Religion and Science in the Mirror of Buddhism

by Francisca Cho, Richard K. Squier

Overview

This book offers a Buddhist perspective on the conflict between religion and science in contemporary western society. Examining Buddhist history, authors Francisca Cho and Richard K. Squier offer a comparative analysis of Buddhist and western scientific epistemologies that transcends the limitations of non-Buddhist approaches to the subject of religion and science. The book is appropriate for undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers interested in comparative religion or in the intersection of religion and science and Buddhist Studies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138910898
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/02/2015
Pages:	180
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Francisca Cho is Associate Professor of Buddhist studies at Georgetown University. Her main research topic is the aesthetic expression of Buddhism through fiction, poetry and film. The methodology of comparative studies is a key focus in her work on religion and science.

Richard K. Squier received his PhD in computer science from Princeton University in 1991, and is currently on the faculty of the Computer Science Department, Georgetown University. He is interested in the physical limitations of computation and its application to human communication.

Table of Contents

Preface. List of Abbreviations. Introduction: The Mirror of Buddhism. Chapter One: Comparative Empiricisms. Chapter Two: Myth, Logic, and the Logic of Mythology. Chapter Three: Does the Buddha Tell Lies? Getting Beyond the Literal and Metaphorical. Chapter Four: Zen Masters and Their Way With Words. Chapter Five: How to be an Enlightened Materialist. Chapter Six: Reflecting on the Buddha to Reflect on Ourselves.

Editorial Reviews

"Drawing on an impressive range of Buddhist and Western writing, both classical and contemporary, Francisca Cho and Richard Squier utilize systems theory, linguistic philosophy, and concepts of narrative pluralism to ponder not just how religions in general and Buddhism in particular may be understood by scientists but, more crucially, how Buddhist reflections on emptiness, mind, experience, and human possibility might help us understand what'science and religion really are, and how the two can enter into fruitful communication."

Roger R. Jackson, Carleton College, USA

"Drawing on an impressive range of Buddhist and Western writing, both classical and contemporary, Francisca Cho and Richard Squier utilize systems theory, linguistic philosophy, and concepts of narrative pluralism to ponder not just how religions in general and Buddhism in particular may be understood by scientists but, more crucially, how Buddhist reflections on emptiness, mind, experience, and human possibility might help us understand what'science and religion really are, and how the two can enter into fruitful communication."

Roger R. Jackson, Carleton College, USA

"Students of science and of contemporary expressions of Buddhist traditions will find a sure and deeply knowledgeable teacher in Cho. Her book is an expression of her well-known work and expertise, and combines careful religious studies scholarship, sensitive engagement with contemplative tradition, and a command of the science that impresses."

Michael Spezio, Scripps College, USA

From the Publisher