Philosophy, Migration, and Identity: Formation of Buddhist Philosophy in Korea and Japan

• In Event: Approaching Identities: Hybrid Identity and Cross-Boundary Identity

Abstract

The expressions “philosophy” and “religion” were introduced to East Asia during the mid-nineteenth century. It was at that time that East Asian intellectuals became familiar with Western philosophies and religions. What would be the implications of this historic “beginning” of modern Korean Buddhist philosophy in the context of Korean philosophy in particular and Asian philosophy in general? How does this reflect the formation of the identity of Asia in modern time in its relation to the West?
The exploration of a “beginning” of philosophy in Korea and Japan also raises the question of the relationship between migration, philosophy and identity. What are the impacts of human migration on the formation of philosophy? What does the encounter of different modes of thinking through this migration tell us about the nature of philosophizing and its impact on the construction of the identity of an individual, a society, and a tradition?
This paper examines these issues by discussing the life and philosophy of two thinkers, Paek Sŏnguk (白性郁1897-1981) and Inoue Enryō (井上円了1858-1919), who played a major role in the formation of Buddhist philosophy in modern time in Korea and Japan respectively.

Author

• Jin Y. Park, American University