Navigating the Navigating the Asian Future: Asian Future: from “Asian from “Asian Thoughts”Thoughts”

Susantha GoonatilakeSusantha Goonatilake

Royal Asiatic Society Sri Royal Asiatic Society Sri LankaLanka

  

Today: The Shift to Asia

Three hundred years ago, the Three hundred years ago, the dominant powers in the world were in dominant powers in the world were in Asia.Asia.

Thereafter, the West became Thereafter, the West became dominant.dominant.

Today a process is under way whereby Today a process is under way whereby Asia will once again be the dominant Asia will once again be the dominant player in the world.player in the world.

This will have deep repercussions in This will have deep repercussions in academia, culture and knowledge.academia, culture and knowledge.

The figures are The figures are impressive.impressive.

If the 19th C was British, the 20th the If the 19th C was British, the 20th the American, the 21st is shaping to be American, the 21st is shaping to be Asian. Already GDP of China is number Asian. Already GDP of China is number two in the world. China would become two in the world. China would become the largest economy by 2038 and by the largest economy by 2038 and by 2040 India No. 3. Purchasing power 2040 India No. 3. Purchasing power parity (PPP) estimates has already parity (PPP) estimates has already placed China as number one. placed China as number one.

And Asia as a whole, from East Asia And Asia as a whole, from East Asia through Southeast Asia to South Asia through Southeast Asia to South Asia will be lifted up in the coming years.will be lifted up in the coming years.

Contrast: 2-3% growth rate Contrast: 2-3% growth rate in 19th C Britain, first in 19th C Britain, first

industrial nation. industrial nation. Smaller countries:Smaller countries: Singapore using niche advantages Singapore using niche advantages

reached nearly a 15% growth in 2010. reached nearly a 15% growth in 2010. And possibly indicative of her And possibly indicative of her

economic futures to come, Sri Lanka economic futures to come, Sri Lanka after over 35 years of a war partly after over 35 years of a war partly induced by an Indian proxy invasion induced by an Indian proxy invasion had in the last two peace years very had in the last two peace years very high performances at its stock high performances at its stock exchange - possibly the highest in the exchange - possibly the highest in the world.world.

Major impact on Major impact on geopolitics of culturegeopolitics of culture

These economic changes will These economic changes will have a major impact on the have a major impact on the geopolitics of culture including geopolitics of culture including geopolitics of knowledge. This geopolitics of knowledge. This presentation explores this presentation explores this aspect. aspect.

But the ability of the West to But the ability of the West to manage its relative decline is manage its relative decline is central to issues of culture.central to issues of culture.

"End of History""End of History" The high point of the US was the fall of The high point of the US was the fall of

the Soviet Union and its aftermath as the Soviet Union and its aftermath as exemplified by the book "End of History" exemplified by the book "End of History" by Fukuyama. Echoing more serious "end by Fukuyama. Echoing more serious "end of history" theses such as those of Hegel of history" theses such as those of Hegel and Marx it was triumphalist propaganda and Marx it was triumphalist propaganda at a brief moment. at a brief moment.

Fukuyama wrote before the full rise of Fukuyama wrote before the full rise of Asia was apparent and before the full Asia was apparent and before the full backlash from the rest of the world on the backlash from the rest of the world on the US of the Neocons and Theocons US of the Neocons and Theocons onslaught echoing the US Bible Belt had onslaught echoing the US Bible Belt had begun. begun.

Waging war for Waging war for "democracy”"democracy”

Ignoring dictatorships of its own ME client Ignoring dictatorships of its own ME client states the US set in motion the Neocon states the US set in motion the Neocon agenda to wage war for "democracy” in agenda to wage war for "democracy” in non-client states. It was helped by a new non-client states. It was helped by a new post-Cold War phenomenon, the adoption post-Cold War phenomenon, the adoption of "A New Policy Agenda” whereby of "A New Policy Agenda” whereby Western funds poured into pseudo-Western funds poured into pseudo-political organisations, unrepresentative political organisations, unrepresentative NGOs on the laudable agenda of NGOs on the laudable agenda of democracy and human rights (delivered by democracy and human rights (delivered by unelected appendages of Western funds unelected appendages of Western funds and often their embassies) . and often their embassies) .

US over extendedUS over extended The military cost has been heavy. With less The military cost has been heavy. With less

than 5% of the world’s population the than 5% of the world’s population the military expenditure of the US is now military expenditure of the US is now nearly 50% of all other countries put nearly 50% of all other countries put togethertogether

The US has over extended herself The US has over extended herself financially and militarily in two wars in Iraq financially and militarily in two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. With an internal financial and Afghanistan. With an internal financial meltdown, debt laden America was being meltdown, debt laden America was being kept afloat by borrowing from Asia.kept afloat by borrowing from Asia.

There is talk of the Euro unravelling and There is talk of the Euro unravelling and with it the partial break up of the pan with it the partial break up of the pan European dream.European dream.

Latin AmericaLatin America In Latin America the rise of new In Latin America the rise of new

nationalist governments has eroded nationalist governments has eroded the once supremacy of the US. To the once supremacy of the US. To tame North Korea, the West has to tame North Korea, the West has to virtually beg of the Chinese. virtually beg of the Chinese.

Once overlords of Asia, Europe and Once overlords of Asia, Europe and the US are making realistic the US are making realistic calculations to keep with changes calculations to keep with changes and are now sending political and and are now sending political and economic delegations kowtowing to economic delegations kowtowing to Asian political and business leaders. Asian political and business leaders.

