A Philosophy of Emptiness - Softcover

'Gay Watson's marvelous book provides the first in-depth study of the concept of emptiness as it is used in contexts as diverse as ancient Buddhist philosophy and the practice of contemporary art. A Philosophy of Emptiness is a penetrating inquiry into the liberating and challenging implications of an idea whose time may now be upon us.' - Stephen Batchelor, author of Confession of a Buddhist Atheist 'This insightful and fascinating dive into emptiness stimulates on every page.' - Wayne McGregor, resident choreographer, Royal Ballet 'Overflowing with clarity, insight, dry humour, and sheer verve in its explorations of reality and our consciousness ... this wide-ranging examination of existence and experience is both contemporary and likely to become a classic.' - Rick Hanson, author of Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom 'Gay Watson makes us think profoundly about that challenge of action and inaction, in the arts and in life ... a most stimulating reflection on the pressures of our time, which will give everyone pause for thought.' - Nicholas Kenyon, Managing Director, Barbican Centre

In this book Gay Watson offers an alternative view of emptiness via a tour of early and non-Western philosophy, taking us from Buddhism, Taoism and religious mysticism to the contemporary world of philosophy, science and art practice. While traditionally most Western philosophies have been concerned with substance and foundation, she finds that modern and postmodern times have seen a resurgence of ideas of emptiness and offers reasons why this concept has attracted contemporary musicians, artists and scientists, as well as pre-eminent thinkers of earlier ages. A Philosophy of Emptiness probes the idea of how a life without transcendence might be lived, and why one might choose it. It links these concepts to current ideas of meditation and the mind, and offers a rich and intriguing take on the idea of emptiness, reclaiming it as a positive, empowering state.