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The Five Principles of Middle Way Philosophy: Living Experientially in a World of Uncertainty
This second book in the 'Middle Way Philosophy' series develops five general principles that are distinctive to the universal Middle Way as a practical response to absolutization. These begin with the consistent acknowledgement of human uncertainty (scepticism), and follow through with openness to alternative possibilities (provisionality), the importance of judging things as a matter of degree (incrementality), the clear rejection of polarised absolute claims (agnosticism) and the cultivation of cognitive and emotional states that will help us resolve conflict (integration). These are discussed not only in theory, but with links to the wide range of established human practices that can help us to follow them. Like all of Robert M. Ellis's work, this book is highly inter-disciplinary, drawing on philosophical argument, psychological models and values that prioritize practical application.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published February 1, 2023
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About the author
Robert M. Ellis
24 books5 followersRobert M Ellis is the author of more than 20 books on Middle Way Philosophy, which is a practical philosophy focused on making the most of our experience in all our judgements. Initially inspired by the Buddha's Middle Way and Buddhist practice, he completed a Ph.D. on the Middle Way in 2001 that marked the beginning of his work exploring the universal Middle Way in relation to Western philosophy, psychology, systems, embodiment, and a range of other disciplines. He is now on the second wave of development of Middle Way Philosophy, in a new series being published by Equinox, beginning with 'Absolutization' (2022) and 'The Five Principles of the Middle Way'. (2023) He has also published books about the Middle Way in relation to Buddhism, Christianity, and Jungian archetypes, as well as the introductory book 'Migglism' (2014), the short argument 'Buddhism and God' (2021), parable fiction, and poetry. He now lives in Wales, where he runs a retreat centre and is cultivating a forest garden.
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November 26, 2024
Scepticism, provisionality, incrementally, agnosticism, and integration. Robert Ellis presents these five principles of Middle Way philosophy and writes at length of their practical application into our lives.
Why practice these principles? See Absolutization: The Source of Dogma, Repression, and Conflict. Getting stuck in absolute viewpoints through philosophical, psychological or systemic entrapment is something I can relate to strongly -- having felt its consequences both on an individual and social level. The principles provide ways to steer between absolute beliefs, and their negations, to find the Middle Way.
What do his suggested practices look like? A three-fold approach of:
- integration of desire. Aligning our focus more towards particular objects and away from a scattered focus.
- integration of meaning. Increasing the amount of meaningful associations we can make, for example between symbols, embodied states and experience.
- integration of belief. Resolving conflict through examining beliefs and reframing their contexts.
which all are guided by the above principles.
Practically for me this book has led to me taking up a greater amount of meditation (integration of desire) and provided inspiration for a greater amount of general study -- both in the arts and language-based disciplines (integration of meaning). It has also created a wish to develop more conscious critical thinking skills (integration of belief) which I'm sure will aid me in both life and work.
The practices also have socio-political forms too, with mediation taking a firm place in resolving conflict (integration of desire). General communication and getting to know others is a great way to learn more about the world (integration of meaning). Lastly our political and academic institutions can be areas where beliefs are explored and integrated to bring society into alignment (integration of beliefs).
This summary is really the tip of the iceberg since each principle and practice seems to be its own rabbit hole of details and implications. A highly recommended read.
Why practice these principles? See Absolutization: The Source of Dogma, Repression, and Conflict. Getting stuck in absolute viewpoints through philosophical, psychological or systemic entrapment is something I can relate to strongly -- having felt its consequences both on an individual and social level. The principles provide ways to steer between absolute beliefs, and their negations, to find the Middle Way.
What do his suggested practices look like? A three-fold approach of:
- integration of desire. Aligning our focus more towards particular objects and away from a scattered focus.
- integration of meaning. Increasing the amount of meaningful associations we can make, for example between symbols, embodied states and experience.
- integration of belief. Resolving conflict through examining beliefs and reframing their contexts.
which all are guided by the above principles.
Practically for me this book has led to me taking up a greater amount of meditation (integration of desire) and provided inspiration for a greater amount of general study -- both in the arts and language-based disciplines (integration of meaning). It has also created a wish to develop more conscious critical thinking skills (integration of belief) which I'm sure will aid me in both life and work.
The practices also have socio-political forms too, with mediation taking a firm place in resolving conflict (integration of desire). General communication and getting to know others is a great way to learn more about the world (integration of meaning). Lastly our political and academic institutions can be areas where beliefs are explored and integrated to bring society into alignment (integration of beliefs).
This summary is really the tip of the iceberg since each principle and practice seems to be its own rabbit hole of details and implications. A highly recommended read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review