US financial hegemony US financial hegemony challengedchallenged

The US financial hegemony that The US financial hegemony that consolidated the Bretton Woods consolidated the Bretton Woods agreement after World War II, agreement after World War II, through the IMF and World Bank is through the IMF and World Bank is being challenged. The G8 has been being challenged. The G8 has been replaced by the G 20 and new replaced by the G 20 and new acronyms reflecting the ongoing acronyms reflecting the ongoing geopolitical changes such as geopolitical changes such as Chinamerica and Chindia have Chinamerica and Chindia have emerged.emerged.

Soft powerSoft power

The US and the West is in decline The US and the West is in decline in relative terms and in spite of a in relative terms and in spite of a preponderant military is unable preponderant military is unable to adequately undertake wars and to adequately undertake wars and keep the empire going. It however keep the empire going. It however has soft power as an adjunct ally. has soft power as an adjunct ally.

Soft power includes culture and it Soft power includes culture and it is this that we shall explore is this that we shall explore furtherfurther..

West’s soft power to be West’s soft power to be rethought foundationallyrethought foundationally

Soft power slogans such as "land of Soft power slogans such as "land of the free" in the US national anthem the free" in the US national anthem or "Give me Liberty, or give me or "Give me Liberty, or give me Death!" of Patrick Henry part of what Death!" of Patrick Henry part of what has been called American has been called American "exceptionalisum". hide ugly realities. "exceptionalisum". hide ugly realities.

One American "freedom“ is the "right One American "freedom“ is the "right to bear arms" as enshrined in the to bear arms" as enshrined in the Second Amendment to the Second Amendment to the Constitution. Constitution.

““Right to bear arms"Right to bear arms"

This “freedom” came from the bandit gun This “freedom” came from the bandit gun culture of early American settlers in their culture of early American settlers in their genocidal program to grab others’ lands. genocidal program to grab others’ lands. Today sorry remnants of the genocide of Today sorry remnants of the genocide of the First Americans have been herded the First Americans have been herded into settlements and denied self-respect into settlements and denied self-respect as reflected in pervasive drunkenness. as reflected in pervasive drunkenness.

USA freedoms, rights and democracy USA freedoms, rights and democracy were for most of its existence limited only were for most of its existence limited only to white settlers, actually to WASPS. to white settlers, actually to WASPS.

Soft power: propaganda and Soft power: propaganda and realityreality

Only in the early 1960s was the invisible Only in the early 1960s was the invisible ceiling for other whites broken when the ceiling for other whites broken when the Catholic John Kennedy became president Catholic John Kennedy became president overcoming much anti-Catholic sentiment. overcoming much anti-Catholic sentiment. And only in the late 60s were Afro And only in the late 60s were Afro Americans even granted the formal right to Americans even granted the formal right to vote. vote.

There have since been advances in the US There have since been advances in the US but even here one has to shift the but even here one has to shift the propaganda from reality. Revealing is the propaganda from reality. Revealing is the comparison between the US and China comparison between the US and China designated as a land of the unfree.designated as a land of the unfree.

Soft power myths: most Soft power myths: most imprisonedimprisoned

In the US, one fourth of every Afro In the US, one fourth of every Afro American youth is in prison. One in 11 American youth is in prison. One in 11 Americans would in their lifetime spent Americans would in their lifetime spent some time in prison and at any given time some time in prison and at any given time one in 100 US citizens are behind bars. one in 100 US citizens are behind bars.

More than 2 1/2 million Americans are in More than 2 1/2 million Americans are in prison the highest prison population in prison the highest prison population in the worldthe world. . More significant, the US has More significant, the US has 25% of the prison population of the world 25% of the prison population of the world although it has only 5% of the global although it has only 5% of the global population. population. 

More prisoners in free USMore prisoners in free US than in China than in China

These figures are larger than the These figures are larger than the prison population of China with four prison population of China with four times the total population of the US. times the total population of the US.

These dichotomies between myth These dichotomies between myth and reality about democracy and and reality about democracy and freedom has a long lineage, in fact freedom has a long lineage, in fact going back to the time of the Greeks going back to the time of the Greeks the presumed fountainhead of the presumed fountainhead of Western democracy. Western democracy.

Civilisational Civilisational fountainhead exposedfountainhead exposed

Only a few "citizens" had democracy in Only a few "citizens" had democracy in Greece while the bulk had none such. Greece while the bulk had none such.

Contrast with some Indian republics during Contrast with some Indian republics during the time of the Buddha, whose organization the time of the Buddha, whose organization forms were transferred into the Buddha’s forms were transferred into the Buddha’s own order of monks - the Sangha - where own order of monks - the Sangha - where decisions are made by a vote. The Greek decisions are made by a vote. The Greek myth as civilisational fountain head has myth as civilisational fountain head has been exposed by Martin Bernal as an been exposed by Martin Bernal as an invention of the early 19th-century to invention of the early 19th-century to support the European imperialist project.support the European imperialist project.

