Existential Rationalism: Handling Hume's Fork

by Marcel Eschauzier

What if Western thought is warped by an illusion so persuasive that it affects almost every aspect of our understanding, including modern science? Scientists look for objective knowledge. But suppose the distinction between the observer and the observed does not exist. This insight—called nondual recognition—is deeply counterintuitive; few grasp its full implications. Yet rational thought points to a nondual world, as articulated in Existential Rationalism. The realization forces us to reexamine the foundations of modern science: Without an objective reality, what makes empirical evidence scientific?
This paradox takes us back to the 1700s when David Hume shook the foundations of rationalist philosophy with his compelling case for empiricism. Rationalism never fully recovered from his challenge. However, Eschauzier argues that nondual recognition is the missing piece to reinstate reason as the supreme scientific principle: Without an objective reality, reason justifies empirical science.
Thus revitalized, rational thought’s four foundational principles still offer trailblazing clarity today. From understanding the dualistic disposition in psychology to nuancing quantum mechanics interpretations, Existential Rationalism charts a bold path forward, synthesizing ancient wisdom and modern science.

Genres: Philosophy

205 pages, Hardcover

Published November 29, 2021

About the author

Marcel’s Zentient series brings nonduality from lofty promise into lived practice. A playful “zengineer,” he builds bridges where Zen and reason finally stop bickering and hug it out. Join https://simplynondual.substack.com for his latest, and discover much more at https://simplynondual.com.

Reviews

[Henryan Arkson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Existential Rationalism: A great book to make you ponder about our limited grasp of reality!

The narrative takes the reader to the Eastern monistic thinking of Satori and Tao, the ontic knowledge handle of Hume’s fork. All knowledge is sensory data processed by one’s customs and habits, which implies we are limited by our own perception of true knowledge.

In that manner, there are discrepancies of scientific data that have been available for decades, with room for improvement in epistemology and philosophy of science, since science is subjected to falsification through a method known as induction. Such method is our only choice for an observed phenome because its reasons are beyond our reach.

Like Hume, it is necessary to understand the limitations of reason. Hence, both prongs of Hume’s fork, matters of fact, and relation of ideas, are purely conceptual.

Among the innumerous concepts described in the book, the ones about being one with reality, living in the present to be mentally whole, and accepting who you are without trying to solve your existence with theories stand out.

[Kim T.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a firm believer that great things happen when different practices and schools of thought coverge to create something new. Arts and hard sciences are often pitted against each other as contradictory and opposite ends of our spectrum of knowledge. This book is a wonderful example of how philosophy and science can be integrated to deepen our understanding of both. I love the concept and arguments, but to the casual reader like me, the discussions can get a bit heavy. Hard core enthusiasts, though, may find it as easy reading! I especially loved the last chapter on Tao, and I ended up highlighting many quotable quotes. I wish there had been more integration and discussion of Tao in the other chapters, since the premise is that Eastern philosophy can shed light on Western philosophy. Kudos to the author for this inspiring contribution to the world! His unique perspective as an engineer/philosopher brings new insight to existing beliefs and theories. I think this will appeal to a small niche, but can reach a wider audience if written in a less technical style and friendlier way, like Eckhart Tolle's books that went mainstream. Finding meaning has always been an existential problem, many will benefit from realizing and accepting our age-old truth. That the meaning lies in our journey, not the destination.

[Nico Genes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Existential rationalism spiced up with phenomenology and mainstay Zen.

Let me start with the fact that the subject of this book isn't very much in my comfort zone. Still, I was intrigued by the blurb and the introductory pages. Who wouldn't want to know the answers to these questions: »Who am I, and why do I experience life as I do? What can people know about the world anyway?«

After finishing the book, I know a little more, but I have even more questions than before, so I intend to dig further. When I do some more reading, especially on Tao, I'll return to this book, and I'm sure I'll perceive it differently. There are lots of new terms, philosophies, and theories, you name it, that I wasn't very familiar with, and I'm happy I stepped on a path that will only help me understand myself and life better. After all, isn't this what we are looking for? Isn't finding meaning or searching for the truth within us something that may lead us to delve into unknown waters more often than not? We may start to see the bigger picture, or maybe the puzzle pieces may finally begin to connect.

One quote stuck to me: »...there is no purpose in regretting the past if it cannot help us in the present and future.«

The book's first part defines existential rationalism, while the second one puts it to work. It would be easier for me to understand certain concepts and ideas better if the author would use a few more examples in the first part of the book. It didn't seem easy to grasp all the ideas at times, not having a more substantial philosophical background. However, it was an enjoyable read and something that I will return to after a while.

[Floris Slob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took me a little bit of time to find the right "head space" to actually read the book, but when I did - I was amazingly surprised by the writer's effort to discuss topics such as experience, knowledge, reality, the truth and consciousness in such an elaborated way. It's a great collection of several perspectives which try to give explanation to any of these words and so much more.

It felt like a deep-dive into the Abyss of philosophical existential illumination, where in the end I was sufficiently enlightened not to hit my head at the bottom - finding out the journey was more important than its destination; or to stay in the terms of the writer's vocabulary, for years and years I'm no longer a knowledge- but rather an phenomenal (?) experience seeker, and I find this book both exciting and entertaining as it sheds more light on possible interpretations of the total human experience.

At times my wondering mind surfaced to let me know it was hungry for "that particular" missing topic, but it was fed to satisfaction a bit later in the book. All by all a more than interesting read and highly recommended for anybody craving a philosophical outburst or anyone who'd like to think that her/his view of the world is "the truth".

[J.E. Rowney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gosh.
I'm not sure who the intended audience for this book may be, but I really didn't enjoy reading it.
The author appears to have had an existential crisis (as one does at a certain time in one's life) and has worked through it by reading a lot of pop philosophy, watching Dead Poets Society and writing this book. The level of referencing is not deep enough for a practical academic text, but the level of complexity feels too great for a casual read. I've studied philosophy at various times, but I still didn't find this book was a standout. It adds nothing to the body of knowledge. The grammar, formatting and presentation of the content is solid, but I can't recommend that actual book.

[Jenny Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Existential Rationalism: Handling Hume's Fork is the first book on philosophy I have read. I have to admit that, to begin with, I felt as though I had bitten off more than I could chew. I had to keep looking up the meanings of words and my progress was very slow.

I’m so glad that I persisted, as I found the last 3 chapters of the book really fascinating. They covered the application of the theories to psychology. These ideas will definitely stay with me. I’m not sure that I’ve achieved Tao, but I’m closer than I was before I started reading.

[Denis Roubien · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first pages of the introduction, this book caught my attention. An engineer who likes philosophy, but had only been in contact with Western Philosophy, gets in touch with Eastern Philosophy. He discovers that the latter can help one understand things for which reason, the fundamental element of Western philosophy, cannot provide all the answers. I am an architect-engineer who likes to read philosophy but, being also an ardent supporter of reason, has only read Western philosophy, from the ancient Greeks (as a Greek-born) to more recent European philosophers. As a consequence, I was instantly intrigued by the author and this book and HAD to read it. Having done that, I must say this book was perfect for me, as I couldn't relate more to an author than I did with this one. I understand this cannot be the case for every reader, but I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in discovering the differences between Eastern and Western philosophy and how useful it is to understand both. Why? Because the very fact that they are so different can help us have a more complete understanding of our world and ourselves, in order to, as already the ancient Greek philosophers put it, "live a better life".

[Ioana Stoian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever found yourself taken aback by the convoluted and confusing language of a philosophical book? It is often the case many of us would engage in conversations on the deep questions on life, the existence and attributes of the self or the nature of reality, nonetheless quickly disconnect as the conversation becomes riddled with mysticism and baffling terms.
In his book, Marcel Eschauzier breaks the mystical glass ceiling of philosophy and effortlessly puts his structured engineer mind to offer us crystal clear and thought provocative insights on the human mind and beyond.
Released from supernatural explanations and blended in an unexpected yet wonderful symbiosis, the reader will be taken on a fascinating journey through the teachings of Eastern and Western philosophy, question the very fabric of reality and culminate with a riveting and unexpected twist challenging the apostles professing quantum supremacy. A must read for philosophy and science lovers alike!

