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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Buddhism and Modern Psychology by Princeton University

4.8
stars
5,125 ratings
•
1,725 reviews

About the Course

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....

Top reviews

VC
Nov 15, 2015

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.

LW
Oct 25, 2020

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.

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1026 - 1050 of 1,696 Reviews for Buddhism and Modern Psychology

By Daniel K

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Sep 18, 2015

Great insights into both: Psychology and Buddhism! Thanks!

By Hitesh M

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May 26, 2020

All the topics very well explained in a best possible way

By Sangbarta C

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Jun 26, 2018

Very informative and well organised course as I expected.

By A C T

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Nov 14, 2017

I very much loved this course. It was very enlightening.

By Sarah F

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Apr 7, 2016

Great delivery, exceptional humor, enlightening. Thanks!!

By Eduard U

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Mar 30, 2016

Highly instructive. I'm glad I took this online course...

By Emilia E

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Sep 11, 2019

Very interesting course, good and well-spoken professor.

By Roma S

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Mar 10, 2017

Superb course! Thanks, Robert. It was thought provoking.

By Risa J F

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Mar 23, 2016

Straightforward, very well executed. I love this course!

By Nachiket N

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Aug 3, 2020

Great course for beginners looking to explore the field

By Bianca

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May 4, 2020

Loved it! So enriching and inspiring! Thank you so much

By Arthur H

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Nov 13, 2017

Very practical ways to understand the wisdom of Buddha.

By Daniel C

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May 28, 2017

Great course, I learned a lot and enjoyed it very much.

By Michael P

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Aug 30, 2016

Really enjoying this course. Thank you for offering it.

By Brandon R

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Aug 19, 2016

Really an amazing course and incredibly well organized.

By Melina C K

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Mar 26, 2016

Very informative and interesting course.

I recommend it.

By Kristy H

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Jan 25, 2016

Very inspirational for my future studies. Thanks a lot.

By Sandhya N

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Nov 2, 2015

Loved the whole association of psychology and Buddhism!

By María d L L Z

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Aug 18, 2020

EXCELENTE!!

FASCINANTE!!

ENRIQUECEDOR!!

GRACIAS INFINITAS

By Kavitha V

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Jan 26, 2020

we begin to watch ourselves after learning this course

By Binoy B

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Jun 23, 2017

Excellent course. Thoroughly enjoyed and learnt a lot.

By Laura L M

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Nov 3, 2015

I cant wait to keep watching the lectures this is grea

By Alfred L P C

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Aug 3, 2020

Great course for contemplation of the essence of life

By Rodrigo

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Sep 5, 2016

Amazing course with lots of reflections and insights!

By Kenneth S

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May 2, 2016

Very good and informative, with being too voluminous.

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