Reasons and Empty Persons: Mind, Metaphysics, and Morality

Best known for his groundbreaking and influential work in Buddhist philosophy, Mark Siderits is the pioneer of "fusion" or "confluence philosophy", a boldly systematic approach to doing philosophy premised on the ideathat rational reconstruction ofpositions in one tradition in light of another can sometimes help address perennialproblemsand often lead to new and valuable insights. Exemplifying the many virtues of the confluence approach, this collection of essays covers all core areas of Buddhist philosophy, as well as topics and disputes incontemporary Western philosophy relevant to its study. They consider in particular the ways in which questions concerning personal identity figure indebates about agency, cognition, causality, ontological foundations,foundational truths, and moral cultivation.Most of these essaysengageSiderits' workdirectly, building on his pathbreaking ideas and interpretations. Manydealwith issues that have become a common staple in philosophical engagements with traditions outside the West. Their variety and breadth beartestimony to the legacy of Siderits' impact inshaping the contemporaryconversation in Buddhist philosophy and its reverberations inmainstreamphilosophy, giving readers a clear senseof the remarkable scopeofhis work.