The Soft Shift to Asia:

The The Asian economic shift is economic shift is occurring with a global re-occurring with a global re-division of work. It replaces the division of work. It replaces the earlier relocation of brawn work earlier relocation of brawn work towards cheaper Asian countries towards cheaper Asian countries (such as garment industries)(such as garment industries)

There is a new relocation of There is a new relocation of brainpower, and a shift in science brainpower, and a shift in science and technology and academia and technology and academia towards the Asian cultural region towards the Asian cultural region

The Soft Shift to Asia: This shift of science and This shift of science and

technology to Asia is occurring technology to Asia is occurring amidst a shift in less measurable amidst a shift in less measurable cultural spheres. The earlier cultural spheres. The earlier hegemonic blanket of hegemonic blanket of Eurocentricism is being lifted. Eurocentricism is being lifted.

Thus some of the best novelists in Thus some of the best novelists in English, the primary carrier of English, the primary carrier of globalization, are today Asians. globalization, are today Asians. Designers from Hong Kong, Japan Designers from Hong Kong, Japan and now Malaysians set Western and now Malaysians set Western clothing fashions. clothing fashions.

The global culture, it is a The global culture, it is a changing.changing.

The changes are not just in the passing The changes are not just in the passing fad and the superficial. For well over 100 fad and the superficial. For well over 100 years at a more abstract level there had years at a more abstract level there had been inflows of Non-Western been inflows of Non-Western philosophical ideas into the West. philosophical ideas into the West.

Thus South Asian influences, Thus South Asian influences, predominantly Buddhism, were noted by predominantly Buddhism, were noted by Dale as having had an impact on the Dale as having had an impact on the American philosophers William James, American philosophers William James, Charles Moore, Santayana, Emerson and Charles Moore, Santayana, Emerson and Irving Babbitt. Irving Babbitt.

PsychologyPsychology In another discipline psychology, In another discipline psychology,

there have been major inflows in there have been major inflows in recent decades of Buddhist recent decades of Buddhist and and Hindu Hindu ideas and practice. ideas and practice.

The scientific validity of some of The scientific validity of some of these practices has been recorded in these practices has been recorded in standard Western academic standard Western academic publications.  Thus Buddhist publications.  Thus Buddhist mindfulness training finds an mindfulness training finds an increasingly important place in such increasingly important place in such fields as cognitive therapy. fields as cognitive therapy.

Higher practices in Higher practices in Buddhism and HinduismBuddhism and Hinduism

And in significant parts of the West And in significant parts of the West meditation and yoga (actually the meditation and yoga (actually the higher practices in Buddhism and higher practices in Buddhism and Hinduism) have gone mainstream Hinduism) have gone mainstream with millions of followers. with millions of followers.

And on a more trivial note, today in And on a more trivial note, today in Britain, once the land of the Britain, once the land of the uneatable, the truly national dish uneatable, the truly national dish is South Asian curry.is South Asian curry.

FashionableFashionable

In the last decade it has become In the last decade it has become partly fashionable among partly fashionable among sections of the Western glitterati sections of the Western glitterati to define themselves as Buddhist. to define themselves as Buddhist.

India has considered Buddhism India has considered Buddhism as part of its soft power and so as part of its soft power and so has China which pursuing this has China which pursuing this has held global conferences on has held global conferences on Buddhism. Buddhism.

Border crossings in the Border crossings in the social sciencessocial sciences

The broad question is, with the shift The broad question is, with the shift to Asia, can Asian perspectives on to Asia, can Asian perspectives on culture and knowledge emerge that culture and knowledge emerge that would be as powerful as some of the would be as powerful as some of the Western ones. Western ones.

A notable attempt to do this A notable attempt to do this occurred when the first wave of occurred when the first wave of Asian countries from East Asia Asian countries from East Asia began to reach high economic began to reach high economic growth rates.growth rates.

An attempt to incorporate An attempt to incorporate Asian conceptual elements Asian conceptual elements

Reminiscent of Max Weber evoking a Reminiscent of Max Weber evoking a Protestant Ethic for the rise of the Protestant Ethic for the rise of the West; a cultural factor was now West; a cultural factor was now invoked, a Confucian Ethic was invoked, a Confucian Ethic was invented for these predominantly invented for these predominantly East Asian countries.  East Asian countries. 

It was said that Confucian values of It was said that Confucian values of group solidarity and hard work had group solidarity and hard work had been the major contributing factor been the major contributing factor to the sudden upsurge of East Asian to the sudden upsurge of East Asian economies.  economies. 

Confucianism or Confucianism or authoritarian regimes? authoritarian regimes?

But Confucianism had been there But Confucianism had been there for 2,500 years without an for 2,500 years without an industrial breakthrough. industrial breakthrough.

Further, during the periods of their Further, during the periods of their initial growth in the 1960s and initial growth in the 1960s and 1970s these East Asian countries 1970s these East Asian countries had very repressive and/or had very repressive and/or authoritarian regimes where labour authoritarian regimes where labour dissent was not tolerated. dissent was not tolerated. 

Confucian ethic Confucian ethic untenableuntenable

Soon, the East Asian countries were Soon, the East Asian countries were joined by another set, namely those joined by another set, namely those of the ASEAN region such as of the ASEAN region such as Thailand,  Malaysia and Indonesia Thailand,  Malaysia and Indonesia and later South Asia who have and later South Asia who have populations with  cultural traditions populations with  cultural traditions different from the Confucian one.different from the Confucian one.

The Confucian ethic was as The Confucian ethic was as untenable as the original Weberian untenable as the original Weberian perspectives.perspectives.

