The Problem of Pure Consciousness: Mysticism and Philosophy - Couverture rigide

Forman, Robert K. C.

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0195059808 ISBN 13 : 9780195059809

Editeur : Oxford University Press Inc, 1990

Synopsis

This collection of essays challenges the widely accepted interpretation of mystical experience that received its fullest expression in two volumes edited by Steven T. Katz, "Mysticism and Philosophical Analysis" and "Mysticism and Religious Traditions". According to Katz and his colleagues, mystical experience is not qualitatively different from ordinary experience, and can be explained as the constructed and mediated product of previously held beliefs and concepts. On this view, there is no such thing as "universal" mystical experience. The present volume attempts to show that there is a single type of mystical experience that cuts across cultural and linguistic lines. This is the experience of "pure consciousness," a state in which the subject remains conscious but experiences neither thought, sensation, feeling, nor object of consciousness. Part I of the book demonstrates that there are well-attested reports of pure consciousness events occurring in a wide variety of ages and traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism. The essays in Part II consider the philosophical implications of these reports, arguing that there are no logical blocks to the claim of pure consciousness events. The question of unity vs plurality in experience is discussed, and a new model for the relation between mysticism and the socio-linguistic background is proposed.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

This is a paperback reprint of a collection of contributed essays about mysticism and philosophy. It challenges the widely accepted interpretaion of mystical experience that received its fullest expression in two volumes edited by Steven T. Katz: Mysticism and Philosophical Analysis (OUP 1987) and Mysticism and Religious Traditions (OUP 1983). According to Katz and his colleagues, mystical experience, can be explained as the constructed and mediated product of previously held beliefs and concepts. On this view, there is no such thing as 'universal' mystical experience. The present volume attempts to show that there is a single type of mystical experience that cuts across cultural and linguistic lines. This is the experience of 'pure consciousnes,' a state in which the subject remains conscious but experiences neither thought, sensation, feeling, nor object of consciousness. Part I of the book demonstrates that there are well-attested reports of pure consciousness events occuring in a wide variety of ages and traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. The essays in Part II consider the philosophical implications of these reports, arguing that there are no logical blocks to the claim of pure consciousness events.

Revue de presse

A useful contribution to the literature, and should help to foster an ongoing dialogue on the topic. (Philosophy East & West)

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Oxford University Press Inc
• Date d'édition: 1990
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0195059808
• ISBN 13: 9780195059809
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 317
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: Messaggerie Libri; ufficio.anagrafiche@meli.it; ; Via Verdi, 8; Assago Milano; Italie