Book Title: Buddhism and American Thinkers
Book Description
From the Jacket:
Buddhism and American Thinkers is a collection of essays that explores the profound influence of Buddhism on American philosophical thought. These essays delve into the ways Buddhism has enriched and penetrated the sub-stratum of American thinking, engaging in a dialogue between East and West. The contributors explore the shared ideas between Buddhist and American philosophy, such as personal identity, human suffering, alienation, compassionate love, and the social nature of ultimate reality.
The essays in this volume analyze how Buddhist perspectives clarify and amplify the ideas of prominent American philosophers such as William James, Josiah Royce, Alfred North Whitehead, John Dewey, Charles Sanders Peirce, and Charles Hartshorne. By examining these intersections, the book offers new insights into the convergence of ancient Buddhist teachings and American philosophical thought.
Contributors include notable scholars such as Charles Hartshorne, David L. Hall, Nolan P. Jacobson, Jay McDaniel, Kenneth K. Inada, David Lee Miller, Richard S.Y. Chi, Robert C. Neville, and Hajime Nakamura.
Introduction Overview:
This book answers why Buddhism, which was the last major Asian school of thought to influence American philosophy, has become deeply embedded in the intellectual fabric of American thought. The collection highlights the Buddhist ideas that were woven into the works of leading American philosophers even before they formally engaged with Buddhist teachings. For instance, concepts of the self in William James mirror Buddhist teachings, Whitehead’s philosophy of peace has been likened to an American version of Nirvana, and Charles Hartshorne mentions he was almost a Buddhist before even knowing much about Buddhism.
The introduction also highlights how Buddhist ideas entered Western thought long before formal engagement with Buddhism. Through the writings of Charles Sanders Peirce, Josiah Royce, the World’s Columbian Exposition (1893), and Daisetz T. Suzuki’s influence, Buddhist thought slowly permeated the American philosophical landscape.
Key Themes Explored in the Book:
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Buddhism and American Philosophy:
The book showcases the common core between Buddhist and American philosophy, particularly in the works of figures like William James, Josiah Royce, John Dewey, and others. It explores how ideas such as personal identity, compassion, suffering, and social reality have been deeply influenced by Buddhist thought.
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Buddhism’s Influence on Key American Philosophers:
The essays analyze specific aspects of Buddhism within the context of American philosophy. For instance, Alfred North Whitehead's “philosophy of organism” shares similarities with Buddhist ideas, even though Whitehead himself was largely unaware of the full depth of Buddhist philosophy.
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The Encounter Between East and West:
The book offers a historical analysis of the Buddhist-American encounter, tracing it back to figures such as Frank Lloyd Wright, James Whistler, and Paul Carus, who were influenced by Asian thought. These encounters helped shape the course of American intellectual and artistic development.
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Critical and Analytical Nature of Buddhism:
Buddhism is discussed as a tradition committed to penetrating cultural forms and assumptions, striving to understand reality as it is presented in everyday experience. Its analytical nature challenges the way Western philosophy views and conceptualizes reality, bringing a new perspective to American thought.
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Social and Philosophical Implications:
The essays examine how Buddhism offers a non-deterministic view of reality, emphasizes the creative freedom of individuals, and provides solutions to societal issues like racial, ethnic, and social polarization. The social implications of Buddhism, especially its emphasis on equality and compassion, are explored in-depth.
Notable Essays and Contributions:
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Charles Hartshorne: A discussion on how his philosophical work was deeply influenced by Buddhism, even before he formally encountered Buddhist ideas.
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David L. Hall: Explores the relevance of Whitehead and how his work, focused on the process character of reality, provides a bridge to understanding Eastern thought.
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Jay McDaniel: Uses Whiteheadian categories to interpret Buddhist perspectives, offering a fresh perspective on Buddhist thought in American philosophy.
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Hajime Nakamura: Discusses the Buddhist concept of equality, emphasizing that every individual, regardless of social or economic status, reflects the entire universe of existence.
Why Read This Book?
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Interdisciplinary Dialogue: It offers a unique interdisciplinary exploration that bridges Eastern and Western thought, opening up a space for deeper understanding between cultures.
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Philosophical Insight: The book provides invaluable insights into the intersection of Buddhism with the major ideas in American philosophy, making it an essential read for philosophers, scholars of religion, and anyone interested in the philosophical exchange between the East and West.
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Cultural and Intellectual Renewal: It presents the potential of Buddhism to inspire cultural and intellectual renewal, particularly in addressing the fragmentation of contemporary experience.
About the Editors:
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Kenneth K. Inada is a Professor of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, specializing in comparative philosophy and Buddhist studies.
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Nolan P. Jacobson is Professor Emeritus at Winthrop College, with expertise in American philosophy and its engagement with Asian thought.
Buddhism and American Thinkers is a thought-provoking collection of essays that enriches the dialogue between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. It not only deepens our understanding of how Buddhist thought has impacted American philosophy but also sheds light on the potential for future philosophical exploration that bridges the two traditions.
