
A) Artistic inspiration
B) Unity of action and perception
C) Moral intuition
D) Scientific intuition
- 8. What is the role of contradiction in Nishida's philosophy?
A) Only apparent
B) A logical error
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) They are unified in pure experience
C) Body determines mind
D) Mind controls body
- 10. How does Nishida approach the concept of God?
A) As absolute nothingness
B) As personal deity
C) As first cause
D) As social construct
- 11. What is the significance of 'absolute contradictory self-identity'?
A) Moral dilemma
B) Logical paradox
C) Psychological conflict
D) Unity of opposites
- 12. How does Nishida view artistic creation?
A) As imitation of nature
B) As expression of pure experience
C) As emotional outlet
D) As social commentary
- 13. What is the relationship between knowledge and reality in Nishida's philosophy?
A) Knowledge arises from reality
B) Reality is constructed by knowledge
C) They are unrelated
D) They are identical
- 14. How does Nishida characterize time?
A) As cyclical repetition
B) As linear progression
C) As self-determination of eternal now
D) As human construct
- 15. What is the role of will in Nishida's ethics?
A) Moral decision-making
B) Control over desires
C) Social obligation
D) Expression of true self
- 16. What is the role of negation in Nishida's philosophy?
A) Moral prohibition
B) Path to deeper reality
C) Logical operation
D) Psychological defense
- 17. How does Nishida characterize freedom?
A) Self-determination of absolute
B) Absence of constraints
C) Political rights
D) Individual choice
- 18. Nishida's concept of 'jikaku' refers to:
A) Social harmony
B) Aesthetic appreciation
C) Moral duty
D) Self-awareness
- 19. What year was 'An Inquiry Into The Good' first published?
A) 1905
B) 1920
C) 1911
D) 1935
- 20. What Western philosopher's work significantly influenced Nishida?
A) Immanuel Kant
B) Friedrich Nietzsche
C) John Locke
D) William James
- 21. What university was Nishida Kitarō associated with for most of his career?
A) Tokyo University
B) Osaka University
C) Tohoku University
D) Kyoto 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
|