Much ado about Science and Buddhism? (And where are its critics?)?

Question

So there's been a veritable explosion in neuroscience regarding the applicability of Buddhism to the study of the mind. I'm sure those interested in the subject matter have seen the plethora of books about "Zen and the Brain" or some other variation.

My simple question is this - where are all the critics? I find it surprising that this "love affair" with Buddhism (and btw, i'm not anti-Buddhist or anything) and Neuroscience has not sparked a more critical dialogue regarding the psychological claims of the religion/philosophy.

Answer 1

irving washington

Answer 2

I am sure there are scientists who criticize the Buddhist approach to the study of the mind, but since buddhists are very open towards the scientific analysis of their practices (meditation), room for critique is built whithin the very process of analysis.

See the kind of studies that are being held nowadays in mainstream US universities, under scientific methods. I guess that if any buddhist claim is contended by the results of the studies, the scientists will certainly point that out.

http://www.sbinstitute.com/research.html

And yes, I wonder too where the critics are.

Great question!

Answer 3

Popular science books have little or no effect on the actual professionals in the field. Most neuroscientists don't read those books, much like few astronomers read books about UFOs. It took many years to debunk Von Daniken's nonsense because 'real' scientists were off doing 'real' science.

Answer 4

What is the sound of one hand clapping?