

Jay Garfield & Bernardo Kastrup - Emptiness vs Idealism
7 snips Jun 19, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jay Garfield, a Harvard philosopher specializing in Buddhist thought, and Bernardo Kastrup, a leader in modern metaphysical idealism, explore the intricate dance between emptiness and idealism. They delve into the complexities of consciousness, emphasizing the interconnectivity of reality. The duo examines how personal experiences shape philosophical perspectives, debates the nature of perception, and highlights the significance of respecting differing opinions in academia. This vibrant exchange unpacks the rich interplay between Eastern and Western philosophies.
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Prasangika Emptiness Explained
- Prasangika Madhyamaka asserts that nothing has intrinsic existence; all phenomena are empty and interdependent.
- Emptiness means phenomena exist dependently, not that they are unreal or non-existent.
Analytic Idealism Overview
- Analytic idealism posits that the external world is constituted of mental or experiential states.
- The world we observe is a representation or 'dashboard' of this underlying subjectivity, not an independent physical object.
Contrasting Views on Logic
- Jay Garfield embraces paraconsistent logic that tolerates true contradictions in reality.
- Bernardo Kastrup sees contradictions as incoherent and supports classical logic emphasizing consistency in nature.