Buddhist Moral Philosophy: An Introduction - Softcover

Gowans, Christopher W.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415890675 ISBN 13: 9780415890670

Publisher: Routledge, 2014

Synopsis

The first book of its kind, Buddhist Moral Philosophy: An Introduction introduces the reader to contemporary philosophical interpretations and analyses of Buddhist ethics. It begins with a survey of traditional Buddhist ethical thought and practice, mainly in the Pali Canon and early Mahāyāna schools, and an account of the emergence of Buddhist moral philosophy as a distinct discipline in the modern world. It then examines recent debates about karma, rebirth and nirvana, well-being, normative ethics, moral objectivity, moral psychology, and the issue of freedom, responsibility and determinism. The book also introduces the reader to philosophical discussions of topics in socially engaged Buddhism such as human rights, war and peace, and environmental ethics.

About this title

About the Author:

Christopher W. Gowans is Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University.

Review:

"This volume is insightful and engaging for anyone with a strong background in moral philosophy who is interested in how Buddhist ethics can be approached through a Western lens.  Advanced students and scholars studying Buddhism will appreciate the analysis of how Western philosophical thought works to understand a tradition that does not fall cleanly within its methodologies. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty."--N. A. Weiss, CHOICE

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0415890675
• ISBN 13: 9780415890670
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 344