The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized

Owen Flanagan

... if you are interested in current debates at the interface between religion, science and moral philosophy, there is much in this book that will engage you. -- Rupert Gethin Times Higher Education Brilliant... Flanagan brings much needed clarity, insight and sophistication to the debate. -- Julian Baggini The Observer I can't recommend this book enough. It's thoughtful in the best sense of the word. It you're a Buddhist (or someone leaning towards Buddhism) who likes to wrestle with philosophical issues, it will help you to think things through more clearly. If you are a Buddhist who is inclined toward Naturalism, it's always nice to find another ally. Best of all, it's fun to read. -- Seth Segall The Existential Buddhist It is true that science has yet to produce good explanations of consciousness, value and free will. The suggestion brought to the fore by Flanagan -- that Buddhism may be a source of insight in these areas -- is a welcome and tantalizing one. Nature [T]he most important question may be whether the cultivation of Buddhist virtues will lead to the sort of happiness that comes with the sense that... life has meaning and value... Flanagan has many insightful things to say about this claim. The Philosopher's Magazine Owen Flanagan writes with warmth, wisdom and wit. The Bodhisattva's Brain is a milestone of cosmopolitan thought and should be read widely by philosophers, cognitive scientists, theologians and anyone concerned with human flourishing and the meaning of life. Times Literary Supplement A trailblazing work which opens up new horizons for exciting comparative work in philosophy and psychology. Mind Scholars and cognoscenti of Buddhism may find this a somewhat frustrating book; but all interested in Buddhism may read it and find discussions of interest and value... Above all, Flanagan has put on the table the issue of what a naturalized Buddhism is. If Buddhism is to move into the West significantly, I think it will have to go this way. The