embodied mind, The
Book Description
In this groundbreaking exploration of consciousness and cognition, Francisco J. Varela presents a revolutionary approach that bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and contemplative wisdom. The book introduces the concept of "enaction," a transformative way of understanding how we experience and interact with reality that moves beyond traditional views of mind as separate from body and world.
Rather than seeing the mind as something that grasps an external, independent reality, Varela proposes that we actively bring forth our world through embodied engagement. This perspective dissolves the artificial boundaries between perceiver and perceived, revealing an interdependent relationship between consciousness, body, and environment that Buddhist practitioners have long recognized.
The work masterfully weaves together insights from phenomenology, cognitive science, and Buddhist contemplative practices, creating a new framework for understanding human experience. Varela demonstrates how this embodied approach to cognition offers profound implications for personal transformation without falling into nihilistic thinking, even when absolute foundations are questioned.
This revised edition enriches the original text with substantial introductions that illuminate the book's central arguments and explore how subsequent research has expanded these themes. The growing integration of mindfulness practices in contemporary life reflects the enduring relevance of Varela's vision for a science of mind that honors both rigorous inquiry and lived human experience.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 322 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Experiential learning
- ✓ Explore 153
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Bf311.v26 2016
- ✓ Explore 2017 d-094
- ✓ Explore Learning
- ✓ Explore Cognition
- ✓ Learn about cognitive processes