Cultural Assumptions in Philosophy

Reading: Robert Charles Azar (2016). Navigating Japan's Business Culture.

Far Eastern philosophies offer an intriguing juxtaposition to many Western philosophies, sometimes overlapping with a slightly differently twist and other times being fundamentally different. Traditional Japanese culture incorporates the views of the major Asian religions and philosophies (Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism) and also its indigenous Shinto religion. As a result, Japanese values, perspectives and norms differ significantly from what we have studied previously in our group. This discussion will cover their differing views of such topics as:

• self-identity and how individuals achieve contentment
• how values and views of religious salvation differ from those of the West
• the individuals’ relationship with others and society
• what constitutes a well-ordered and healthy society
• the purpose and role of business in the life of the individual and society
• Asia’s unique brand of capitalism and how it is challenging the West today

Robert is a regular to our group and often (along with Windy) helps check cultural assumptions that inform many of the philosophical texts that we read.

This discussion, which Robert and I will jointly facilitate, will help us engage with some of these cultural perspectives.