Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, Kobe University

Last Updated: 2025/08/05

The basic framework of our contemporary society consists of three distinct realms: the techno-economic structure, the polity, and the culture. The ruling principles of these three realms, such as functionary rationality, the idea of equality, and the expression & realization of “self,” originated in Western Europe with the arrival of the modern period. Today, however, these principles are proved to be discordant and are being shaken to their roots along with the progress of globalization. This situation demands a re-examination of the meaning of “modernity” and an accurate reading of just where the world is (should be) heading in this ongoing upheaval. The Modernity Studies Group covers a wide range of disciplines from social thought, economic thought, political thought to epistemology and history of modern science. Through careful analysis of the prevailing principles of the three realms of the
modern world, we aim to cultivate firmly grounded capabilities of cogitation that are required for tackling actual issues in our society.

Students’ research themes	Master’s program: M. Foucault and Herculine Barbin, Peter Berger’s idea of “everyday” and religion, Alfred Schutz’s idea of “relevance”. Doctoral program: Ernst Junger, “technology,” Niklas Luhmann, social system theory, Herbert Spencer, modernization of Japanese society, D. H.Lawrence, eco-criticism
Teaching staff	Naritoshi UENO, Professor Subjects: Modern Political Thought. Research fields: History of political and social thought. I analyze such key concepts as “violence,” “liberty” and “public sphere” in the form of social philosophy, focusing on the history of thought concerning the philosophers of the Frankfurt School including Horkheimer and Adorno. [I have published “Frontier of the Thought – Violence” (Iwanami Shoten).] Yuriko TANAKA, Professor Subjects: Philosophy and History of Modern Science Research fields: Epistemology (philosophy of human scientific knowledge), 19th & 20th centuries’ history of atomic physics and biomedicine. [I have published “History of the Body, Suffering and Living” (Seidosha).] Tetz HAKODA, Associate Professor Subjects: Modern Social Thought Research fields: History of social thought, contemporary critical thought and political ecology. I read modern social philosophy in the context of current developments in critical thought and contemporary issues such as the climate crisis, extractivism and logistics. [I have published “Michel Foucault and the Concept of Government: An Introduction” (Kodansha).]

Students’ research themes

Master’s program: M. Foucault and Herculine Barbin, Peter Berger’s idea of “everyday” and religion, Alfred Schutz’s idea of “relevance”.

Doctoral program: Ernst Junger, “technology,” Niklas Luhmann, social system theory, Herbert Spencer, modernization of Japanese society, D. H.Lawrence, eco-criticism

Teaching staff

Naritoshi UENO, Professor
Subjects: Modern Political Thought.
Research fields: History of political and social thought. I analyze such key concepts as “violence,” “liberty” and “public sphere” in the form of social philosophy, focusing on the history of thought concerning the philosophers of the Frankfurt School including Horkheimer and Adorno. [I have published “Frontier of the Thought – Violence” (Iwanami Shoten).]

Yuriko TANAKA, Professor
Subjects: Philosophy and History of Modern Science
Research fields: Epistemology (philosophy of human scientific knowledge), 19th & 20th centuries’ history of atomic physics and biomedicine. [I have published “History of the Body, Suffering and Living” (Seidosha).]

Tetz HAKODA, Associate Professor
Subjects: Modern Social Thought
Research fields: History of social thought, contemporary critical thought and political ecology. I read modern social philosophy in the context of current developments in critical thought and contemporary issues such as the climate crisis, extractivism and logistics. [I have published “Michel Foucault and the Concept of Government: An Introduction” (Kodansha).]