Critical Buddhism: Engaging with Modern Japanese Buddhist Thought (Hardback)

A Baker & Taylor Academic Essentials Title in Religion 'James Mark Shields has succeeded in presenting clearly a complex and little-known Japanese philosophico-political current and in analyzng its historical implications.' Bernard Bernier, Universite de Montreal, Canada 'A valuable appraisal and critique of the Critical Buddhism movement. This book will be of interest to anyone with an interest in contemporary Zen and Japanese thought.' Damien Keown, Goldsmiths College, University of London 'Anyone interested in Buddhism, philosophy, or comparative religious ethics will relish this important book. Shields accomplishes what he takes as his goal in writing this rich and incisive book: initiating a second wave of Critical Buddhism. After analyzing how Critical Buddhists reject topicalism in Japanese Buddhism and advocate criticalism, Shields explores the ethical issues on which they have focused and then draws skillfully on Levinas, Gadamer, Rorty, and other philosophers to expand and reposition Critical Buddhism.' Christopher Ives, Stonehill College, USA 'Shields...offers the first substantial analysis of Critical Buddhism's presuppositions and conclusions...The details of Shields's analysis are particularly commendable - he clearly understands the history and dynamics of Critical Buddhism and has crafted an important and readable contribution to the field of Buddhist studies...Highly recommended.' Choice