Javanese Ethics and World-View : the Javanese idea of the good life

With this translation, this book becomes accessible to the English language reader while its Ger- man edition has become a classic among students of Javanese society. The Javanese are the biggest ethnic group in Indonesia. Theirs is one of the great cultural traditions of Asia. Their values and ways of communication strongly influence the national culture of modern Indonesia. In his book, Prof. Magnis-Suseno explores the co-ordinates and values underlying Javanese social conventions and ethical convictions. After an introductory chapter, Magnis-Suseno gives a short outline of the structure and history of Javanese society. Then he explains the fundamental principles of Javanese communication, the underlying world-view, with special attention to the Javanese conception of political power, and the general co-ordinates of Javanese moral convictions, which then are exemplified by some special questions. The two concluding chapters try to put Javanese ethics and world-view into a more general philosophical perspective. This book is indispensable for anyone wanting to understand better how the Javanese feel and think. It will also be of great help for all those looking for a readable introduction into Javanese culture.