Max WeberMax Weber

Weber used cultural factors to Weber used cultural factors to explain the rise of Europe and for explain the rise of Europe and for the lagging behind of Asiathe lagging behind of Asia

His views of Protestantism and in His views of Protestantism and in turn, those of other religions turn, those of other religions constitute an important part of his constitute an important part of his total system of social theory. In his total system of social theory. In his sociology of religion, Buddhism sociology of religion, Buddhism also finds an important place.  also finds an important place. 

Significant errors of a Significant errors of a basic kind of Weber’s basic kind of Weber’s

BuddhismBuddhism Most of Weber’s sources of Most of Weber’s sources of

Buddhism, are from the Sinhalese Buddhism, are from the Sinhalese sources which were translated to sources which were translated to European languages in the late 19European languages in the late 19thth and early 20and early 20thth century. century.

But as I show in the paper there are But as I show in the paper there are   significant empirical errors of a   significant empirical errors of a very basic kind of Weber’s very basic kind of Weber’s knowledge of Buddhism making his knowledge of Buddhism making his grand pronouncements untenable.grand pronouncements untenable.

Buddhism a common Buddhism a common cultural overlaycultural overlay

Before European influence in recent Before European influence in recent centuries, Buddhism was a common centuries, Buddhism was a common cultural overlay across most of Asia.  cultural overlay across most of Asia.  Buddhism has developed approaches in Buddhism has developed approaches in epistemology - guidelines for epistemology - guidelines for observation and coming to conclusions. observation and coming to conclusions.

Are there elements within Buddhist Are there elements within Buddhist epistemology which can give insights epistemology which can give insights into social sciences as it locates itself in into social sciences as it locates itself in a confident Asia?a confident Asia?

Much unusable cultural Much unusable cultural furniturefurniture

There is also outside these There is also outside these philosophical aspects of Buddhism, philosophical aspects of Buddhism, much cultural furniture - elements much cultural furniture - elements outside the observational realm outside the observational realm such as gods and goddesses   such as gods and goddesses  

Yet outside such untenable Yet outside such untenable cultural furniture, the cultural furniture, the observational and Buddhism’s observational and Buddhism’s philosophical essence could stand philosophical essence could stand on its own. on its own. 

"me" radically "me" radically deconstructeddeconstructed

Unique among philosophies, Unique among philosophies, Buddhism denies the existence of a Buddhism denies the existence of a self or soul. Through observation, self or soul. Through observation, the existence of a permanent the existence of a permanent abiding "me" is radically abiding "me" is radically deconstructed in Buddhism.  deconstructed in Buddhism. 

Buddhist observation breaks down Buddhist observation breaks down the component, physical and mental the component, physical and mental factors that constitute the factors that constitute the psychophysical personality. psychophysical personality.

Only a stream of Only a stream of becomingbecoming

Mental phenomena and the external Mental phenomena and the external environment are both in a perpetual environment are both in a perpetual state of becoming, changing from state of becoming, changing from moment to moment, there is no moment to moment, there is no individual, only a stream, a stream of individual, only a stream, a stream of becoming.  becoming. 

These conclusions are obtained by These conclusions are obtained by observation of both the world outside observation of both the world outside as well as the internal world of as well as the internal world of mental phenomena.mental phenomena.

Humans: change and Humans: change and processprocess

Humans are in Buddhism a process, Humans are in Buddhism a process, a collection of swiftly changing a collection of swiftly changing mental and physical processes.  A mental and physical processes.  A conventional empirical self is conventional empirical self is recognized as only a momentary recognized as only a momentary crystallization of a process which crystallization of a process which interacts with the world outside. interacts with the world outside.

The world, including the The world, including the environment of other humans in environment of other humans in which the individual lives, is itself which the individual lives, is itself changing and is in a state of flux. changing and is in a state of flux. 

Buddhist epistemology: Buddhist epistemology: Change centralChange central

A foundational social sciences A foundational social sciences using Buddhist epistemology using Buddhist epistemology would have a platform of a would have a platform of a changing observer to track, changing observer to track, examine and come to conclusions examine and come to conclusions about a continuously changing about a continuously changing social field. social field.

Changing social fieldChanging social field

This social field would consist of This social field would consist of continuously changing continuously changing individuals, continuously individuals, continuously changing groups and changing groups and continuously changing classes. continuously changing classes.

The detailed outcomes of such a The detailed outcomes of such a changed epistemological position changed epistemological position cannot be discussed here. cannot be discussed here. 

The sociological project The sociological project could be reexaminedcould be reexamined

From such a foundational change From such a foundational change ingrained epistemological approach the ingrained epistemological approach the whole of the sociological project could be whole of the sociological project could be reexamined.  reexamined. 

  It would differ from the convention of It would differ from the convention of dividing the world into a subject which dividing the world into a subject which cognises a social object from a fixed cognises a social object from a fixed subjective platform which then comes to subjective platform which then comes to conclusions on the social world. It would conclusions on the social world. It would not imply as absolute, a subject-object not imply as absolute, a subject-object relationship.relationship.

Radical Reordering of the Radical Reordering of the EpistemologicalEpistemological

The Buddhist relationship between The Buddhist relationship between one self and the social other could be one self and the social other could be compared with the compared with the Ich Ich and and DuDu (I and (I and thou) relationship of Martin Buber thou) relationship of Martin Buber which had been proposed for which had been proposed for sociological thought.  sociological thought. 

Buber's central thesis was that social Buber's central thesis was that social life was a dialogical existence, a life was a dialogical existence, a relationship between pairs such as “I relationship between pairs such as “I and thou”. and thou”. 

