Eurocentric Biases Within East Asian History

Before discussing Fukuzawa Yukichis's intellectual biases, several definitions must be made. For the purposes of this paper 'eurocentrism' is defined as the beliefs and methods of thought predominantly followed by european thinkers. This would include static notions of Orient and Occident where Oriental nations are naturally less developed than Occidental nations, notions of progress as being both linear and materialistic and; most importantly, the presence of empirical* systems of thought underlying philosophy and science. Any …

…merit such sweeping conclusions. *Footnote: Empirical refers to the Hellenstic and Latin tradition whereby an idea is proposed with proofs showing that it is 'logical' (i.e. internally consistent) and one contrary fact will disprove the hypothesis. This idea is essential for the discipline of science and tends to be critical of mysticism or religion in general. Formal logic is also included as a corollary, modus ponens, modus tollens and modus ponendo ponens for example.