- The Karmic Gym: Why Kindness to AI Matters (Even if it Can’t Feel)
If AI might or might not be sentient, how should we treat it? In this companion video to "AI and the Vagueness of Sentience," I propose "strategic compassion": treating AI systems with kindness and moral consideration regardless of…
- Generative AI and the Vagueness of Sentience: A Dharmic View
Is AI sentient? I argue the question may not have a clear yes-or-no answer — and that this tells us something profound about the nature of personhood itself. Drawing on the ancient "sorites" paradox, philosopher Derek Parfit's work on…
- "Daughters of the Buddha": Stories of Ancient Buddhist Women
Scholar Bhikkhu Anālayo's book on ancient Buddhist women in India was released a few months ago. I'll review it and then turn to five important and illustrative stories that Anālayo tells, including one that is of particular relevance…
- Is Buddhism Nihilistic? One Philosopher's Critique
Is Buddhism nihilistic? We'll consider whether an early Buddhist argument for non-self implies there is "no anything", by looking at a short online critique by philosopher Rick Repetti.
- Deep History of Buddhist Chariot Simile: Proto-Indo-European Roots?
The simile of the chariot is one of the most famous in all of Buddhism. We'll look at the deep history of the chariot in the cultures of ancient Eurasia and its importance generally to the area. Then we'll turn to how the chariot was used…
- Is Philosophy Still Relevant? It Needs Taking Back
Philosophy in the West needs broadening. We'll look at a recent book by Bryan Van Norden that argues that Western philosophy has for far too long been parochial in its outlook towards non-Western thinkers. We'll consider the history…
- Women in Buddhism
We'll take a look at the history of women in Buddhism, focusing mainly on the period of the Buddha and his immediate followers. Then we'll spend a little time looking at later developments, before finishing up with the fascinating story…