Why I Am Not a Buddhist

Name: Why I Am Not a Buddhist
Brand: Unknown
SKU: 9780300264678
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By Evan Thompson

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Summary

Why I Am Not a Buddhist by Evan Thompson is a provocative essay challenging the widespread notion of Buddhist exceptionalism in modern spirituality. Thompson critiques the popular portrayal of Buddhism as a scientifically endorsed path, particularly the hype around meditation and mindfulness. Through engaging and clear prose, he explores the fundamental differences between the aims of science and religion, arguing against attempts to unify them. Instead, he advocates for cosmopolitanism, a worldview blending Eastern and Western traditions. This thoughtful work is essential for readers curious about Buddhism's contemporary role.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Why I Am Not a Buddhist

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in religion, philosophy, and the critical examination of Buddhist modernism, as well as those curious about the intersection of science and spirituality.

Description

Why I Am Not a Buddhist is a provocative essay challenging the idea of Buddhist exceptionalism, from one of the world’s most widely respected philosophers and writers on Buddhism and science.

Buddhism has become a uniquely favoured religion in our modern age. A burgeoning number of books extol the scientifically proven benefits of meditation and mindfulness for everything ranging from business to romance. There are conferences, courses, and celebrities promoting the notion that Buddhism is spirituality for the rational, compatible with cutting‑edge science, indeed, “a science of the mind.”

In this provocative book, Evan Thompson argues that this representation of Buddhism is false.

In lucid and entertaining prose, Thompson dives deep into both Western and Buddhist philosophy to explain how the goals of science and religion are fundamentally different. Efforts to seek their unification are wrongheaded and promote mistaken ideas of both. He suggests cosmopolitanism instead, a worldview with deep roots in both Eastern and Western traditions.

Smart, sympathetic, and intellectually ambitious, this book is a must‑read for anyone interested in Buddhism’s place in our world today.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

“Well argued and engaging...

It asks the reader to deeply reflect on a number of important philosophical issues that are frequently circumvented in the popular Buddhism-science discourse.” — Anna Lutkajtis, Journal of Religious History

“Thompson's erudite and eminently engaging essay should be required reading of all those interested in Buddhist modernism.” — Robert Sharf, University of California, Berkeley

“Philosophy should be a project reaching beyond age-old geographical divides... With inspiring intellectual courage, Thompson shows us the way forward.” — Marcelo Gleiser, Dartmouth College

“In this beautifully written philosophical memoir, Evan Thompson takes us through his incredible intellectual journey... A deeply thoughtful book.” — Owen Flanagan, author of The Geography of Morals

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300264678

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 March 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 240

Collections

Evan Thompson Non-Fiction Philosophy & Psychology Philosophy & Stoicism Religion & Spirituality

About the Author

Evan Thompson is professor of philosophy at the University of British Columbia and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.