Miki Kiyoshi's The Logic of Imagination: A Critical Introduction and Translation

by Kiyoshi Miki, John W. M. Krummel (Translator)

Overview

The Japanese philosopher Miki Kiyoshi opens doors to all those interested in rethinking the problem of imagination, myth, and technology.

Miki Kiyoshi is one of the central figures in the Kyoto School, often spoken of as the heir of Kitaro Nishida. Born in Japan in 1897, he died in prison shortly after the end of World War II in 1945 at the age of 48.

Miki's The Logic of Imagination first appeared in the journal Thought in 1937 under the themes of “Myth,” “Institution,” and “Technology”. The next part, “Experience,” was serialized in the same journal and Miki continued to work on the final part, but was never completed it due to his arrest.

This translation makes this seminal work available in English for the first time. Featuring an introduction and accompanied throughout by contextual notes, it includes essential information about Miki's life and work. Miki's philosophy of the imagination anticipated later theories found first in Hannah Arendt, and then in Paul Ricoeur and most recently in Charles Taylor. The connection Miki makes of the imagination with technology anticipates ideas of the technological imagination in Don Ihde and Bernard Stiegler.

Miki's thinking about the imagination illuminates our understanding of technology and how we behave in the world. This accessible, critical edition of his work does justice to one of the most unfairly underrated authors of Japanese philosophy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350449930
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	06/27/2024
Series:	Bloomsbury Introductions to World Philosophies
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
File size:	632 KB

About the Author

Kiyoshi Miki (1897-1945) was a key member of the Kyoto School. He was a literary critic, scholar and university professor of philosophy.

John W.M. Krummel is Associate Professor and Chair of Religious Studies at Hobart&William Smith Colleges, USA.
Kiyoshi Miki(1897-1945) was a key member of the Kyoto School. He was a literary critic, scholar and university professor of philosophy.
John W.M. Krummel is Associate Professsor and Chair of Religious Studies at Hobart&William Smith Colleges, USA.

Table of Contents

Translator's Introduction
Introduction
Chapter 1: Myth
Chapter 2: Institution
Chapter 3: Technology
Chapter 4: Experience
Index

Editorial Reviews

This long-awaited English translation of Miki Kiyoshi's magnum opus, accompanied with the translator's critical introduction and contextual notes, will lead to a significantly deeper understanding of Japanese philosophy and the Kyoto School in the English-speaking world as well as provide new impetus for further research on philosophy of imagination and social imaginaries, philosophy of culture and philosophy of technology, as well as comparative philosophy.” —Saulius Geniusas, Professor/Chair, Department of Philosophy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

“Hurrah! The first, English language publication of Miki Kyoshi's The Logic of Imagination is here! First published as a series of essays in the late 1930s and early 1940s, this highly significant text elaborates a distinctive philosophy of the imagination that emerges after enduring encounters with Nishida, Heidegger, and Marx in the final years of Miki's life. Superbly introduced and translated by John Krummel, himself a noted scholar of Japanese philosophy, Miki's The Logic of Imagination is a must read for all those interested in questions of the imagination, creativity, technology, institution, and the human condition.” —Suzi Adams, Researcher, Flinders University, Australia; Co-Managing Editor, International Journal of Social Imaginaries

“At last the magnum opus of one of Japan's most renowned and influential modern philosophers is available to English readers. Miki Kiyoshi's The Logic of Imagination is skillfully translated and informatively introduced by John Krummel, one of the leading scholars in the field.” —Bret W. Davis, Professor and Higgins Chair in Philosophy, Loyola University Maryland, USA

“The Logic of Imagination shows how myth-making, culture-forming, and the technological reshaping of the environment arise from both irrational and rational experience and give rise to the world we live in. Krummel's introduction and annotated translation bring Miki's most important work to life and suggest his relevance for ecological challenges today.” —John C. Maraldo, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, University of North Florida, USA

“Miki Kiyoshi's writings are among the most clear and provocative of the Kyoto School philosophers. With outstanding commentary and fluid translation, John Krummel's book reveals a fascinating and distinctive figure of the Kyoto School little known to most Western readers. An important contribution to Western scholarship on modern Japanese thought.” —Thomas P. Kasulis, Distinguished Scholar Emeritus, Ohio State University, USA

From the Publisher