[Isaac Nasri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Marcel’s Existential Rationalism is a philosophical read that brings the concept of a unique egalitarian theory into display. The author does not hesitate to make criticism of the West’s perception in their analysis on human existence and rationality. The points and critique present in this book are elements that can be relatable as people give too much value and power to the West’s perspective on concepts when the perspective is a flawed one. As a result, the author, despite not growing up in the US, takes heed of this theoretical problem to form his own theory. Readers who are into philosophy that points valid criticism at societal theories will be enlightened with what Marcel has to offer.

[Angela Panayotopulos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by stating I don't think I'm the intended audience for this book. Curiosity gets the better of me, but I'm not a scholar of existentialism or a student of philosophy. Such readers would be much better critics for this book, given that they bring context and a wealth of respective knowledge to this connection of the minds.



That said, I think there's probably something for everyone to glean from this book. There are gems of wisdom scattered regularly throughout; travelling helps patch up one's ignorance with real-world experience; mistakes are an excellent learning method; the journey is the destination, etc. From a writing standpoint, this book is well-written, and often creative and elegant (Reality hides in a mirrored palace! I wish I'd come up with that metaphor!). It's also extensive, deep, and keeps up a constant dance between posing questions and offering the author's answers/theories.

This book is particularly intriguing since the author himself is an interesting blend of experiences: rational engineer, world traveler, curious philosopher. Yet the writing feels heavy (okay, "philosophical" might be more appropriate a term) coming from a former engineer -- or maybe that's just how it feels to me since I'm not a philosopher myself? -- and I would have preferred sparser, more succinct, clear-cut language and structure (I'm not an engineer, but most of my friends/family are, and I love their seemingly innate "simplicity is the ultimate elegance" motto) to juxtapose the convoluted philosophy within this book (and ease me, as a novice, into it). I feel that many philosophical books are written in such a "heavy" style; it perhaps would have been to the writer's advantage to wield his unusual engineering background to write in a more simplistic (*not* meaning "dumbed down") fashion. Then again, this might be my fault; as I said above, I'm likely not the intended audience, and by now my ignorance on the subject should appear obvious. :)



That said, this book undoubtedly contains a wealth of knowledge and precious resources that respective scholars and interested readers will doubtless cherish.

Given all the above: 3.5 stars, rounded to 4.

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eschauzier’s “Existential Rationalism” meets Humes’ “Objective Knowledge”. Anyone who contemplates the state of the world we live in and how best to apply ancient philosophies to modern day issues; should pick up this book. A bit heavy for the casual reader (like me) but a must read for the student of enlightenment. Existential Rationalism asks the big questions and acts as a bridge between Western beliefs and Eastern philosophy. Marcel Eschauzier is a pilot, computer guru and a student of the world: his unique expertise gives new insight and meaning to these discussions. If you want to be challenged in your beliefs and unlock your mind to new ideas and thoughts on existence: this book belongs on your shelf.

[Nicki Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the author took me on their existential journey with them. And I can definitely see this as a good reference book to have: something you can return to again and again. I feel that there is so much packed into the pages of this book that you should easily glean something more from it each time it’s read.

I also liked hearing the author’s take on reality vs experience, and their merging of Western and Eastern philosophical thought.

[Dorothy Mbori · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was an interesting read. I am not a philosophy student, but I was curious about this topic. Sometimes I got lost, and I wish the writer could have simplified the book so a regular non-philosophy student could easily understand it (I feel like I needed a guidebook), but I found some ideas very intriguing. Though this book is not a genre I always read, I found it incredibly insightful, and I know it will give the reader a lot to think about.

