Visions of Compassion: Western Scientists and Tibetan Buddhists Examine Human Nature

by Richard J. Davidson (Editor), Anne Harrington (Editor)

Overview

This book examines how Western behavioral science--which has generally focused on negative aspects of human nature--holds up to cross-cultural scrutiny, in particular the Tibetan Buddhist celebration of the human potential for altruism, empathy, and compassion. Resulting from a meeting between the Dalai Lama, leading Western scholars, and a group of Tibetan monks, this volume includes excerpts from these extraordinary dialogues as well as engaging essays exploring points of difference and overlap between the two perspectives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195344059
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/06/2001
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	449 KB

About the Author

Richard J. Davidson is Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin. He is co-author or editor of seven books and is a Core Member of the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Mind-Body Interactions. Anne Harrington is Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University. She is the Associate Director of the Harvard University Mind/Brain/Behavior Initiative and a Core Member of the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Mind-Body Interactions.

Table of Contents

ContributorsPart 1: Historical and Philosophical Background1 Training the Mind: First Steps in a Cross-Cultural Collaboration in Neuroscientific Research, Zara Houshmound et al.2. The Thing Known or the Knowing Eye? Conceiving Compassion between Science and Buddhism, Anne Harrington3. Is Compassion an Emotion? A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Mental Typologies, Georges Dreyfus4. Kindness and Cruelty in Evolution, Elliott Sober5. Understanding Our Fundamental Nature, His Holiness the Dalai LamaDialogues, Part 1: Fundamental QuestionsPart 2: Social, Behavioral, and Biological Explorations of Altruism, Compassion, and Related Constructs6. Toward a Biology of Positive Affect and Compassion, Richard Davidson7. Empathy-Related Emotional Responses, Altruism, and Their Socialization, Nancy Eisenberg8. Emergency Helping, Genocidal Violence, and the Evolution of Responsibility and Altruism, Ervin Staub9. Altruism in Competitive Environments, Robert H. FrankDialogues, Part 2: Pragmatic Extensions and ApplicationsAppendix: About the Mind and Life InstituteIndex

Editorial Reviews

"The virtues discussed in this book need to be brought more to the foreground in society; indeed, the survival of the human race may depend on it."—Contemporary Psychology, APA Review of Books

"This is a work that will be accessible for undergraduates and graduates with an interest in ethics, altruism, Buddhist spiritual practice, evolutions, and neuro-psychologyThe essays are fully referenced, serving as a valuable resource for further reflectionI heartily recommend this work to individuals interested in the emerging dialogue among religion, spirituality and science."—Religious Studies Review, Harvey B. Aronson

From the Publisher