Synopsis
What Do We Mean by “Reality”? Why Should We Care?
Troublesome questions about life’s purpose and the nature of our universe. The suspect philosophical value of religious accounts of reality. The limitations of science’s account of reality. The fugue in music as a metaphor for a fresh philosophical approach. Descartes’ interior mind versus exterior matter distinction. Our concept of “reality.” (Chapters 1‑2)
A Hindu Perspective on the Nature of Reality and Purpose of Life
Reality from the perspective of the “third-person” view — what is true for all. The difference between universals and particulars and some problems associated with the distinction. Central philosophical themes in Hinduism. Strengths and weaknesses of the third-person strategy. (Chapters 3‑4)
A Buddhist Perspective on the Nature of Reality and Purpose of Life
Reality from the perspective of the “first-person” view — what we directly experience in our interactions with a world. Phenomenology. “Consciousness” versus “awareness.” Central philosophical themes in Buddhism. Strengths and weaknesses of the first-person strategy. (Chapters 5‑6)
A Theist Perspective on the Nature of Reality and Purpose of Life
Reality from the perspective of both third-person and first-person views together. Our dualistic everyday concept of reality. Central philosophical themes in theism. Western philosophy and religion and the concepts of one universe and one God. Strengths and weaknesses of the dualist strategy. (Chapters 7‑8)
Consciousness and Awareness
Competing concepts of self. Awareness’ two opposing tasks. Our contemporary problem understanding consciousness. The interconnectedness in our concepts of “reality,” “self,” “God,” and “awareness.” A working definition for “awareness.” Descartes reconsidered. Our concept of self in space and time. (Chapters 9‑10)
Science, Religion, and the Mystery at the Heart of Reality
A closer look at the mystery that seems to obscure both the nature of reality and the nature of consciousness. How this mystery shows up in quantum mechanics. How different religions handle this mystery in different ways. What this mystery suggests about the purpose of human life. (Chapters 11‑12)