Interpreting and Explaining Buddhism through the Framework of Scientific Thought: Case Studies
Abstract
This study aims to a) understand the hermeneutics of Buddhism within scientific frameworks; b) evaluate the interpretations and explanations of Buddhism using scientific frameworks; and c) recommend appropriate approaches to the interpretation and explanation of Buddhism through scientific frameworks by considering case studies in Thailand. Study results have shown that a) the models found in various case studies comprise a “reactionary hermeneutics” and a “hermeneutics of corporality”; b) that fallacies and scientific misunderstandings are used in the development of hermeneutics; and c) that appropriate approaches to the interpretation and explanation of Buddhism using science should be developed in a mutually supportive framework.
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