““I” and ever-changing I” and ever-changing thousthous

In a Buddhist formulation the In a Buddhist formulation the dialogue of existence is between dialogue of existence is between a flowing and ever-changing “I” a flowing and ever-changing “I” and a flowing and ever-changing and a flowing and ever-changing thou or more correctly with sets thou or more correctly with sets of flowing and ever-changing of flowing and ever-changing thous.thous.

Changed epistemology Changed epistemology changed the natural changed the natural

sciencessciences Such changed epistemological Such changed epistemological positions have given rise to far positions have given rise to far reaching changes in the natural reaching changes in the natural sciences. sciences.

A most notable example is the case A most notable example is the case of Einstein’s use of Mach’s position of Einstein’s use of Mach’s position in epistemology (which incidentally in epistemology (which incidentally had echoes with Buddhist positions) had echoes with Buddhist positions) which changed the direction of which changed the direction of physics and gave rise to relativity.physics and gave rise to relativity.

Radical Reordering of the Radical Reordering of the EpistemologicalEpistemological

Just like modern physics taking a Just like modern physics taking a Machian epistemological position Machian epistemological position changed physics and gave rise to changed physics and gave rise to a new way of looking at the a new way of looking at the dynamics of the material world, a dynamics of the material world, a similar foundational approach similar foundational approach using Buddhist epistemology using Buddhist epistemology would change the perspectives on would change the perspectives on the dynamics of the social world.the dynamics of the social world.

An applicationAn application

Exploring the effect of such a Exploring the effect of such a change would require much detailed change would require much detailed reexamination of the changing social reexamination of the changing social world from a changing observational world from a changing observational platformplatform

In the applied field such a Buddhist In the applied field such a Buddhist epistemological position could help epistemological position could help solve some of the challenging ethical solve some of the challenging ethical problems in the emerging problems in the emerging technological future. technological future.

Radically Reconstructing Radically Reconstructing the Body, Mind and the Body, Mind and

EnvironmentEnvironment Recent  developments from gene therapy,  Recent  developments from gene therapy, 

stem cells to cloning and in the future, stem cells to cloning and in the future, artificial genes and artificial chromosomes artificial genes and artificial chromosomes and humans augmented non-biologically and humans augmented non-biologically through  say artificial intelligence  implants through  say artificial intelligence  implants challenge some of  the basic assumptions challenge some of  the basic assumptions about the human. about the human.

We are, or will soon be, constructing and We are, or will soon be, constructing and reconstructing the human body and reconstructing the human body and brain/mind, from new developments in nano brain/mind, from new developments in nano technology, biotechnology and information technology, biotechnology and information technologytechnology

Social theory for new Social theory for new technologiestechnologies

In this new world there are new In this new world there are new ethical challenges not met before. ethical challenges not met before.

These problems are raised These problems are raised because these technologies because these technologies change dramatically parts of the change dramatically parts of the body and the mind. body and the mind.

The essential nature of the human The essential nature of the human is being intruded upon by these is being intruded upon by these technologies.technologies.

Deep questionsDeep questions

Deep questions are raised by these Deep questions are raised by these coming developments. They intrude on coming developments. They intrude on ethics.ethics.

The ethics on which these issues have The ethics on which these issues have been hitherto discussed are Western been hitherto discussed are Western ones, Hindu-Buddhist ideas for example ones, Hindu-Buddhist ideas for example have not influenced this debatehave not influenced this debate..

[Except for a preliminary conference in [Except for a preliminary conference in Delhi in 2009 organised by me through Delhi in 2009 organised by me through the Anthropology Survey of India and the Anthropology Survey of India and Shanti Niketan]Shanti Niketan]

Urgent challengesUrgent challenges

Many such challenges rest on what it Many such challenges rest on what it is to be a person in the very body and is to be a person in the very body and mind that is being changed and the mind that is being changed and the nature of the selfnature of the self

Some recent approaches to the living Some recent approaches to the living world and the environment have world and the environment have utilized cultural elements from major utilized cultural elements from major non-Western philosophies as well as non-Western philosophies as well as those of simpler belief systems eg those of simpler belief systems eg Ecofeminism. Ecofeminism.

Continuous Change Is Continuous Change Is Central To The Emerging Central To The Emerging

HumanHuman Continuous change of the self Continuous change of the self

and the person is the condition and the person is the condition of the emerging human or as of the emerging human or as some say “post human”some say “post human”

A major cultural approach that A major cultural approach that has continuous change as its has continuous change as its core is Buddhist philosophy. core is Buddhist philosophy.

Central Buddhist Central Buddhist positionposition

Both the human person, including Both the human person, including his body and mind, as well as the his body and mind, as well as the environment he operates in, are environment he operates in, are not given or sacred in Buddhism not given or sacred in Buddhism but constructed and changing.but constructed and changing.

This approach has direct relevance This approach has direct relevance to a future where both the human to a future where both the human and his/her environment are and his/her environment are constructed and reconstructedconstructed and reconstructed

DisclaimerDisclaimer

In using Buddhist philosophy here, In using Buddhist philosophy here, one need not accept all the one need not accept all the unprovable cultural aspects of unprovable cultural aspects of Buddhism such as gods and Buddhism such as gods and goddesses just as one does not have goddesses just as one does not have to believe all Christian mythology to to believe all Christian mythology to use the philosophical counterpart of use the philosophical counterpart of a Creator, namely a First Cause.a Creator, namely a First Cause.

