Buddhism and Political Theory

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Social Policy, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Buddhism
Cover of the book Buddhism and Political Theory by Matthew J. Moore, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Matthew J. Moore ISBN: 9780190631529
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: May 3, 2016
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Matthew J. Moore
ISBN: 9780190631529
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: May 3, 2016
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Despite the recent upsurge of interest in comparative political theory, there has been virtually no serious examination of Buddhism by political philosophers in the past five decades. In part, this is because Buddhism is not typically seen as a school of political thought. However, as Matthew Moore argues, Buddhism simultaneously parallels and challenges many core assumptions and arguments in contemporary Western political theory. In brief, Western thinkers not only have a great deal to learn about Buddhism, they have a great deal to learn from it. To both incite and facilitate the process of Western theorists engaging with this neglected tradition, this book provides a detailed, critical reading of the key primary Buddhist texts, from the earliest recorded teachings of the Buddha through the present day. It also discusses the relevant secondary literature on Buddhism and political theory (nearly all of it from disciplines other than political theory), as well as the literatures on particular issues addressed in the argument. Moore argues that Buddhist political thought rests on three core premises--that there is no self, that politics is of very limited importance in human life, and that normative beliefs and judgments represent practical advice about how to live a certain way, rather than being obligatory commands about how all persons must act. He compares Buddhist political theory to what he sees as Western analogues--Nietzsche's similar but crucially different theory of the self, Western theories of limited citizenship from Epicurus to John Howard Yoder, and to the Western tradition of immanence theories in ethics. This will be the first comprehensive treatment of Buddhism as political theory.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Despite the recent upsurge of interest in comparative political theory, there has been virtually no serious examination of Buddhism by political philosophers in the past five decades. In part, this is because Buddhism is not typically seen as a school of political thought. However, as Matthew Moore argues, Buddhism simultaneously parallels and challenges many core assumptions and arguments in contemporary Western political theory. In brief, Western thinkers not only have a great deal to learn about Buddhism, they have a great deal to learn from it. To both incite and facilitate the process of Western theorists engaging with this neglected tradition, this book provides a detailed, critical reading of the key primary Buddhist texts, from the earliest recorded teachings of the Buddha through the present day. It also discusses the relevant secondary literature on Buddhism and political theory (nearly all of it from disciplines other than political theory), as well as the literatures on particular issues addressed in the argument. Moore argues that Buddhist political thought rests on three core premises--that there is no self, that politics is of very limited importance in human life, and that normative beliefs and judgments represent practical advice about how to live a certain way, rather than being obligatory commands about how all persons must act. He compares Buddhist political theory to what he sees as Western analogues--Nietzsche's similar but crucially different theory of the self, Western theories of limited citizenship from Epicurus to John Howard Yoder, and to the Western tradition of immanence theories in ethics. This will be the first comprehensive treatment of Buddhism as political theory.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Crime and Criminal Justice by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book Illusions of Victory by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book Deciphering Sun Tzu by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book Golden Fetters : The Gold Standard and the Great Depression, 1919-1939 by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book The Unfinished Revolution by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book Making a Living, Making a Difference by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book Modern Hungers by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book The Good Lawyer by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book Bullying Scars by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book Random Families by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book Creative Mentorship and Career-Building Strategies by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book The System Worked by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book Affective Publics by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book Schooling: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Matthew J. Moore
Cover of the book Rethinking Political Islam by Matthew J. Moore
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy