Husserl Conference at Shizuoka University
May 30-31, 2019, the UNO Schwalb Center led by Dr. Curtis Hutt organized an international academic conference at Shizuoka University in Japan focused on the work and influence of the early 20th century philosopher Edmund Husserl. Hosted by the President of Shizuoka, the “indigenous rationalist” philosopher Dr. Kiyoshi Ishii , the international conference brought together over twenty scholars from around the world and Japan to discuss Husserl’s work on global philosophy and religion. Husserl, a very significant German philosopher expelled from Freiburg University because of his Jewish heritage, not only founded contemporary phenomenology but was the teacher of several of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century. One hundred years ago, in the wake of ongoing European horrors in the aftermath of World War One, Husserl published three articles in the Japanese journal Kaizo reaching out for intellectual partners in combatting a “crisis of reason.” It is in these texts, discussed explicitly at this conference, that Husserl forwards a rare contribution to social theory forwarding an ethics of cultural renewal.
In addition to discussing themes and issues raised in Husserl’s Kaizo articles, several papers in the international conference and an entire session – sponsored by the Schwalb Center – addressed Edmund Husserl’s relationship with 20th century Jewish philosophy, religion, and ethics. This was a unique and important undertaking, as academic conferences on Judaism in Asia are extremely rare. This was the first time that a conference addressed Husserl’s thought in the context of Jewish scholarship. Husserl’s work was compared and contrasted with that of Hermann Cohen, Max Scheler, Edith Stein, Emmanuel Levinas, Joseph Soloveitchik, and J.Z. Smith. The renowned Jewish philosopher Lewis Gordon gave a keynote talk on the second day of the conference. The plenary address was given by Dr. Dermot Moran, President of the International Federation of Philosophical Societies.
In addition to the Schwalb Center, the UNO Fried Academy and Religious Studies department also sponsored the conference and sent representatives (Dr. Mark Celinscak and Dr. Paul Williams) to the event. The international conference was very well attended. Not only were several past and present Presidents of philosophical associations from around the world in attendance, but Shizuoka students filled the conference hall. Attendees were provided introductions to Japanese culture including a concert, a tour of Shizuoka prefecture, and lots of local cuisine. On behalf of the Schwalb Center, Shizuoka President Dr. Kiyoshi Ishii was presented with a copy of Sefer HaAggadah (The Book of Legends). UNO hopes to host a follow up conference in Omaha.
