Philosophy of Mysticism: Raids on the Ineffable

Review "Jones's detailed treatment of a wide number of topics, largely argued convincingly, makes this a superb book. ... Philosophy of Mysticism, Raids on the Ineffable is one of the very best books out on the philosophy of mysticism." Jerome Gellman, Reading Religion: A Publication of the American Academy of Religion"This is a significant extension of the seminal work by Walter Stace, Mysticism and Philosophy. That work has stimulated much literature, all of which Jones manages to review here. He critically extends Stace's universal core and embeds it in a sophisticated discussion of the extent, range, and metaphysical implications of mysticism." -- Ralph W. Hood, Jr., coauthor of The Psychology of Religion: An Empirical Approach"Jones' impressive study is the first of such a scope since William Stace's seminal studies in mysticism. ... Jones skillfully shows the complexities and difficulties for the modern (western) philosopher in understanding what exactly is being represented in the texts of various mystics. ... Jones is to be commended for establishing clear parameters for accepting how forms of mystical experience are represented in the minds of mystics themselves, in the theories of scientific demonstration, in the constraints of religious orthodoxy, and the criteria of modern philosophy." -- The Year's Work in Critical and Cultural Theory"...this book presents an interesting overview of the philosophical issues concerning mysticism, and is an important contribution to the philosophy of mysticism." -- H-Net Reviews (H-Judiac) Product Description This work is a comprehensive study of the philosophical issues raised by mysticism. Mystics claim to experience reality in a way not available in normal life, a claim which makes this phenomenon interesting from a philosophical perspective. Richard H. Jones s inquiry focuses on the skeleton of beliefs and values of mysticism: knowledge claims made about the nature of reality and of human beings; value claims about what is significant and what is ethical; and mystical goals and ways of life. Jones engages language, epistemology, metaphysics, science, and the philosophy of mind. Methodological issues in the study of mysticism are also addressed. Examples of mystical experience are drawn chiefly from Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta, but also from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Daoism. About the Author Richard H. Jones holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in the history and philosophy of religion and an A.B. from Brown University in religious studies. He also has a J.D. from the University of California at Berkeley and practiced law in New York City, where he lives. He is the author of numerous books, including The Heart of Buddhist Wisdom, Nagarjuna: Buddhism's Most Important Philosopher, Indian Madhyamaka Buddhism After Nagarjuna, Science and Mysticism (Bucknell University Press), Mysticism Examined (SUNY Press), Reductionism (Bucknell University Press), Mysticism and Morality (Lexington Books), Mystery 101 (SUNY Press), and numerous philosophy of religion and law review articles. His website is richardjonesbooks.com.