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Princeton University

Buddhism and Modern Psychology

Princeton University via Coursera

This course may be unavailable.

Overview

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The Dalai Lama has said that Buddhism and science are deeply compatible and has encouraged Western scholars to critically examine both the meditative practice and Buddhist ideas about the human mind. A number of scientists and philosophers have taken up this challenge. There have been brain scans of meditators and philosophical examinations of Buddhist doctrines. There have even been discussions of Darwin and the Buddha: Do early Buddhist descriptions of the mind, and of the human condition, make particular sense in light of evolutionary psychology?

This course will examine how Buddhism is faring under this scrutiny. Are neuroscientists starting to understand how meditation “works”? Would such an understanding validate meditation—or might physical explanations of meditation undermine the spiritual significance attributed to it? And how are some of the basic Buddhist claims about the human mind holding up? We’ll pay special attention to some highly counterintuitive doctrines: that the self doesn’t exist, and that much of perceived reality is in some sense illusory. Do these claims, radical as they sound, make a certain kind of sense in light of modern psychology? And what are the implications of all this for how we should live our lives? Can meditation make us not just happier, but better people?

All the features of this course are available for free. It does not offer a certificate upon completion.

Taught by

Robert Wright

Reviews

4.7 rating, based on 30 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Buddhism and Modern Psychology

  • It's a very interesting course in you have both interests in psychology and buddhism. It's a course which helps you to be a better person and to helps you to reflect on the world and what you really are.
  • RoosWilhelm
    I really liked this course. Prof Robert Wright is very likeable and somehow manages to discuss issues that are both complex and vague in a very clear way. The course looks into evolutionary psychology and buddhist philosophy, and how this relates to daily life. Although this may sound rather heavy-handed, the course remains light-hearted, academic (you do not have to fear any kind of preaching) and very interesting.
  • Profile image for Tim Andrews
    Tim Andrews
    Robert Wright examines classical Buddhist teaching and meditation practice through the lens of evolutionary psychology. He posits the question "Is Buddhism True" (also the title of his new book based on the course) and finds that indeed some Buddhis…
  • Profile image for Dolly Ye
    Dolly Ye
    I took it last October, at the lowest point of my point. Robert Wright has introduced me to the fascinating world of evolutionary psychology,moral psychology and neuroscience. He's the most compassionate and interesting teacher I've known.Strongly recommend his book "The Moral Animal" and "The Evolution of God." They are hands down the best books ever written on the subjects.
  • Anonymous
    This course is the first one to give me some insight into Buddhist thought inspite of my long time efforts to learn about buddhism. I am thankful to the author of the course for that.
  • Peter Hartree
    Robert Wright is an excellent secular guide to this fascinating subject. He speaks from a good critical position: one of deep interest, but not complete immersion.
  • Taich
    Very interesting course comparing Buddhist teachings with some current psychological theories. The professor is quirky and fun as well as competent and interesting.
  • Profile image for Zack Becker
    Zack Becker
    I found this to be a terrific course, which is basically a psychological investigation of Buddhism. Great lectures which included interesting interviews.
  • Anonymous
    I would like to learn this course since, IAM currently living in Africa where 60% of the people live needs psychological counseling and also health is my career subject . If you being enrolled me I shall appreciate and submit the knowledge to my community and even the entire of world

    On other nowerdays, since Corona virus pandemic spreaded there are so many individuals that got mental health problem.

  • Anonymous
    The class is well organized and deals with very interesting topics in a clear and entertaining way.
    Comparisons of profound ideas to daily life make this information easy to understand and relate to.
    Nice job
  • Richard I. Grove
    I have already recommended this course to others. I consider this to be appropriate for both Beginners and Intermediates. Instructor is very professional. It is hard to believe that this is his first time in conducting an on-line course.
  • Anonymous
    Very good teacher. Very satisfied about the giving course.

    I began three weeks ago and I am starting to have a very clear picture about the Buddhism and the culture around it.
  • Profile image for Manivannan R
    Manivannan R
    Helped me to understand the different concepts of buddhism and psychology and relationships. Definitely will go deep into the buddhism .
  • Anonymous
    by Zakaria completed this course, spending 3 hours a week on it and found the course difficulty to be easy.
    I really liked this course. Prof Robert Wright is very likeable and somehow manages to discuss issues that are both complex and vague in a very clear way. The course looks into evolutionary psychology and buddhist philosophy, and how this relates to daily life. Although this may sound rather heavy-handed, the course remains light-hearted, academic (you do not have to fear any kind of
  • Anonymous
    I want to learn more about this course because l never learn before so l like to learn it now .
    I hope your will teach my more about this course to me.
  • ANDREW THAI
    I like to study to learn more Buddha to teach how to become good people to help those person with the suffering and do more welfare work
  • Norman Ross
  • Aleksandra Walus
  • David Aspinwall

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