Abstract
This paper attempts to analyze the intellectual network in modern Kyoto, called the "Kyoto network" in this paper, as a public sphere, and to show the function and role of intellectuals in the public sphere. Based on Habermas's works, particularly "Heinrich Heine and the Role of Intellectuals", this paper attempts to obtain a frame of reference by incorporating intellectuals into public sphere theory, and to show the role of intellectuals in the public sphere. Using this frame, this paper attempts to study the Kyoto School, herein called the "Kyoto network", as an intellectual network, and broadens my view of the intellectual network surrounding the Kyoto School, herein called the "Artists Village". The Kyoto School is a world-famous school of philosophy, but its structure and the companionship among its members are not well-known. This paper picks up various and abundant facts about its members, and reveals the existence of multiple and interactive intellectual networks in Kyoto in those days. Above all, the close interaction between scholars and painters caused a social movement, in particular the founding of KOKUGASOUSAKU-KYOKAI, the "Society for the Creation of National Painting". Consequently, it can be said that man must recognize the function and role of intellectuals in the public sphere, and integrate them as key and essential conditions for the effective performance of the public sphere. Most important of all, these functions are to identify problem situations, to act as a transmitter of knowledge or as opinion leaders, and to reconstruct the public sphere by reflection and dialogue with other intellectual networks. These functions were certainly fulfilled by the intellectuals of the networks in Kyoto.
