Dr. Pratoom Angurarohita
Dr. Pratoom Angurarohita (b. 1950), is a highly respected scholar, author, and educator, celebrated for her significant contributions to philosophy and Japanese studies. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Dr. Pratoom has distinguished herself as a leading authority in Japanese thought, logic, and reasoning, fostering understanding across cultural and intellectual boundaries.
Dr. Pratoom’s scholarly works are foundational in the study of philosophy in Thailand. Her book, Pragmatism (Thai), published by Chulalongkorn University Press, is a landmark text, currently in its 6th edition. It has been instrumental in shaping contemporary philosophical thought and education in the region. Her research on Shinran’s Primal Vow, a cornerstone of Japanese Buddhism, was supported by the Thai Research Fund, underscoring its scholarly value.
Dr. Pratoom is also the author of Logic for Critical Thinking, an English-language teaching resource used in the BBA Program at Chulalongkorn University, reflecting her commitment to fostering critical reasoning skills among students. With numerous articles published in both Thai and English, her works have become essential references for educators, researchers, and students alike.
Her contributions have been recognized through prestigious fellowships and grants from organizations such as the Harvard-Yenching Institute, Japan Foundation, and Nanzan University. Her work has also earned support from Chulalongkorn University’s Research Fund and the Thai Research Fund, highlighting her lasting impact on both national and international academic communities.
Dr. Pratoom specializes in Japanese thought, with a particular focus on Buddhism, Shintoism, and New Religious Movements. She is equally passionate about Western philosophy, especially pragmatism, and the art of reasoning. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges Eastern and Western traditions, making complex philosophical ideas accessible to diverse audiences.
Currently, Dr. Pratoom is authoring two major books: Reasoning: Right Argument, Right Thinking (Thai) and Nichiren’s Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy: Thoughts and Influences on New Religious Movements in Japan (Thai). These works continue her exploration of philosophical reasoning and Buddhist thought, contributing to both academic and public discourse.
Dr. Pratoom’s academic journey is as remarkable as her professional achievements. She earned her Ph.D. in Japanese Studies, specializing in Japanese Buddhism, from the University of Pennsylvania, following degrees in philosophy and Japanese studies from Chulalongkorn University and Nanzan University.
Her teaching career began in 1971 at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Arts, where she served until her retirement in 2010. Post-retirement, she has continued as a guest lecturer at institutions such as Mahidol University and Osaka University, sharing her expertise with students across Thailand and beyond.
In addition to her teaching roles, Dr. Pratoom has held various administrative positions, including Director of the Centre for Buddhist Studies and Chair of the Department of Philosophy at Chulalongkorn University. She also played a pivotal role in international programs like the Erasmus Mundus Euroculture Program at Osaka University, where she introduced global students to the richness of Japanese religious thought.
Dr. Pratoom has been a prolific writer throughout her career. Her works are deeply rooted in rigorous research and pedagogy, addressing diverse topics such as Buddhist philosophy, reasoning, and Japanese cultural history. With a career spanning over 50 years, her writings have become invaluable resources for scholars and students alike.
Dr. Pratoom encourages aspiring authors to “set up your goal and go for it. Never give up on what you want to achieve, even if progress is slower than expected.” She believes in the power of persistence and passion, emphasizing the importance of clarity and dedication in the journey of authorship.
Dr. Pratoom Angurarohita’s scholarly contributions and dedication to education have left an indelible mark on the fields of philosophy and Japanese studies. Through her teaching, research, and writing, she continues to inspire new generations of thinkers, fostering a deeper understanding of the philosophical and cultural traditions that shape our world.