““Religion”, “Philosophy”, Religion”, “Philosophy”, “Science”: S Asian and “Science”: S Asian and

WestWest In discussions on bioethics, the In discussions on bioethics, the

fields of science, philosophy and fields of science, philosophy and religion intermingle. religion intermingle.

But “religion”, “philosophy”, and But “religion”, “philosophy”, and “science” have different “science” have different connotations from a South Asian - connotations from a South Asian - say Buddhist - perspective and a say Buddhist - perspective and a Eurocentric one. Eurocentric one.

Hence an explanatory aside is Hence an explanatory aside is neededneeded

South Asian and Judeo South Asian and Judeo Christian systems differChristian systems differ

South Asian belief systems South Asian belief systems possess a heavy overlay of possess a heavy overlay of philosophy as foundation.philosophy as foundation.

Western religions, Christianity, Western religions, Christianity, Judaism or Islam (the Judaism or Islam (the “Abrahamaic” family of religions) “Abrahamaic” family of religions) are firstly revealed systems, to be are firstly revealed systems, to be by a higher power, ‘God’.by a higher power, ‘God’.

Philosophy comes later.Philosophy comes later.

Judeo Christian systems Judeo Christian systems & ethics& ethics

The ethical system is “revealed” The ethical system is “revealed” and to be “God’s word” (for and to be “God’s word” (for example the Ten example the Ten Commandments). Commandments).

There are also seeming “secular” There are also seeming “secular” ethicsethics

To look at Buddhist ethics one To look at Buddhist ethics one has to go to its core philosophy.has to go to its core philosophy.

Buddhism’s core philosophy Buddhism’s core philosophy

of the individualof the individual ““Anicca”Anicca” and “ and “Anathma”Anathma” MeaningMeaning “Impermanence and “Impermanence and

change”, change”, and and “No abiding soul or “No abiding soul or self”self”

These are not “mystical” but These are not “mystical” but realistic and matter of fact realistic and matter of fact statementsstatements

In Buddhism …In Buddhism …

There is nothing durable or of static There is nothing durable or of static being.being.

The continuity of life is not through an The continuity of life is not through an abiding permanent structure, an 'I'. abiding permanent structure, an 'I'.

Buddhism is unique in the Buddhism is unique in the philosophies of the world that it philosophies of the world that it denies the existence of a self or a soul. denies the existence of a self or a soul.

A belief in a permanent abiding 'me' is A belief in a permanent abiding 'me' is radically deconstructed in Buddhismradically deconstructed in Buddhism

Buddhist deconstruction of Buddhist deconstruction of selfself

Buddhism breaks down physical and Buddhism breaks down physical and mental factors of the person into mental factors of the person into changing components changing components

"there is no materiality "there is no materiality whatever ..... no feeling ... no whatever ..... no feeling ... no perception .... no formations ... no perception .... no formations ... no consciousness whatever that is consciousness whatever that is permanent, everlasting, eternal, not permanent, everlasting, eternal, not inseparable from the idea of inseparable from the idea of change” – the Buddhachange” – the Buddha

Buddhist deconstruction of Buddhist deconstruction of selfself

[contd][contd] "When neither self nor anything "When neither self nor anything

pertaining to self can truly and really pertaining to self can truly and really be found, this speculative view [of] a be found, this speculative view [of] a permanent, abiding, ever-lasting, permanent, abiding, ever-lasting, unchanging [self] is wholly and unchanging [self] is wholly and completely foolish" - the Buddha completely foolish" - the Buddha

A disciple of the Buddha elaborated A disciple of the Buddha elaborated further that what one calls further that what one calls 'I AM'I AM' is: ' is:

"neither matter, sensation, perception, "neither matter, sensation, perception, mental formations nor consciousness"mental formations nor consciousness"

Buddhist deconstruction of Buddhist deconstruction of self [contd]self [contd]

Physical elements change, as do Physical elements change, as do mental phenomena. mental phenomena.

All are in a state of perpetual All are in a state of perpetual becoming. All phenomena are but becoming. All phenomena are but fleeting strings and chains of fleeting strings and chains of events. events.

As the constituents of an individual As the constituents of an individual change, s/he does not remain the change, s/he does not remain the same for two constituent momentssame for two constituent moments

Buddhist deconstruction of Buddhist deconstruction of self [contd]self [contd]

There is no individual, only a There is no individual, only a changing stream:changing stream:

“ “Life is a stream (Life is a stream (sotasota), an ), an unbroken succession of unbroken succession of aggregates. There is no temporal aggregates. There is no temporal or spatial break or pause in this or spatial break or pause in this life continuity. This continuity is life continuity. This continuity is not through a soul, but through a not through a soul, but through a stream of becoming”.stream of becoming”.

Buddhist deconstruction of Buddhist deconstruction of self [contd]self [contd]

This analysis is partly arrived at from This analysis is partly arrived at from observing the innermost subjectively felt observing the innermost subjectively felt inside a person. One of the objectives of inside a person. One of the objectives of Buddhist mental exercises, 'meditation' is Buddhist mental exercises, 'meditation' is to observe, experience and describe for to observe, experience and describe for oneself this lack of self and of permanence oneself this lack of self and of permanence from within one's own streams of thoughts from within one's own streams of thoughts and mental phenomena. and mental phenomena.

