Robert Alan Paul

Our Emergent World Version 1 Robert Alan Paul

This book is nearly identical to 'Buddhism will never be a science...', except the title and summary, so don't bother buying both. I offer a personal journey of intellectual and psychological discovery. I describe and explain my allegiance to science, the benefits I have received from some Buddhist teachings, and their conflicting ideas. I explain the serious doubts I have about Buddhist metaphysical backstories that accompany some teachings: non-materialism of the physical world and of consciousness; that all of the physical world is an illusion; that the universe is populated by ghosts, gods and demons; and that there are conscious energies in the universe, independent of matter. With respect given to science where it is due, I use physics to explore the nature of physical reality. With neuroscience I explore the nature of mind. Each topic is examined under the umbrella of philosophy, especially philosophies of science and of mind, and compared with written tenets, expressed beliefs and both written and oral teachings of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. I have been a physicist all my life (thanks, Dad!) with an insatiable thirst for knowledge of mind and society (thanks, Mom!). I have been a student and meditator-practitioner of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism for nearly 45 years. I hold a few master's degrees, and a Ph. D. in physics, philosophy of science and Buddhism, especially middle-way (madhyamaka).