PHIL 298/PSYC 298

BUDDHA'S BRAIN

COURSE OUTLINE

FALL 2007

1. Practical Matters/Overview

2. The Study of Consciousness
a. Why The Mystery & The Human Brain
b. Time & space & A Grand Illusion
c. The Self & Conscious Will
d. Altered States & Evolution of Consciousness

3. Buddhism Overview
a. The Vehicles
b. First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
c. Second Turning
d. Third Turning
e. Selflessness
f. The Four Seals
g. Mahayana Path
h. Altruistic Outlook & Way of Life

4. The Dalai Lama at MIT
a. Attention & Cognitive Control
b. Imagery & Visualization
c. Emotion

5. Contemplative Science
a. Principles of Contemplative Science
b. The Study of Consciousness East & West
c. Where Science & Religion Collide
d. Beyond Idolatry: The Spirit of Empiricism