The limits of the Buddhist embrace of science. Commentary on "Compassion, ethics, and neuroscience: neuroethics through Buddhist eyes"

Sci Eng Ethics. 2012 Sep;18(3):539-42. doi: 10.1007/s11948-012-9361-z. Epub 2012 Mar 17.

Abstract

The readiness of Buddhists to dialogue with and embrace modern science has caused some to worry that this encounter will deform Buddhist traditions for the sake of acceptance by the West. But their strong tradition of epistemological skepticism and intellectual pluralism makes it unlikely that Buddhists will embrace scientific positivism. Given the tensions between religion and science in contemporary western society, it is perhaps this feature of Buddhism that can make the most fruitful contribution in its dialogue with science.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Buddhism*
  • Comprehension*
  • Consciousness / ethics*
  • Culture*
  • Empathy*
  • Humans
  • Morals*
  • Neurosciences / ethics*