The Situated and Relational I in Nishida and Watsuji: An Approach from Kasuli’s Intimacy Paradigm

Abstract

In his work Intimacy or Integrity: Philosophy and Cultural Difference (originally 1988 Gilbert Ryle Lectures, published in 2002), Thomas P. Kasulis identifies two types of orientations “intimacy” and “integrity” that condition both interpersonal relationships and our relationship with the world. Although the two orientations can be found in both Western and Asian philosophical traditions, it can be said that the former predominates in much of Japanese philosophy. Starting from the paradigm of intimacy described by Kasulis, we will examine two conceptual creations by Nishida Kitarō (1870-1945) and Watsuji Tetsurō (1889-1960) respectively, the “self as place” and the “geocultural environment”. In this way, we will show how a way of understanding the self as something situated and relational emerges that allows us to think of an ecological-communitarian way of being.