E-Journal of Philosophy of Education:
International Yearbook of the Philosophy of Education Society of Japan, Vol. 9, 2024

Summary Report on the Thematic Research
Yasuo IMAIThe University of Tokyo (Prof. em.)
Masamichi UENOSophia University
On October 8, 2023, the 66th annual meeting of the Philosophy of Education
Society of Japan was held at Kyushu University. At the event, a Thematic Research
titled "How to Envision 'Education': Based on the Publication of Encyclopediaof Philosophy of Education" was conducted. The concept statement for the theme of thisproject was as follows.
Encyclopedia of Philosophy of Education, whose project was initiated in 2019, waspublished by Maruzen Publishing in July of this year with the collaboration of manymembers of the Philosophy of Education Society of Japan. This encyclopedia represents
the first attempt by the society to create a specialized encyclopedia and covers over 300
items across three parts and fifteen chapters, presenting the forefront of contemporary
educational philosophy research. The preface, titled "On the Publication," contains thefollowing passage:
Education, whether it is interpersonal educational activities or public educational
policies, involves influencing others who may not necessarily follow our intentions.
Furthermore, the success of these influences is determined not in the present but inan uncertain future that cannot be predicted with certainty. This uncertainty in
education cannot be eliminated even through empirical scientific research.
Regardless of how meticulously one designs empirical investigations anddemonstrates causal relationships, the very premises of those causal relationships
may be unexpectedly overturned by unforeseen others or may change over time.
Philosophy underpinning education needs to overcome this uncertainty that arises
in both the social and temporal dimensions. This does not mean denying orexcluding uncertainty but rather having the capacity to encompass it. Multiple
Correspondence:
Yasuo IMAI, The University of Tokyo (Prof. em.). Email: imaiyapa@gmail.com
Masamichi UENO, Sophia University. Email: maueno@sophia.ac.jp

108

Y. IMAI & M. UENO

perspectives on an unpredictable future, a broad consideration of unintended
consequences, flexible and robust value consciousness to support decision-making,and a historical perspective that looks from the past to the future are all required.
Therefore, philosophy of education needs to have the depth and endurance that go
beyond individual experiences and empirical data limitations. Encyclopedia ofPhilosophy of Education aims to provide a solid foundation for this purpose.
As mentioned, Encyclopedia of Philosophy of Education as a whole strongly
emphasizes the standpoint of "education." However, considering the current state ofeducational discourse in our country, there is a noticeable trend towards "Individualized
Optimal Learning" and "collaborative learning," with recent discussions on the potentialof "learner and learning environment matching" using "educational AI tools" (asarticulated in the 2018 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology's
statement on "Human Resource Development for Society 5.0"). This trend is evident,
echoing what Gert Biesta terms "the 'learnification' of education," where "the languageof education is increasingly replaced by language that is specific to learning." In light ofthese developments, how can we academically conceptualize "education" from thestandpoint of educational philosophy? Or should we perhaps contemplate its
impossibility?
In this year's research project, we aim to deepen the discussion around the questionof "How to envision 'education,'" as outlined above. To do this, we have invited threemembers to present their views. These members include Satoshi Tanaka, who played acentral role in selecting entries for the encyclopedia as the editorial coordinator, Mika
Okabe, who was involved in the editorial work of the encyclopedia as an editorial board
member, and Koichiro Misawa, who can offer critical perspectives from a position ofrelative detachment from the editorial process. It is important to note that we haverequested each presenter to provide insights and perspectives that directly address theaforementioned question, rather than merely reflecting on the editorial process and itsoutcomes. The three presentations will differ significantly in terms of their foundational
perspectives and the prospects they offer. It is in the coexistence of such diverse
perspectives and outlooks that the significance of this academic society lies. By
interweaving diverse and alternative viewpoints, we hope to create a forum that allows
us, as the Philosophy of Education Society of Japan, to fundamentally question"education."

Thematic Research: How to Envision 'Education': Based on the Publication of the Encyclopedia of Philosophy ofEducation