[Leam Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Existential Rationalism" is one man's acceptance of Eastern thought for personal understanding. Well written for serious students of philosophy, the author seeks harmony between Western scientific thought and Buddhist/Daoist enlightenment.

Following in the footsteps of Watts and Pirsig, the author shows how Eastern wisdom brings an emotional depth to life that modern Western scientific analysis does not provide. While this makes sense, it's like comparing apples to carburetors. Looking to science for self-actualization won't get you very far. Looking to the East for job satisfaction (Japan's is pretty low), life-value ( Japanese suicide rate for those aged 16-34 is more than twice that of France, Germany, Britain, or Italy), or enlightened government (Mao Zedong's China) won't get you anywhere either.

Philosophy and faith are personal. Truth and reality exist, however difficult humans find those concepts. Sometimes we accept a shadow of them too readily, and that is what the author refused to do. He pushes the reader to think through the what and why of their belief systems. Whether or not you agree with his conclusions or personal path, deep thinking can open the door to a more real life.

[Gwen Merrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

We learn about the author's background and are then presented with a series of unnervingly simple observations of human consciousness and knowledge. These rather dry overtures usher in a marvelous symphony of Zen and Taoist theory in consonant harmony with phenomenology and existentialism in the tradition of Brentano, Husserl and Kierkegaard. The author convinces with graceful finesse to reconsider the western doctrine of objective knowledge and open the mind to sensible alternatives alleged by ancient cultures. Next, the new philosophy is tested and compared to the giants of the Western creed, which results in a virtuoso, kaleidoscopic, and sometimes hilarious excursion of philosophical history.
With determined poise, the author then takes us by the hand for a confrontation with the quantum mechanics orthodoxy of Bohr and Heisenberg, lending a supportive hand to Schrödinger, Einstein, and a relatively obscure scientist named Bohm. The latter three knew all along that we got quantum mechanics the wrong way around but lacked the right arguments to show it. With compelling clarity and experimental proof, we find that the belief in quantum information technology results from a rather peculiar misreading of reality.
The finale of this book is "Psychology 2.0," with an integrated method explaining the Oedipal complex and Jung's "shadow integration" from a subjective, first-person vantage point. When the last tones of this opus die out, the reader is left with a sense of excitement. One wants to tell others about this intercultural and promising new philosophy.

[Marcel Eschauzier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A demanding, outside-the-box philosophical deep dive which aims at reconciling Eastern and Western thought. As Bryan Magee (1930-2019) put it in 2016: “. . . to think “outside” that assumption [that people can know reality] requires not so much intelligence as a radically free yet prehensile act of intellectual imagination, misunderstanders include individuals of the highest intelligence. The form of imagination required is rarer than intelligence. The most gifted of creative artists have it, including great writers, but I fear not many academics.”
—Bryan Magee (2016), Ultimate Questions. Princeton University Press.
Bryan Magee (1930-2019) was a British philosopher, BBC broadcaster, politician, and author who brought philosophy to a popular audience.
His quote shows that the 86-year-old Magee understood the immense challenge of letting go of dualism. Tao equals immediate experience, preceding conceptualization, preventing its capture in words. Yet, the mind tends to conceptualize to understand, so it finds it difficult to grasp Tao.

[Ioana Stoian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever found yourself taken aback by the convoluted and confusing language of a philosophical book? It is often the case many of us would engage in conversations on the deep questions on life, the existence and attributes of the self or the nature of reality, nonetheless quickly disconnect as the conversation becomes riddled with mysticism and baffling terms.
In his book, Marcel Eschauzier breaks the mystical glass ceiling of philosophy and effortlessly puts his structured engineer mind to offer us crystal clear and thought provocative insights on the human mind and beyond.
Released from supernatural explanations and blended in an unexpected yet wonderful symbiosis, the reader will be taken on a fascinating journey through the teachings of Eastern and Western philosophy, question the very fabric of reality and culminate with a riveting and unexpected twist challenging the apostles professing quantum supremacy. A must read for philosophy and science lovers alike!