Three short essays about Japanese Philosophy, about 200 words for each essay.
You should be prepared to answer all of the following in three to four short paragraphs each:
1. Shinto holds that kami is constantly learning, and that because of this it can be rough or gentle. Buddhism holds that because everything is buddha-nature, everything is impermanent. In what way are these two doctrines similar, and in what respect are they different?
2. In Watsuji's philosophy, Confucianism and Daoism come together. Explain how this is so. In your analysis, be sure to explain why it is remarkable to see Confucianism and Daoism come together in one philosophical position. (In other words, why are Confucianism and Daoism at odds with one another in the first place?)
3. Why is it inadequate to translate kami as "spirits" or "gods"? Why is it better to describe kami as "gentle" and "rough" rather than "good" and "evil"? What is the difference between "high" and "low" kami?
Watsuji, "Climate and Culture: A Philosophical Study," trans. Geoffrey Bownas (Tokyo: Hokuseido Press, 1961), 6, 8.