John Dunne

In a thought-provoking discussion, Lisa Feldman Barrett, a leading psychologist, and John Dunne, a contemplative scholar, challenge the Western notion that emotions should be distrusted. They explore how emotions are constructed from personal experiences, argue for the integration of feelings and rational thought, and highlight the importance of emotional intelligence. The duo discusses the concept of a 'body budget' for managing well-being, emphasizing mindfulness and awareness as tools for navigating life’s complexities.

Buddhist scholar John Dunne discusses integrating Buddhism and science, defining meditation for research, focused attention vs. open monitoring meditation, meta-awareness, subject/object duality, different ways of experiencing the self, hallucinogens, ego dissolution, decentering and dereification, and the future of the field.

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.