The Blind Spot Podcast Episode 12: Buddhism, Science and Mind.
Oct 8, 2025
In this insightful conversation, John Dunne, a distinguished scholar of Buddhist philosophy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, dives deep into the intersection of Buddhism and science. He discusses the empiricist strand in Buddhism, challenging traditional views of authority. John elaborates on causal relationships, arguing that our categories are human constructions. He highlights how contemplative practices can lead to non-conceptual insights and explores the mind's capacity for self-awareness, all while questioning our dualistic perceptions of reality.
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Episode notes
Empiricism Within Buddhist Epistemology
- Dharmakirti argued that perception and inference are the only valid means of knowledge, rejecting scripture as proof.
- Buddhism can therefore embrace empirical evidence and revise claims when sensory-based inference contradicts doctrine.
Dalai Lama Challenges Scripture With Science
- At a Mind and Life meeting the Dalai Lama said science must override scripture if empirical evidence contradicts scripture.
- Tibetan monks reacted with visible surprise when he said we'd discard Mount Meru if science disproved it.
Buddhist Inquiry Is Pragmatic, Not Absolutist
- Buddhism prioritizes transforming the mind to reduce suffering over discovering a single objective truth.
- That pragmatic aim produces durable models that work for flourishing but may resist continual theory revision.
