Merging Western and Eastern Philosophy

I started off with the idea of writing this paper/blog on Buddhism but after reviewing lessons and 10 - 13 in my philosophy class the direction has changed from just Buddhism to the future of philosophy and what it potentially holds. We will look at the possibility of merging eastern and western philosophies as we continue our push towards a increasingly more scientific, knowledge and logic based secular society. We will also examine why it appears that the duelist philosophies may struggle to continue provide the answers that so many are looking for.

In conjunction with the Eastern philosophy we may begin to move in the direction of Spinoza's Philosophies of the 16th century. However with that being said Many feel that the works of Spinoza are outdated. The claim is that we may never actually know enough about the science of the universe to say without a shadow of a doubt that God does not exist and is in fact necessary for the creation of the universe. To counter this point we can look to the works of Stephen Hawking whose work was recently discussed in the Huffintgon Post September 09. The post discussed Hakings theory that the universes law of gravity means that the universe is capable of creating itself and God is not necessary for the creation of our universe. If this is in fact the case does the that bring Spinoza's theory of nature back into play? Spinoza believed nature and the universe itself at a subatomic level to be God. Spinoza also felt that the views of Christianity, Muslims, Buddhism and Hinduism were all outdated in the 16th century and were only really relevant during their time. If he was right what would that tell us about the same religious philosophies four hundred of years later?

So the question becomes how will the future of philosophy take shape? As indicated science and technology are probably going to play a prominent role in the philosophy of the future but there are others who would prefer to go backwards. There are those who will cling to the dualist beliefs that have been handed down generation after generation. Others will progressively look to move philosophy forward by focusing on open interactive systems in nature. So the question remains what will it look like? Will we focus on working together regardless of race, creed, color or gender. Will men and women move towards a more well balanced EQ? Can we or will we merge eastern and western philosophies?

The appeal of merging eastern and western philosophies as indicated previously is the fact that eastern philosophies not only supports but may even be a great partner for open systems in nature, sciences, knowledge, logic and possibly most importantly a well balanced EQ. The most probable way of merging these two philosophies would be applying the center path philosophies of Buddhism and integrating certain aspects of the eightfold path. As our EQ evolves and attempts to catch our IQ these elements of Buddhism may be able to give us a road map to get there.

The eightfold path includes the following steps:

Wisdom

Right view - Right view would be considered the cognitive aspect of wisdom allowing you to evaluate the situation thoroughly leading to the right action and thought.

Right Intentions – Is the kind of mental energy that controls our actions. This would include helping others, being tolerant of others and developing compassion.

Ethics – Moral Wisdom

Right Speech – This is where the term speak only when spoken two comes into to play. Also it is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and be proven a fool. Right speech advocates saving your words and choosing them very careful when you do speak. Words can be a very powerful tool or weapon they can be used to hurt or help others and even have the capability of starting wars. Right speech always consists of the truth and is friendly, warm and gentle.

Right Action – Would consist of always being compassionate, honest, respectful of others and their belongings and keeping sexual relationships harmless to others.

Right Livelihood – Wealth should be gained in a legal and moral way that does not cause harm to others. This would also include using your wealth for good to help others.

Mental Development

Right Effort - Mental discipline to do the right thing all the time. Being focused on what is right and repressing and ultimately eliminating compulsions to do things that may not be moral or ethical.

Right Mindfulness – The ability to see things as they are with clear consciousness. Being able to filter through perceptions, psychobabble and rhetoric to see things for what they truly are and not being easily influenced by peer pressure or those with bad intentions.

Right Concentration – Keeping the minds eye focused on the center path. Concentrating on making sure that you are well balanced and maintaining your focus on continuous improvement. This can be done through meditation or other means that meet the individuals needs. Listening to music, going for a walk, riding a bike or jogging would be a few examples. Any activities that allow you to clear your mind and connect your mind with your body in a meditation type of trance.

If we are able to incorporate these steps into modern philosophy it could give a solid moral and ethical foundation for everyone regardless of faith or background that could be universally accepted. However there are those who will likely feel that merging western and eastern philosophies is not necessary due to their own personal religious convictions. For those who hold their faith in God as a whole modern philosophy may not apply. With that being said does it make the need develop and advance modern philosophies any less necessary?

This philosophy will not need to exclude God but God will not be necessary for this philosophy to work. For the growing number of agnostics, atheists (according to a survey posted in the NY Daily News in 2008 the number of agnostics and atheists rose from 8% in 1990 to 16% in 2008) and those who simply do not believe in religion as it exists today this modern philosophy could give a strong moral foundation to build upon.

This would be a foundation that is not based on any one particular faith but an open system of learning and tolerance that fits well with the scientific and logical trends we are seeing today. It could bring back a sense of community and fellowship that is missing for so many today and could even potentially create a universal belief system that will meet the needs of generations to come. Additionally If modern philosophers are able to incorporate aspects of each of these steps into modern philosophy they may be able to add an element of wisdom, ethics and mental discipline that may allow us to evolve as much emotionally as intellectually, our EQ may finally catch our IQ.




Works Cited

Stephen Hawking God is not necessary for the creation of the universe http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/02/stephen-hawking-god-not-n_n_703179.html

God is nature, nature is God. Religion was appropriate for their time but does not work now. http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Baruch_Spinoza

Introduction to Buddhism - http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/eightfoldpath.html

Lesson 13 Philosophy of the future - Open systems and possible regression of philosophy

Lesson 11 Marx and Buddhism – Eightfold Path

Atheists – Agnostic survey 2008 http://articles.nydailynews.com/2008-03-02/entertainment/29433388_1_barry-kosmin-religion-public-life-context