Intersections between Western philosophy and Buddhist teachings
In this talk Douglass Smith explores the connections between British philosopher Derek Parfit and Buddhist philosophy.
Doug discusses Parfit’s views on personal identity and ethics, drawing parallels with Buddhist teachings.
Parfit’s upbringing in China and education at prestigious institutions shaped his groundbreaking work, challenging conventional notions of the self.
Doug examines Parfit’s reductionist stance on personal identity, arguing against a permanent and unitary self.
He highlights Parfit’s belief that individuals are a continuous stream of causally connected events, a perspective resonating with Buddhist philosophy.
Throughout the discussion, Doug navigates the similarities and differences between Parfit’s philosophy and Buddhism, particularly regarding reincarnation and ethical foundations.
He suggests that while Parfit and the Buddha shared a focus on reducing suffering, their approaches diverged on certain aspects.
Doug also reflects on the potential influence of Buddhist thought on Parfit’s work and proposes alternative practices, such as meditation and understanding non-self, for overcoming suffering.
