nbrown@ads.com (Nathan Brown) (02/06/91)
I am interested in the implications of looking at Buddhist practice and philosophy from a neurophilosophical point of view, somewhat like the approach taken in Brain, Symbol, and Experience (BS&E) by Laughlin et. al. In particular I would be interested in exchanges with anyone thinking about models of possible neurological activity associated with particular meditative practices or yogic exercises. My intuition is that activation patterns associated with the maintenance of the various postures, gazes, and attentional states required by various meditative and yogic practices produce as a side effect an inhibition of thalamic functions which maintain the ever shifting focus of attention to and emotional weighting of sensory stimuli. I am also interested in the possible affect that a neurophysiological interpretation of meditative practices would have on the content and expression of Buddhist philosophy. This is my second attempt to access soc.religion.eastern. Have the above ideas already been covered? Are there any active discussions along these lines? Are there any Buddhist neurophilosophers out there? Is anyone aware of papers covering any of the above which are not included in the references in BS&E? Is anyone aware of the reaction to Steve Odin's Whiteheadian critique of Hua Yen? Is anyone aware of any reviews of BS&E? --Nathan -- Nathon Brown Advanced Decision Systems Internet: nbrown@potomac.ads.com