Universal Reason, Universal Mind

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how there is a marked similarity between Immanuel Kant?s ideas of the empty universe and universal reason and the Buddhist idea of the universal mind. It attempts to explore these parallels, while also being mindful of the difference that exists between Kantian and Buddhist thought. It analyzes how both Kant and Buddhism demonstrate that the universe is empty since it is not different from the not-self ? because it cannot differentiate, for in order to differentiate it must somehow have cognitive access to the object outside itself. It also demonstrates how the crucial difference between Kant and Buddhist thought is one of quality. Kant assumes that the universe is inherently empty and neutral and his attempt is to demonstrate it to be so. On the other hand, Buddhist internalizes this process and accepts the fact that the universe is empty but that it must be experienced by the individual mind ? by way of the empty, universal mind, the individual mind may also become empty, free of the distinction/perception between subject and object.

From the Paper:

"Kant assumes that the universe or universal reason is innate by way of this distinction. In order to grasp that a representation is a representation of an object, a being must be able to comprehend several things. First, that being must recognize that there is an object that the representation is a representation of. Next, there has to be a recognition that the representation is different from the thing represented. Thus, the representation of an object is a bridge that connects a being's consciousness with the things that surround it. Thus universal reason must be able to reason itself, to see itself, plus the representation, and the object. The representation is the means by which a being can have any awareness of objects as objects at all."

More papers on Universal Reason, Universal Mind:

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• Comparison Essay # 27652 : "Kantian and Buddhist Thought"

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