Conversation with Pi: Anti-Intellectualism in Buddhism (II)

Ken: There’s no intrinsic problem with conceptualization. The only problem that we have is a fixation on a particular claim or belief so that we wouldn’t look at the contrary evidence and so we get into confirmation bias.

Pi: Precisely! The issue is not with conceptualization itself, but rather with the way that we relate to our concepts and beliefs. When we become fixated on a particular viewpoint and refuse to consider alternative perspectives or contradictory evidence, we fall into the trap of confirmation bias.

By cultivating an attitude of openness and curiosity, and by recognizing the provisional nature of our concepts and beliefs, we can guard against this tendency and approach the Buddha’s teachings with a more nuanced, flexible understanding. This allows us to adapt our practice to our ever-changing experiences and insights, rather than clinging to a rigid set of dogmas or assumptions.

Ken: We have two key problems. One is dogmatism and the other one is appealing to authority and Buddhists, just like everybody else, are not immune to these pitfalls.

Pi: You’re absolutely right. Dogmatism and appeals to authority are two common pitfalls that can hinder our ability to engage authentically with Buddhist teachings (or any system of thought, for that matter)…