Yuasa Yasuo's Comparative Thought Method:

Body-mind Theory and Questions on Transcendence as Keys for Intercultural Thought

Abstract

What is his meaning of comparative thought? What does he intend to elucidate through the research on comparative thought? As we focus on the characteristics of Yuasa’s approach to the body-mind theory, we shall investigate his way to throw light upon the question on “transcendence” as a dimension of human life. The first characteristic in which he deals with comparative thought is to avoid any unilateral approach from only a particular point of view that may prevent us from focusing on the totality of the thinking process and its background. Yuasa also attempts to discover which kind of lived experience lies behind the different thoughts and concepts which prevail in any particular author and in its cultural background. With regard to the characteristics and the legacy of Yuasa’s method of comparative thought we have two concerns:firstly, we consider the interculturality of his philosophy, inherited from the tradition of Nishida and Watsuji. Secondly, we will compare the patterns of thought that we encounter within both western and eastern habits of thinking. Yuasa emphasizes the need to investigate the historical and cultural context and background of both traditions, as well as the contrasting method to find an openness toward the above mentioned “transcendence”. By doing so, he realizes both the differences and the common aspects of both cultures rooted in basically human experiences. Yuasa’s method of comparative thought will help to build an intercultural philosophy between eastern tradition and western tradition.