Edward G. Slingerland Livres

This book presents a systematic account of the role of the personal spiritual ideal of wu-wei--literally "no doing," but better rendered as "effortless action"--In early Chinese thought. Edward Slingerland's analysis shows that wu-wei represents the most general of a set of conceptual metaphors having to do with a state of effortless ease and unself-consciousness. This concept of effortlessness, he contends, serves as a common ideal for both Daoist and Confucian thinkers. He also argues that this concept contains within itself a conceptual tension that motivates the development of early Chinese thought: the so-called "paradox of wu-wei," or the question of how one can consciously "try not to try." Methodologically, this book represents a preliminary attempt to apply the contemporary theory of conceptual metaphor to the study of early Chinese thought. Although the focus is upon early China, both the subject matter and methodology have wider implications. The subject of wu-wei is relevant to anyone interested in later East Asian religious thought or in the so-called "virtue-ethics" tradition in the West. Moreover, the technique of conceptual metaphor analysis--along with the principle of "embodied realism" upon which it is based--provides an exciting new theoretical framework and methodological tool for the study of comparative thought, comparative religion, intellectual history, and even the humanities in general. Part of the purpose of this work is thus to help introduce scholars in the humanities and social sciences to this methodology, and provide an example of how it may be applied to a particular sub-field

Mind and Body in Early China critiques Orientalist accounts of early China as the radical, "holistic" other. The idea that the early Chinese held the "strong" holist view, seeing no qualitative difference between mind and body, has long been contradicted by traditional archeological and qualitative textual evidence. New digital humanities methods, along with basic knowledge about human cognition, now make this position untenable. A large body of empirical evidence suggests that "weak" mind-body dualism is a psychological universal, and that human sociality would be fundamentally impossible without it.Edward Slingerland argues that the humanities need to move beyond social constructivist views of culture, and embrace instead a view of human cognition and culture that integrates the sciences and the humanities. Our interpretation of texts and artifacts from the past and from other cultures should be constrained by what we know about the species-specific, embodied commonalities shared by all humans. This book also attempts to broaden the scope of humanistic methodologies by employing team-based qualitative coding and computer-aided "distant reading" of texts, while also drawing upon our current best understanding of human cognition to transform our basic starting point. It has implications for anyone interested in comparative religion, early China, cultural studies, digital humanities, or science-humanities integration.

The examination of contemporary cultural studies highlights various challenges and limitations in current methodologies. It delves into the complexities of understanding culture, questioning established frameworks and proposing new perspectives for analysis. By addressing these issues, the book aims to enhance the discourse surrounding cultural studies and encourage innovative approaches to understanding cultural phenomena.

The book delves into the significance of spontaneity, an ancient Chinese concept, and its profound impact on well-being. It intertwines insights from cognitive science with philosophical perspectives, revealing how embracing spontaneity can enhance mental health and overall life satisfaction. Through this exploration, readers are encouraged to reconsider their approach to daily life and decision-making, highlighting the transformative potential of living in the moment.

Exploring the alcohol-soaked origins of civilization, this book delves into humanity's evolutionary desire for intoxication. It offers an entertaining and enlightening examination of how these historical and cultural aspects have shaped societies. Through a blend of history and anthropology, the narrative reveals the significant role alcohol has played in human development and social interactions.

A deeply original exploration of the power of spontaneity - and why it's essential to our wellbeing, both as individuals and as a society.

A deep dive into the alcohol-soaked origins of civilization - and the evolutionary roots of humanity's appetite for intoxication.