While major Western philosophical movements in the 20th century looked upon claims to absolute knowledge with deep suspicion, the Kyoto School never abandoned philosophy's sacred vocation to know the absolute. Against the dominant disposition to look upon contradiction as an obstacle to absolute knowledge, the Kyoto School recognizes contradiction as the key to unlocking the secrets of absolute totality. The Summer School will engage with major thinkers of the Kyoto School on totality and contradiction. Philosophizing with Nishida, Takahashi, Tanabe, Nishitani, Ueda, Miki, Tosaka, and Watsuji, the Summer School will also explore the contemporary relevance of the Kyoto School for philosophical thought in the 21st century.
No background in the Kyoto School is necessary to apply, however, a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, East Asian Studies, or a closely related discipline is a requirement. We invite graduate students, both master’s and PhD students, to apply.
Please submit the following to CU Webform on or before 1 March 2026 with your application:
One-page Letter of Interest
Curriculum Vitae
One Writing Sample
All students accepted to the programme will be provided with accommodation. Some meals and some local transportation costs will also be covered.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Arts Co-organized by the Department of Philosophy and the Department of Japanese Studies with support from the Faculty of Arts, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Gregory S. Moss (CUHK), Kyle Peters (CUHK), and Dennis Prooi (HKBU)
