Eastern Philosophy of Religion

This Element explores philosophical ideas from South and East Asia, focusing on debates about the self and reality in Indian and Chinese Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. It provides an analytical approach to these issues, explaining them in a clear and accessible manner with a contemporary relevance to philosophical debates.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element delves into a comprehensive exploration of diverse philosophical traditions from South and East Asia, with a specific focus on those that hold significant relevance to the philosophy of religion. It serves as an introductory guide to key debates that unite the otherwise diverse philosophies of Indian and Chinese Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Rather than being merely historical in nature, this Element emphasizes an analytical approach, presenting key issues in a clear, precise, and accessible manner. Its primary objective is to provide insights that remain relevant to ongoing philosophical discussions in contemporary times.

The Element begins by examining the concept of the self in the philosophical traditions of South and East Asia. It explores the various interpretations and understandings of the self across these cultures, including the notions of an individual soul, an atman, or a no-self. By examining these different perspectives, the Element seeks to shed light on the nature of personal identity and the relationship between the self and the broader world.

Next, the Element delves into the nature of reality. It examines the different philosophical perspectives on the nature of reality, including the materialist, idealist, and dualist approaches. It explores the arguments put forth by proponents of each perspective and seeks to identify common themes and insights that unite these diverse viewpoints.

One of the key debates that this Element explores is the relationship between the self and the divine. It examines the various concepts of God, soul, and the nature of spiritual experience in the philosophical traditions of South and East Asia. It explores the different ways in which these traditions conceive of the relationship between the individual and the transcendent, and the implications of these beliefs for the philosophy of religion.

Another important debate that this Element examines is the role of ethics and morality in the philosophical traditions of South and East Asia. It explores the different ethical systems and moral principles that these traditions uphold, including the concepts of karma, dharma, and the Golden Rule. It examines the ways in which these ethical systems are applied to everyday life and the challenges that they present to individuals and societies.

The Element also explores the concept of liberation in the philosophical traditions of South and East Asia. It examines the different paths to liberation that these traditions offer, including meditation, yoga, and religious practice. It explores the ways in which these practices can help individuals achieve a sense of inner peace and fulfillment and the implications of these practices for the philosophy of religion.

In conclusion, this Element provides a comprehensive exploration of diverse philosophical traditions from South and East Asia, with a specific focus on those that hold significant relevance to the philosophy of religion. It introduces key debates about the self and the nature of reality that unite the otherwise highly diverse philosophies of Indian and Chinese Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. By examining these debates in an analytical and accessible manner, the Element seeks to provide insights that remain relevant to ongoing philosophical discussions in contemporary times.

Weight: 814g
ISBN-13: 9781108457484