Back to the Source : Religion and Nonreductionism in Nishitani Keiji's Philosophy

Abstract

The present dissertation inquires into Nishitani Keiji’s nonreductionism in the context of the conflict between science and religion. Even though it is largely implicit, his nonreductionism proves relevant to the interpretation of his thought, especially in relation to questions about the essence of religion, the nature of science, and the meaning of life and reality. In the middle of revived controversy over religion’s reducibility (fueled by recent progress in cognitive science), Nishitani’s existential thought provides clues for a critique of reductionism and the disclosure of an alternative wherefrom the relationship between science and religion is not one of conflict, but productive coexistence. It is then relevant to discussing to what extent humanity can both benefit from the progress of science and technology, and fulfill the spiritual need for a meaningful existence.