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?
About this Course
Learner Career Outcomes
44%
33%
Skills you will gain
Learner Career Outcomes
44%
33%
Offered by

Princeton University
Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. It is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
The Buddhist Diagnosis
The Buddhist Prescription
Does Your Self Exist?
A New Model of the Mind
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM BUDDHISM AND MODERN PSYCHOLOGY
I thought this was a great introduction to both modern Buddhist thought and evolutionary psychology. Professor Wright is an excellent lecturer, and his office hours are informative as well as amusing.
Engaging content and excellent pace. While the level is introductory (I'd have liked a bit more depth), I would expect this from a lower-division/breadth course—and even more so from a MOOC like this.
I have been practicing meditation for two years already.In so far I have attended all Deepak Chopra meditation experiences which I found very helpful but not as helpful this course provided me so far.
Gives an excellent overview of Buddhist teachings and how it stands with concepts of modern (evolutionary) psychology. Loved the course content and way Prof Robert Wright has introduced the concepts.
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