Robert Olkowitz | University of Philosophical Research, Los Angeles, CA (original) (raw)

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Papers by Robert Olkowitz

I am writing blog entries on various topics in religion, philosophy, science, atheism, and consci... more I am writing blog entries on various topics in religion, philosophy, science, atheism, and consciousness. So far I have covered the harsh truths of reality, religion's role in providing objective answers to the universe and subjective feelings of contentment, morality, the numinous, and how we are shifting from a religious paradigm of reality to a scientific paradigm. Stay tuned for much more.

What are the correspondences and disparities between Theravada Buddhism and Scientism? Is there a... more What are the correspondences and disparities between Theravada Buddhism and Scientism? Is there a compatibility between the the epistemological methods of Buddhism and Scientism? Is the Theravada Buddhist ontological schemata similar to the physicalist ontological schemata? Is Theravada Buddhist meditation a suitable practice for modern science? Why is Buddhism rapidly gaining adherents in the Western world? Most of these questions have been relatively unattended. The objective, scholastic study of Buddhism is in its infancy. Western society began inquiring into Buddhism during the 19th century. Early studies on Buddhism were repeatedly distorted through the lens of Christianity by European scholars. The prevalence of Christian influence on politics and society naturally demarcated Eastern religions, including Buddhism, as primitive and superstitious. Given this setback, it has taken Buddhism additional time to gain unbiased recognition in the West as an objective, serious, worthwhile pursuit. Since belief structures and sects are numerous within Buddhism, I shall solely focus on the Theravada tradition. Theravada Buddhism shares many similar epistemological methods and ontological beliefs as Scientism. For this paper, Scientism will be the umbrella term for empiricism, logic, materialism, humanism and atheism.
In this paper I will discuss: Theravada Buddhist teachings, epistemology, ontology, and sotierology as well as the epistemology, ontology, and sotierology of Scientism. Theravada Buddhism focuses on first person experience, pragmatism and personal liberation. Scientism focus on viewing reality from an objective third person, advancing technology, and creating our own meanings in life. I will explain the progression of scientific paradigms which influence epistemology, ontological beliefs and theories. I will explore the similarities between Theravada Buddhism and Scientism, namely the importance of logic, reason, pragmatism, personal observation, personal judgment, debate, and unbiased inquiry, which all aid validity in the search for truth. I will explore the methods, goals, and transformative personal practice each system advocates.

EDIT: There are a few grammatical errors in this version. Email me at bolkowitz@gmail.com for my updated Thesis.

I am writing blog entries on various topics in religion, philosophy, science, atheism, and consci... more I am writing blog entries on various topics in religion, philosophy, science, atheism, and consciousness. So far I have covered the harsh truths of reality, religion's role in providing objective answers to the universe and subjective feelings of contentment, morality, the numinous, and how we are shifting from a religious paradigm of reality to a scientific paradigm. Stay tuned for much more.

What are the correspondences and disparities between Theravada Buddhism and Scientism? Is there a... more What are the correspondences and disparities between Theravada Buddhism and Scientism? Is there a compatibility between the the epistemological methods of Buddhism and Scientism? Is the Theravada Buddhist ontological schemata similar to the physicalist ontological schemata? Is Theravada Buddhist meditation a suitable practice for modern science? Why is Buddhism rapidly gaining adherents in the Western world? Most of these questions have been relatively unattended. The objective, scholastic study of Buddhism is in its infancy. Western society began inquiring into Buddhism during the 19th century. Early studies on Buddhism were repeatedly distorted through the lens of Christianity by European scholars. The prevalence of Christian influence on politics and society naturally demarcated Eastern religions, including Buddhism, as primitive and superstitious. Given this setback, it has taken Buddhism additional time to gain unbiased recognition in the West as an objective, serious, worthwhile pursuit. Since belief structures and sects are numerous within Buddhism, I shall solely focus on the Theravada tradition. Theravada Buddhism shares many similar epistemological methods and ontological beliefs as Scientism. For this paper, Scientism will be the umbrella term for empiricism, logic, materialism, humanism and atheism.
In this paper I will discuss: Theravada Buddhist teachings, epistemology, ontology, and sotierology as well as the epistemology, ontology, and sotierology of Scientism. Theravada Buddhism focuses on first person experience, pragmatism and personal liberation. Scientism focus on viewing reality from an objective third person, advancing technology, and creating our own meanings in life. I will explain the progression of scientific paradigms which influence epistemology, ontological beliefs and theories. I will explore the similarities between Theravada Buddhism and Scientism, namely the importance of logic, reason, pragmatism, personal observation, personal judgment, debate, and unbiased inquiry, which all aid validity in the search for truth. I will explore the methods, goals, and transformative personal practice each system advocates.

EDIT: There are a few grammatical errors in this version. Email me at bolkowitz@gmail.com for my updated Thesis.