Japanese Taisho Period Political Thought and Intellectuals Research

Author: Chen Xiwu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: In Japan studies within our country, there are numerous works on the social and intellectual conditions of Japan during this period, but the research primarily focuses on specific events, movements, or thinkers. Comprehensive, comparative, and systematic studies on the overall intellectual landscape are still scarce. In this sense, Chen Xiwu's book Research on Political Thought and Intellectuals in Japan's Taisho Period fills the gaps in existing research and holds significant academic value.
From the perspective of research methodology, the book employs historical theoretical methods and the basic idea that "social existence determines social consciousness" to classify the political thought of the Taisho period. It conducts empirical investigations into the background, content, and characteristics of various political thoughts using substantial evidence. Guided by Marxist theory, the book also applies sociological, psychological, political, and cultural anthropological theories and methods, demonstrating interdisciplinary research characteristics. This approach is challenging and broad, offering fresh insights.
From the perspective of exploring new viewpoints, the author proposes several innovative ideas in the book, such as the "three indicators of cultural transformation," the judgment that "intellectuals play a role in promoting social integration by relying on social movements," the "triangular social structure theory," the "double-edged effect of intellectual thought variation," and the argument that "the deeply entrenched traditional political culture is the spiritual cause of Japan's path toward fascism." These perspectives reflect the author's independent thinking and creativity, advancing the relevant research further.