Thesis (doctoral)--University of Queensland, 2008. / Includes bibliography.

Thesis (doctoral)--University of Newcastle upon the Tyne, 1996. / BLDSC reference no.: DX198342.

No description available.

Fukuzawa Yukichi’s Datsu-A Ron is a relic of Japan’s modern nationalism. Since its’ publication in the year of 1885, arguably, it had been branded as the very seed that led Japan onto the war path in the Pacific War. Yet, this rather short and dense pre-war Japanese nationalistic theory contains complex layers that may easily complicate its readers’ comprehensions. The purpose of this thesis is to decode the key words that were used in this theory and dissect the layers of this theory’s intentions to the general public for a clear and objective understanding.

Fukuzawa Yukichi’s Datsu-A Ron is a relic of Japan’s modern nationalism. Since its’ publication in the year of 1885, arguably, it had been branded as the very seed that led Japan onto the war path in the Pacific War. Yet, this rather short and dense pre-war Japanese nationalistic theory contains complex layers that may easily complicate its readers’ comprehensions. The purpose of this thesis is to decode the key words that were used in this theory and dissect the layers of this theory’s intentions to the general public for a clear and objective understanding.

The Meiji era (1868-1912) in Japanese history was characterized by the extensive adoption of Western institutions, technology, and customs. The dramatic changes that took place caused the era’s intellectuals to ponder Japan's position within the larger global context. The East-West binary was a particularly important part of the discourse as the intellectuals analyzed and criticized the current state of affairs and offered their visions of Japan’s future. This dissertation examines five Meiji intellectuals who had very different orientations and agendas: Fukuzawa Yukichi, an influential philosopher and political theorist; Shimoda Utako, a pioneer of women's education; Uchimura Kanzō, a Christian leader; Okakura Kakuzō, an art critic; and Kōtoku Shūsui, a socialist. Also considered here are related concepts such as "civilization (bunmei)," "barbarism," and "imperialism." Close examination of the five intellectuals' use of the East-West binary reveals that, despite their varied goals, they all placed Japan as the leader of the Easternworld. Collectively, Meiji intellectuals’ use of the East-West binary elevated both East and West, while largely deemphasizing the middle part of Eurasia and "South," such as Africa and South America.

The essay is concerned with education in the first twenty years of the Meiji era. At first there is a short account on situation of the education and the main govermental proposals concerning it. The main part of the essay is dealing with the discussion among Meiji era intellectuals about the goals of the education and means to achieve them. Bacause of the importance of the western influence the essay concentrates on the intellectuls with western experience gathered in a group called Meirokusha.

Dans le Japon du milieu des années 1880, la mise en place prochaine d'un régime parlementaire suscite de nombreux espoirs, notamment celui d'obtenir la révision des traités inégaux de 1858. Dans le foisonnement des débats, les éditorialistes de la presse d'opinion sont en première ligne. Cette thèse vise à évaluer précisément leur influence politique entre 1884 et 1894. La première partie du travail a consisté à caractériser l'argumentation de trois figures de la presse d'opinion. Une analyse des textes a mis en évidence la préférence de Fukuzawa pour les arguments pragmatiques et les métaphores, le goût de Kuga pour la polémique et les démonstrations rigoureuses et la tendance de Sohô à privilégier les arguments idéologiques. Quant à l'" opinion publique ", fiction du droit constitutionnel légitimant la parole du journaliste chez Fukuzawa et Kuga, elle est pour Sohô celle d'un groupe non défini que le journaliste doit guider. A partir de ces conclusions, un éditorial-type a été défini pour chacun des trois éditorialistes. La deuxième partie de la thèse est consacrée à l'étude de trois crises diplomatiques survenues en 1886, 1889 et 1891. La confrontation des arguments de la presse d'opinion avec une chronologie fine de l'activité gouvernementale a montré que les éditorialistes imposent des changements de cap significatifs. Il convient donc de procéder à une réévaluation de leur influence. Dans le Japon du milieu de l'ère Meiji, le pouvoir est disputé, partagé, et la décision émerge souvent de débats triangulaires impliquant le gouvernement, les éditorialistes et l' " opinion publique ".