From within our own innermost From within our own innermost subjectivity, the problem of identity and of subjectivity, the problem of identity and of an abiding "I" is shown to be a false onean abiding "I" is shown to be a false one

Buddhist Deconstruction Buddhist Deconstruction and New Technologiesand New Technologies

From such a perspective, the questions From such a perspective, the questions raised by new technologies on identity raised by new technologies on identity are seen differently. are seen differently.

The existential angst of being a hybrid, The existential angst of being a hybrid, of having genes of plants and animals of having genes of plants and animals inside one is seen differently. The inside one is seen differently. The problem of one's 'self' being spread problem of one's 'self' being spread over several artifacts now loses its over several artifacts now loses its potential terror. The threat of being a potential terror. The threat of being a cyborg, of Frankenstein's creature; the cyborg, of Frankenstein's creature; the concerns of a Jeremy Rifkin the concerns of a Jeremy Rifkin the fundamentalist critic of biotechnology fundamentalist critic of biotechnology is seen differently.is seen differently.

Buddhist Deconstruction Buddhist Deconstruction and New Technologiesand New Technologies

Living things, complained Rifkin “are Living things, complained Rifkin “are no longer perceived as carrots and no longer perceived as carrots and peas, foxes and hens. …. All living peas, foxes and hens. …. All living things are drained of their aliveness things are drained of their aliveness and turned into abstract messages. and turned into abstract messages. ……... There is no longer any question ……... There is no longer any question of sacredness ….. How could there be of sacredness ….. How could there be when there are no longer any when there are no longer any recognizable boundaries to respect”. recognizable boundaries to respect”.

Buddhist Deconstruction Buddhist Deconstruction and New Technologiesand New Technologies

Further, Rifkin continued “as Further, Rifkin continued “as bioengineering technology winds its bioengineering technology winds its way through the many passageways of way through the many passageways of life, stripping one living thing after life, stripping one living thing after another of its identity, replacing the another of its identity, replacing the original creations with technologically original creations with technologically designed replicas, the world gradually designed replicas, the world gradually becomes a lonelier place” . becomes a lonelier place” .

Buddhism stripped this seeming Buddhism stripped this seeming sacredness of identity over two and a sacredness of identity over two and a half millennia ago.half millennia ago.

Buddhist Approach to New Buddhist Approach to New Technologies?Technologies?

A gene does not make a sentient being. A gene does not make a sentient being. Only the stream of a being's existence, of Only the stream of a being's existence, of an onwards flowing history constitutes the an onwards flowing history constitutes the sentient human or the sentient cyborg. sentient human or the sentient cyborg.

A person does not exist as a unique A person does not exist as a unique individual but as a constructed ever individual but as a constructed ever changing flow, an onwardly moving changing flow, an onwardly moving lineage. If to this lineage are added new lineage. If to this lineage are added new elements, new parts, it is but in the very elements, new parts, it is but in the very 'normal' nature of such streams. All such 'normal' nature of such streams. All such streams are constructed from streams are constructed from constituents in an ever moving process. A constituents in an ever moving process. A person's person's normalnormal existence is of such a existence is of such a constructed being. constructed being.

Buddhist Approach to New Buddhist Approach to New Technologies?Technologies?

The artificial introduction of The artificial introduction of elements say to the internal flow elements say to the internal flow from new genes or artifacts to from new genes or artifacts to humans is but another humans is but another manifestation of the normal manifestation of the normal construction of such flows. construction of such flows.

From a realist's perspective, From a realist's perspective, there is no difference.there is no difference.

Angst and FearAngst and Fear But such a perspective makes one But such a perspective makes one

squeamish. Raises fright, alarm and even squeamish. Raises fright, alarm and even disgust. One would not mind, a set of false disgust. One would not mind, a set of false teeth, even an implanted one, a prosthesis teeth, even an implanted one, a prosthesis for one's limbs say, a walking stick or for for one's limbs say, a walking stick or for that matter even a motorized electronically that matter even a motorized electronically controlled one. But messing up one's controlled one. But messing up one's interiority, ones subjectivity, evokes an interiority, ones subjectivity, evokes an entirely different order of emotions. entirely different order of emotions.

The aliens taking over minds, raises different The aliens taking over minds, raises different feelings, of one's own consciousness being feelings, of one's own consciousness being invaded. It is after all, putting doubt on one's invaded. It is after all, putting doubt on one's own subjectively-felt oneness that is at stake. own subjectively-felt oneness that is at stake.

Angst and Fear NormalAngst and Fear Normal But in such instances, the Buddha himself But in such instances, the Buddha himself

had been very firm, rejecting the views of had been very firm, rejecting the views of persons who take the thing called the persons who take the thing called the 'mind' or 'consciousness' to be an 'mind' or 'consciousness' to be an unchanging substance.unchanging substance.

In that case it was better he argued, for a In that case it was better he argued, for a person to take the physical body as an person to take the physical body as an unchanging 'self', rather than thought, unchanging 'self', rather than thought, mind or consciousness, because the body mind or consciousness, because the body was at least more solid in appearance than was at least more solid in appearance than the mental, which are ephemeral and the mental, which are ephemeral and continually change and so are hardly continually change and so are hardly candidate for permanency candidate for permanency

Fear of flying?Fear of flying? But experiencing the intrusion of the But experiencing the intrusion of the

new technologies that remake us new technologies that remake us biologically and culturally, in an internal biologically and culturally, in an internal sense is disturbing. It challenges our sense is disturbing. It challenges our sense of self. sense of self.

