- Bibliographical Entry of the assigned reading
Temporality and Personal Identity in the Thought of Nishida Kitaro by Gereon Kopf
- What does the assigned reading cover?
The reading covers an analysis of Nishida’s conception of an individual in terms of self-determination from the concept of contradictory self-identity compared to the models of personal identity. Some of the models that are mentioned in the reading include monadology and selfless continuity. The author makes an attempt to address the question by analyzing the theory of essentialism developed by Leibniz’ along with theory of reductionism developed by Derek Parfit’s. He introduces a third theory by the name personal nonduality that derives its foundations from Nishida Kitaro’s conception of personal unity.
- How current are the views?
The views mentioned in the assigned reading are not very current because the reference literature was written in the late periods of 1980’s. For instance, Nishida Kitaro is the main reference researcher and his views were developed around 1988. However, the assigned reading was published in 2002 which implies that the author must have developed ideas over a long period of time.
- How reputable is the publisher
The publisher of the assigned reading is the University of Hawaii Press who are very reputable publishers in the U.S. because of the quality of printed material.
- How reputable is the author?
Gereon Kopf is a highly reputable author working with Luther College. He is a renowned professor of religion who founded the Journal of Buddhist Philosophy. He has a wealthy experience in the field of writing and editing with special focus on religion.
6. What is the author’s research question?
How does Nishida’s conception of person as the self-determination of the contradictory self-identity compare to the prototype of al essentialist theories of personal identity, Leibniz’ Monadology, or to Leibniz’ antithesis, Parfit’s selfless continuity?
7. What is the author’s thesis?
There exists a heated debate on the topic of personal identity but Nishida done a great deal to engage in the debate by focusing on the identification of the underlying principle that best describe continuity.
8. List the arguments supporting the thesis.
- Nishida acknowledges the sentiments of two contrasting theories of identity namely Monadology and Selfless Continuity but does not take sides with either of the theories. Instead, she explains the fundamental principles that describe self-identity.
- Nishida is open to rejecting contrary opinions raised by the two theories by adopting a neutral stance on personal identity.
- Personal identity is best described by the personal nonduality model.
9. List at least two important sources mentioned by the author.
10. Do you think the author provided enough evidence to support his/her claims?
I think the author has provided adequate evidence by extensively discussing Nishida’s conception of self-identity. She has used a number of reference literatures to support her arguments throughout the paper.
Bibliography
Kopf, Gereon. Temporality and Personal Identity in the thought of Nishida Kitaro. Philosophy East & West Volume 52, Number 2. Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press, 2002.
