Contemporary Thought - Understanding 20th Century and Beyond Philosophy and Thought
By learning the flow of thought from structuralism to post-structuralism, you can develop perspectives for viewing things from multiple angles.
What is Contemporary Thought
Contemporary thought is a general term for philosophy and thought that developed from the 20th century onward. It refers to intellectual endeavors that critically examine concepts like "reason" and "subject" that traditional Western philosophy had presupposed, attempting to reconsider humans and society from new perspectives.
The Emergence of Structuralism
In the 1960s, structuralism emerged centered in France. Based on Levi-Strauss's anthropology and Saussure's linguistics, this thought focuses on "structures" behind individual consciousness and actions. The insight that even though we think we freely think and act, we are actually determined by the structures of language and society shook the understanding of humanity at its foundations.
Development to Post-Structuralism
From the 1970s onward, thinkers such as Derrida, Foucault, and Deleuze critically inherited structuralism and developed post-structuralism. They questioned fixed structures themselves, delving into questions of difference, becoming, and power.
Why Study Contemporary Thought
By studying contemporary thought, you cultivate the ability to question assumptions you took for granted. When you realize that social common sense and self-evident values are actually products of specific times and cultures, more flexible and critical thinking becomes possible. It will become a foundation for multifaceted analysis and finding creative solutions in various fields like business, education, and media.
Recommended Books
The world of contemporary thought is vast, but with excellent introductory books as guides, you can touch its core. The following books explain complex concepts clearly while not compromising the depth of thought.
Introduction to Contemporary Thought
An introductory book that explains the philosophy of important late 20th century thinkers such as Derrida, Deleuze, and Foucault in an accessible way from a contemporary perspective. Through the idea of 'deconstruction of binary oppositions' at the heart of post-structuralism, you will acquire a way of thinking that captures things without oversimplifying. This book, which won the Shinsho Award, is structured so that you can grasp the overall picture of contemporary thought even without specialized philosophical knowledge.
- Seeking too much order leads to rigidity of thought
- Binary oppositions are convenient distinctions; in reality, both mutually permeate each other
- It is important to move forward with provisional answers rather than seeking complete understanding or correct answers
- Philosophy is a tool of thought useful in everyday life
Learn Structuralism While Lying Down
An introductory book that explains structuralism, which may seem difficult to understand, in an accessible way using everyday examples. It carefully interprets the ideas of major thinkers such as Foucault, Barthes, Lacan, and Levi-Strauss from the perspective of the problems they questioned. While it can be read casually as the title suggests, the essential insights of structuralism are firmly conveyed.
- Even when we think we are thinking for ourselves, we are actually determined by the structure of language and society
- Common sense and values taken for granted are merely products of specific times and cultures
- New perspectives open up by relativizing the modern notion of the autonomous self
- Even difficult ideas naturally make sense once you understand how the questions are posed
First Introduction to Structuralism
An introductory book that carefully explains how structuralism emerged, focusing on kinship research and myth analysis by Levi-Strauss, the founder of structuralism. While clarifying connections to Saussure's linguistics and Mauss's gift theory, it traces back to the mathematical roots of the concept of structure. It is well-regarded as the first book to pick up for those who want to systematically learn structuralism.
- Structuralism criticized Western-centrism and provided a perspective for understanding different cultures on equal terms
- Understanding the mechanism of language is the key to understanding the mechanism of human thought
- Behind myths and kinship relationships, universal structures exist
- Structure is the pattern of relationships between elements, focusing on form rather than content
Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?
A book on political philosophy adapted from a popular Harvard University lecture series. Using specific dilemmas such as the trolley problem as topics, it examines how to think from standpoints including utilitarianism, libertarianism, and Kantian ethics. While confronting the universal question of what justice is, you develop the ability to verbalize your own values.
- Discussions about justice reveal what we hold dear
- The utilitarian greatest happiness for the greatest number has limitations; perspectives of rights and virtue are also needed
- Positions that pretend neutrality are actually based on specific values
- Democratic society requires citizens to participate in moral discourse
これからの「正義」の話をしよう (ハヤカワ・ノンフィクション文庫)
マイケル・サンデル, Michael J. Sandel / 早川書房 / 2011-11-25
「正義の答え」はどこにあるのか？ 世界中の読者の価値観を大き...
Summary
While contemporary thought may seem difficult, its essence lies in the attitude of "questioning the obvious." The unconscious structures revealed by structuralism and the thinking of difference and becoming shown by post-structuralism become powerful analytical tools for us living in modern society. Start with introductory books and develop the habit of forming your own questions.