Nobuo Kurata

Applied ethics, ethics, modern and contemporary Western philosophy

Kantian ethics, philosophy of the meaning of life, modern normative ethics and meta-ethics, bioethics (birth, genes, treatment cessation, public health), environmental ethics (intergenerational ethics), science and technology ethics, history of modern Western philosophy

I am researching ethics and philosophy in various styles. My main focus is on the field known as "applied ethics," where I analyze bioethics, medical ethics, environmental issues, and new science and technology from an ethical perspective. I am also researching the philosophy and ethics of the philosopher Kant. I also study modern theoretical ethics, especially normative ethics (modern Kantianism, utilitarianism, and theories of justice), metaethics, and political philosophy such as theories of justice. I am currently researching the "meaning of life" from an analytical philosophical perspective.

When I conduct research, I try to keep both real-world issues and abstract theories, principles, and concepts in mind. When I research or study real-world issues, I try to look at things from the perspective of normative principles and concepts (such as human dignity), or basic principles and abstract concepts. When I conduct abstract, principle-based research, I try to think about it while imagining real-world issues.
In my education, I place great importance on the interests of my students. I try to give them advice on what literature they should read and what they should research in order to turn their interests into concrete research. To do this, I spend time discussing with my students and try to teach them basic knowledge that will enable them to research and think for themselves.

Kyoto University, Graduate Graduate School of Letters Doctoral Program, withdrew midway through Literature

The important thing about studying and research is the environment. Studying and research are not things you do alone. I think that by reading books, paying attention to society, discussing with your peers, and changing your opinion, you will be motivated to study and research more. Please be conscious of creating an environment for this (you don't need to have friends, but please make friends). Also, always think about how you can contribute to society using the knowledge you have acquired (even knowledge of philosophy, which may seem useless, has the potential to change society). And I want you to be aware that your progress is not just your own progress, but also the progress of all of humanity.

Society is changing rapidly due to factors such as climate change and the rapid development of AI. Please acquire the judgement and information gathering skills to be able to respond flexibly to these changes. At the same time, there are also truths that remain unchanged through the ages. Please do not forget this.