Buddhism as a Stronghold of Free Thinking? : Social, Ethical and Philosophical Dimensions of Buddhism

Abstract

Can Buddhism be called a stronghold of free thinking? What relevance might Buddhism have for social developments in the twenty-first century, and where will it position itself in these processes? Free thinking has been emphasized and celebrated as an outstanding accomplishment of the human mind. This anthology might inspire the reader to look at some questions of global concern from a new angle and provide a stimulus for developing a freethinking attitude. It is the outcome of international and even transcontinental cooperation involving expert authors from Asia, Australia, Europe and the U.S.A. Contributions have been made by Bhikkhu Anâlayo, Karl-Heinz Brodbeck, Ashby Butnor, Silja Graupe, Guang Xing, Barbara Kameniar, Sallie B. King, and Charles S. Prebish.