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Koichiro Kokubun

こくぶん こういちろう

Kokubun Koichiro

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1974-07-01 （Chiba Prefecture, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese

Career

Occupations
Philosopher, University professor, Author
Active Years
2000-
Affiliations
Takasaki City University of Economics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Influenced By
Baruch de Spinoza, Martin Heidegger, Jacques Derrida, Gilles Deleuze, Félix Guattari

Education

Waseda University
School of Political Science and Economics / Department of Political Science
Degree: 学士
Period: 1993-1997
Year of Graduation: 1997
Country: Japan
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Graduate School (Area Studies / Regional Cultural Studies) / Area Studies / Regional Cultural Studies
Degree: 修士
Period: 1997-2000
Year of Graduation: 2000
Country: Japan
Completed master's program; later advanced to doctoral program and obtained Doctor (PhD by publication) in 2009.
Paris X (University of Paris Nanterre/Paris X)
Philosophy (DEA) / Philosophy
Degree: DEA
Period: 2000-2001
Year of Graduation: 2001
Country: France
Completed postgraduate DEA in France.
École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS)
Linguistics (DEA) / Linguistics
Degree: DEA
Period: 2001-2002
Year of Graduation: 2002
Country: France
Obtained DEA at EHESS.
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Graduate School (Area Studies / Regional Cultural Studies) / Area Studies / Regional Cultural Studies
Degree: 博士（学術）
Period: 2000-2009
Year of Graduation: 2009
Country: Japan
Awarded Doctor (PhD) for dissertation 'Spinoza's Method'.

Awards

Kobayashi Hideo Prize (16th)
Work: The World of the Middle Voice: Archaeology of Will and Responsibility
Organization: Kobayashi Hideo Prize Committee
Result: Winner
Kinokuniya Human Sciences Award (8th)
2018
Work: The World of the Middle Voice: Archaeology of Will and Responsibility
Organization: Kinokuniya Company Ltd.
Result: Winner
Kinokuniya Human Sciences Award (2nd)
Work: The Ethics of Idleness and Boredom
Organization: Kinokuniya Company Ltd.
Result: Winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Spinoza's Method

2011 Philosophy

A study clarifying the 'methodus' presented by Spinoza in his 'Improvement of the Understanding', based on doctoral research.

SpinozamethodologyEarly modern philosophy

The Ethics of Idleness and Boredom

2011 Philosophy / Ethics

A public-oriented philosophical examination of labor, leisure, and boredom in contemporary life.

workleisureboredomethics

The World of the Middle Voice: Archaeology of Will and Responsibility

2017 Philosophy

A study centered on the concept of the middle voice, discussing historical notions of will, responsibility, and subjectivity; written with accessibility for general readers.

middle voiceresponsibilitysubjectivityethics

Modern Political Philosophy: Nature, Sovereignty, Administration

2015 Political Philosophy

An accessible examination of major issues in modern political philosophy: nature, sovereignty, and administration.

political philosophysovereigntyadministration

To Intuit Democracy

2016 Political Thought

A collection of essays aimed at helping readers intuitively grasp the nature of democracy.

democracycitizenshippolitical education

Bibliography

  • Spinoza's Method
  • The Ethics of Idleness and Boredom
  • Principles of Deleuze's Philosophy
  • The Coming Democracy: Issues of Modern Political Philosophy
  • Let's Talk About Life with a Philosophy Teacher
  • Modern Political Philosophy: Nature, Sovereignty, Administration
  • To Intuit Democracy
  • The World of the Middle Voice: Archaeology of Will and Responsibility
  • Spinoza: Ethics (100 Minutes de Meicho)
  • Philosophy in the Nuclear Age
  • Introduction to Spinoza: Ethics toward Freedom
  • Spinoza: Portrait of the Reader
  • Resistance to Purpose
  • Liberation from Means

Translations by Author

  • Jacques Derrida, 'Marx and Sons' (co-translator)
  • Works by Jacques Derrida (co-translations)
  • Books related to Gilles Deleuze (co-translations / editor-translator)
  • Félix Guattari, 'Anti-Oedipus: Drafts' (co-translator)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Clear and accessible scholarly expositionStructured for general readersCritical and historical analysis
Recurring Motifs
middle voiceresponsibilitysubjectivitymodern politics

Legacy

Starting from Spinoza and contemporary French thought, he has communicated broadly about ethics and politics in modern society, influencing both academia and the general public. His work on the middle voice and responsibility has received notable attention and awards.

Trivia

  • In middle school he was a fan of Tetsuya Komuro and composed music, performing in a band.
  • Alumnus of Waseda Jitsugyo High School.