抄録
The present paper examines Ikuko Koizumi's thought with a purpose to elucidate her basic theoretical frameworks concerning co-education, women's problems, civic education, etc.
The concept of “autonomous person” has been clarified by examining the process of her theory formation as revealed especially in her papers published prior to World War II. The present author locates the concept of “autonomous person” as mediating theoretically her religious bases and her pragmatic proposals and social activities.
Moreover, the present paper has demonstrated the originality of her concept of “autonomous person” from three points of view
(1) absolute equality of human beings as supported by her concept of gender and individuality :, (2) the ability of a morally and socially independent person to decide and act as an autonomous agent; (3) the recognition of “the relativity of truth” on the basis of scientific spirit.
It must be noted, however, that her notion of “autonomous person” had also been conditioned by some historical conditions, among them, by the nationalism of the period.
