Incorporating various perspectives on the Japanese notion of virtue, Alternative Virtues investigates and expands our current understanding of virtue and presents a foundational case study of an alternative approach to virtues.

The study of virtue has long been dominated by Western (i.e., Christian) and far-Eastern (i.e., Confucian) points of view. However, Japanese thinkers and scholars have struggled with these traditions. The rise of cultural intermingling with these traditions has created a unique code of values in Japan, which have grown from their own historical and cultural sources other than the Christian and Confucian traditions. Viewed through the filter of Japanese history and culture as well as focusing on different contexts in Japan, the book investigates both moral and epistemic virtues. Discussing the theoretical and practical implications that such alternative virtues may have on our lives, this book will contribute to reforming the current research trends in virtue theory and encouraging the wider public to consider the notion of virtue from a fresh perspective.

Due to the content and scope of the book, it will appeal to a variety of readers– both locally and internationally–interested not only in Japanese historical, cultural, and philosophical investigations of virtues but also in learning more about alternative perspectives on virtues. This readership includes scholars and university students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) in the fields of philosophy, history, cultural studies, moral psychology, and education.