Cross-Cultural Approaches to Consciousness: Mind, Nature, and Ultimate Reality

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Uniting analytic philosophy with Buddhist, Indian, and Chinese traditions, this collection marks the first systematic cross-cultural examination of one of philosophy of mind's most fascinating questions: can consciousness be conceived as metaphysically fundamental Engaging in debates concerning consciousness and ultimate reality, emergence and mental causation, realism, idealism, panpsychism, and illusionism, it understands problems through the philosophies of East and South-East Asia, in particular Buddhism and Vedanta. Each section focuses on a specific aspect or theory of consciousness, and examines a particular subject from different disciplinary perspectives including philosophy, psychology, and cognitive science. These different angles allows readers to gain insight into the intellectual challenges and problems of the study of consciousness and its place in the thought traditions of both Eastern and Western philosophy. Raising new questions, it provides a more global and holistic understanding of consciousness, presenting a stimulating and original contribution to contemporary consciousness studies and the metaphysics of mind.

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Philosophers have only recently begun to recognize the need for a truly global approach to consciousness. Cross-Cultural Approaches to Consciousness makes a valuable and timely contribution to the nascent cosmopolitan movement within consciousness studies. Addressing an impressive array of global philosophical traditions and topics as varied as mental causation, panpsychism, idealism, and illusionism, this volume is essential reading for anyone interested in cutting-edge, cross-cultural inquiry into the nature of consciousness. * Swami Medhananda, Senior Research Fellow in Philosophy, Ramakrishna Institute of Moral and Spiritual Education, India *
New insights are required to tackle consciousness, and the essays in this volume may be an important piece of the puzzle. It brings together some of the greatest thinkers on this topic of both East and West. Essential reading for anyone interested in the science and philosophy of consciousness. * Philip Goff, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Durham University, UK *

Author Bio

Itay Shani is Professor in the Department of Philosophy (Zhuhai) at Sun Yat-sen University, China. Susanne Kathrin Beiweis is Research Associate in the Department of Philosophy (Zhuhai) at Sun Yat-sen University, China.