Buddhist Philosophy and the Embodied Mind: A Constructive Engagement

This book deepens and extends the dialogue between Buddhist philosophy and 4E philosophy of mind and phenomenology. It engages with core issues in the philosophy of mind, broadly construed in and through the dialogue between Buddhism and enactivism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

In the past three decades, a remarkable flourishing of embodied, embedded, enactive, and extended (4E) accounts of mind and experience has taken place. Moreover, a more cosmopolitan and pluralistic approach to the philosophy of mind has emerged, drawing upon a diverse range of analytic, phenomenological, pragmatist, and non-Western sources and traditions. This groundbreaking work is the first to fully engage with the 4E approach and Buddhist philosophy, drawing upon and integrating the intersection of enactivism and Buddhist thought.

This book takes the dialogue between Buddhist philosophy and 4E philosophy of mind to a new level, delving deeper into core issues within the broader realm of philosophy of mind. By engaging with the rich tapestry of Buddhist thought, the book offers a unique perspective on the nature of mind and experience. It explores the profound insights of Indian philosophers, who developed and defended philosophically sophisticated and phenomenologically rich accounts of mind, self, cognition, perception, embodiment, and more. As a work of cross-cultural philosophy, this book investigates the nature of mind and experience in dialogue with Indian and Western thinkers, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.

Through this cross-traditional dialogue, the book articulates and defends a dynamic, non-substantialist, and embodied account of experience, subjectivity, and self. It challenges traditional notions of mind as an independent entity and instead proposes a view that emphasizes the interdependence of mind, body, and environment. The book explores the role of mindfulness and meditation in cultivating a deeper understanding of the nature of experience and the development of self-awareness. It also examines the concept of no-self and the interconnectedness of all things, highlighting the importance of recognizing the interdependence of all beings and the potential for achieving enlightenment through the cultivation of compassion and understanding.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of the interface between Buddhist philosophy and 4E philosophy of mind. It offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the nature of mind and experience, challenging traditional notions and promoting a more holistic and integrated understanding of the human condition. By engaging with the rich traditions of both Buddhism and 4E philosophy, the book provides a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in exploring the frontiers of contemporary philosophy.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538160121