QUESTIONS FOR NISHITANI

1. What does “ego of the Cartesian type” mean? (p. 13 and notes)

2. What is Nishitani’s main objection to “cogito, ergo sum”? (p14 top and middle – the “eye” example 152)

3. What are two big problems associated with thinking of the self as “self-centered”? (bottom 14, top 15)

4. What does Nishitani suggest needs to be done in order to gain a better understanding of the self? i.e. does Descartes’ doubting go far enough? (middle 15, bottom 15)

5. Describe the “Great Doubt”? (top 16, bottom 17, bottom 18)

6. What does Nishitani mean when he says, “nihility” and “nullify”? (middle 16, top and middle 17)

7. How does Watsuji Tetsuro describe the self/individual? (101/102) And, how does this tie into Nishitani’s argument? (think about how we can understand identity if we are not an “ego of the Cartesian type”)

HW - 3 page paper - double spaced, typed, name at the end

REVISION POLICY

*this is the same text that appears in your course description*

Formal, drafted papers will be assigned well ahead of the due date to encourage thoughtful planning and rewriting. Revisions are encouraged but not required or guaranteed – if a revision is not allowed, you will be told in advance. Writing is hard work, and to write well, you need to pay attention to numerous details in numerous areas. That reality can be frustrating, but the process is one that allows for positive growth. ANYTHING IS BETTER THAN A ZERO – THE SUREST WAY TO FAIL THIS CLASS IS TO NOT TURN IN A MAJOR ASSIGNMENT. You are allowed and encouraged to rewrite almost any MAJOR paper – not journal entries. And, your grade is the average of the two drafts with more weight going to the revision. This is a generous offer; take advantage of it. After a paper is handed back, you have ONE WEEK to hand in the rewrite. All previous drafts and any teacher comments must be resubmitted; changes should be underlined or highlighted – unmarked revisions will be handed back.