A Philosophy of Emptiness

(Paperback)

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In A Philosophy of Emptiness, Gay Watson reclaimsemptiness as a positive, empowering state, an antidote to the obsessionwith substance and foundation.Via a tour of early and non-Western philosophy Gay Watson uncoversthe rich history of emptiness, taking us from Buddhism, Taoism and religiousmysticism to the contemporary world of philosophy, science and artpractice. Watson shows that the twentieth century has seen the resurgenceof emptiness, and she offers reasons why such an apparently unappealingconcept might have attracted modern musicians, artists and scientists, aswell as pre-eminent thinkers throughout the ages.The book probes the idea of how a life without transcendence might belived, and why one might choose this. It links these concepts to modernideas of the mind, and offers an intriguing take on emptiness that willappeal to all those with an interest in the history of thought.

Reviews

'Gay Watson's marvelous book provides the first in-depth study of the concept of emptiness as it is used in contexts as diverse as ancient Buddhist philosophy and the practice of contemporary art. A Philosophy of Emptiness is a penetrating inquiry into the liberating and challenging implications of an idea whose time may now be upon us.' - Stephen Batchelor, author of Confession of a Buddhist Atheist 'This insightful and fascinating dive into emptiness stimulates on every page.' - Wayne McGregor, resident choreographer, Royal Ballet 'Overflowing with clarity, insight, dry humour, and sheer verve in its explorations of reality and our consciousness ... this wide-ranging examination of existence and experience is both contemporary and likely to become a classic.' - Rick Hanson, author of Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom 'Gay Watson makes us think profoundly about that challenge of action and inaction, in the arts and in life ... a most stimulating reflection on the pressures of our time, which will give everyone pause for thought.' - Nicholas Kenyon, Managing Director, Barbican Centre

Author Bio

Gay Watson is the author of Beyond Happiness: Deepening the Dialogue Between Buddhism, Psychotherapy and the Mind Sciences (2007).