| Research Abstract |
Before getting this Grant, this subject was my long concern during about longtime. "kami" and "Hotoke" are basic terms in Japanese which mean transcendental ideas. But, after having this Grant, and as a result of researching mainly this subject, I gradualy realised that this theme should not be made up without setting a view-point to construct a Japanese history of ethical thought in total.
In the process of this research, the most difficult problem is how we should catch the extent of Japanese area as a torritory of thought. My main concern about this point is two:
1, about a world view of Ryukyu area, being connected with the idea of "Kami" in this part.
2, about the relation, the intersection of "Kami" concept and "Hotoke" concept in ancient and middle age in Japanese central area. In the former, "Kami" concept is appeared in the song, especialy in the festival song. In this area we can't find "Hotoke" concept. It means this part temains a thinkingstyle in a primordial style, In the latter, "Kamic and "Hotoke" is in use in the expression of narration (monogatari) and Buddhist, Shintoist argument. Besides, of course we find those concept in song expression. Nad the point is that how we decipher the common character of those concepts which are different apparently. This is the next subject I must study.
Moreover, In Heian period, at the main part of this country, "Kami" and "Hotoke" appeared as a concept intermixable, especialy in "Monogatari". Afterthat, a phenomene to combine "Kami" into "Hotoke" became active. How we should think about this transition philosophicaly, it is the problem I must research hereafter.
I think we need 4 or 5 years after now. Because, it is necessary to construct one Japanese history of ethical thought, concerning chiefly about this subject.
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