Taking Watsuji online: betweenness and expression in online spaces

Osler, Lucy and Krueger, Joel 2021. Taking Watsuji online: betweenness and expression in online spaces. Continental Philosophy Review 55 (1) , pp. 77-99. 10.1007/s11007-021-09548-7

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Abstract

In this paper, we introduce the Japanese philosopher Tetsurō Watsuji’s phenomenology of aidagara (“betweenness”) and use his analysis in the contemporary context of online space. We argue that Watsuji develops a prescient analysis anticipating modern technologically-mediated forms of expression and engagement. More precisely, we show that instead of adopting a traditional phenomenological focus on face-to-face interaction, Watsuji argues that communication technologies—which now include Internet-enabled technologies and spaces—are expressive vehicles enabling new forms of emotional expression, shared experiences, and modes of betweenness that would be otherwise inaccessible. Using Watsuji’s phenomenological analysis, we argue that the Internet is not simply a sophisticated form of communication technology that expresses our subjective spatiality (although it is), but that it actually gives rise to new forms of subjective spatiality itself. We conclude with an exploration of how certain aspects of our online interconnections are hidden from lay users in ways that have significant political and ethical implications.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	English, Communication and Philosophy
Publisher:	Springer
ISSN:	1387-2842
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	25 January 2023
Date of Acceptance:	31 March 2021
Last Modified:	03 May 2023 07:36
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/155940

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