Takeshi DEGUCHI

March 2001:	Department of Social and Cultural Studies, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo
April 2011:	Appointed to the Faculty of Letters, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo

Social theory, history of sociology, Critical Theory (Frankfurt School in Germany)

(1) Elucidation of Social Pathology in Capitalist Society

My research is based on the critical theory of the Frankfurt School in Germany. The aim is to provide a theoretical understanding of the social pathology that modern society is facing. In particular, I am examining the contradictory effects of pursuing self-realization, which can result in death from overwork, and the pursuit of efficiency, which can lead to social stagnation.

(2) Post-human sociology

In order to overcome the limitations of traditional interaction theory, I am investigating communication between artificial intelligence and humans, as well as between animals (particularly cats) and humans, from the perspective of post-human sociology.

(3) Research on the theory of Erich Fromm

My work is focused on elucidating the potential of Erich Fromm as a critical theory. Specifically, my objective is to provide a theoretical clarification of the relationship between Fromm's work and that of critical theory, and to utilize the insights of later Fromm in the advancement of new critical theory.

(4) The Potential of Japanese Sociology as a Post-Western Sociology

Japanese sociologists have developed new theoretical frameworks and concepts to analyze Japan's social conditions. I have termed them "Galapagosized sociology." I am engaged in a project to re-examine the intellectual legacy of Japanese critical sociology, which was significantly shaped by German Critical Theory.