"This idea that I may not be, I may not "This idea that I may not be, I may not have, is frightening to the uninstructed" have, is frightening to the uninstructed" as the Buddha himself put it. as the Buddha himself put it.

And, as the belief in an abiding self is And, as the belief in an abiding self is deep rooted in humans, the contrary deep rooted in humans, the contrary position is 'against the current' as the position is 'against the current' as the Buddhist texts say on one other occasionBuddhist texts say on one other occasion

Facing constructed Facing constructed humanityhumanity

If then in the coming future, it is If then in the coming future, it is inevitable that we be constructed and inevitable that we be constructed and reconstructed, from bio, nano, and reconstructed, from bio, nano, and information technology, what should be information technology, what should be our epistemological, philosophical, ethical our epistemological, philosophical, ethical and subjectively felt guiding principles be. and subjectively felt guiding principles be.

If "we" would then be cyborgs and If "we" would then be cyborgs and hybrids, what should the interiority of hybrids, what should the interiority of robots, of constructed hybrids be, as they robots, of constructed hybrids be, as they navigate reality, and tunnel through time navigate reality, and tunnel through time subjectively subjectively

Inside constructed Inside constructed humanityhumanity

The person is not a ‘what’, but a The person is not a ‘what’, but a process. Being is only a snap shot in process. Being is only a snap shot in the process of becoming, lasting only the process of becoming, lasting only the length of one thought. the length of one thought.

"Just as a chariot wheel in rolling, rolls "Just as a chariot wheel in rolling, rolls only at one point of the tire, and in only at one point of the tire, and in resting rests only at one point; in resting rests only at one point; in exactly the same way, the [internal] exactly the same way, the [internal] life of a living being lasts only for the life of a living being lasts only for the period of one thought. As soon as that period of one thought. As soon as that thought has ceased, the being is said thought has ceased, the being is said to have ceased”.to have ceased”.

Inside constructed Inside constructed humanityhumanity

There is no stable sub stratum to be There is no stable sub stratum to be considered the self. It just symbolizes a considered the self. It just symbolizes a stream of physical and psychological stream of physical and psychological phenomena that is perishing. This is the phenomena that is perishing. This is the correct view to be internalized in the correct view to be internalized in the inevitable day of the cyborg. As the 5inevitable day of the cyborg. As the 5thth C C Sri Lankan text Sri Lankan text Vissudhi MaggaVissudhi Magga put it: put it:

There is no doer but the deedThere is no doer but the deedThere is no experiencer but the experience.There is no experiencer but the experience.Constituent parts roll on. Constituent parts roll on. This is the true and correct viewThis is the true and correct view

Constructed Humanity: Constructed Humanity: Mind And BodyMind And Body

“The mental and material, both are here in fact,

A human substance though cannot be found,

Void it is, set up like a machine, A mass of conflict, like a bundle of

grass and sticks.”

- 5th C AC Vissudhi MaggaVissudhi Magga

Constructed Humanity: “I” Constructed Humanity: “I” as Robotas Robot

"As a puppet walks and stands through a combination of wood and strings, although it is empty, without life, without impulse, so this contraption of mental and material factors [the person], void, without soul, without free will can walk and stand, as if it had will and work of its own”

5th C AC Vissudhi MaggaVissudhi Magga

Buddhist Constructed Buddhist Constructed Humanity? Humanity?

Those bio, nano and information Those bio, nano and information technologists who are reconstructing technologists who are reconstructing humans may not know it, but they are humans may not know it, but they are foundationally Buddhistsfoundationally Buddhists

In both perspectives the body and In both perspectives the body and mind are intertwined and changing. mind are intertwined and changing.

In both perspectives the body and In both perspectives the body and mind are not mystical but constructedmind are not mystical but constructed

In both perspectives the body and In both perspectives the body and mind are malleable in definable waysmind are malleable in definable ways

There is a differenceThere is a difference

Those who are making a new Those who are making a new reconstructed humanity view their reconstructed humanity view their phenomena from the outside, as objects phenomena from the outside, as objects

Buddhists have analyzed partly Buddhists have analyzed partly subjectively, partly from within subjectively, partly from within

May be we should examine constructed May be we should examine constructed humans internally humans internally

That is internalize being a robot, a That is internalize being a robot, a cyborgcyborg

Like asking “What is it to be a robot?”Like asking “What is it to be a robot?”

The futureThe future

The future according to Buddhist The future according to Buddhist epistemology is definitely not epistemology is definitely not “human”. There was no such “human”. There was no such unique "human" entity in the first unique "human" entity in the first place. In the beginning we were, if place. In the beginning we were, if you will, only empty souls, “robots”. you will, only empty souls, “robots”.

Welcome then to non-self Welcome then to non-self actualization, to Nirvana (in the actualization, to Nirvana (in the original technical Buddhist sense). original technical Buddhist sense). 

An exploratory exerciseAn exploratory exercise The above was an exploratory The above was an exploratory

exercise into fact, epistemology and exercise into fact, epistemology and the imagination, some might even the imagination, some might even say of the speculative. But it is no say of the speculative. But it is no more speculative than the faulty more speculative than the faulty constructions of Asia by a Marx and constructions of Asia by a Marx and Weber. Weber.

And as Asia comes to its own we And as Asia comes to its own we need more exercises in epistemology need more exercises in epistemology and the imagination as guides to and the imagination as guides to view the coming world.view the coming world.

Thank you!Thank you!