Leiden University Student Repository

Glas, Charlotte (2020)

Polarisation in Separation A Buddhist View on Affective Polarisation

Bachelor thesis | Wijsbegeerte (BA)

This thesis seeks to examine the strand of Buddhism called Engaged Buddhism within the context of a Western political science concept called affective polarisation. Formulated in differing societal contexts on different continent, the doctrines expressed in both theories inevitably showcase differences between one another. However, more interesting than the differences that can be found are the similarities, which provide striking and illuminating points of correspondence. Formulating the structure of this thesis by means of the triad of thesis, antithesis, synthesis might clarify the effort that will be undertaken. The first chapter will discuss arguments in support of how affective polarisation can best be ameliorated. Affective polarisation has been addressed as fitting into the theory of social identity. The second chapter will look at how from a Western perspective, similarities can be discerned in Engaged Buddhism with regards to affective polarisation. But more importantly,...Show moreThis thesis seeks to examine the strand of Buddhism called Engaged Buddhism within the context of a Western political science concept called affective polarisation. Formulated in differing societal contexts on different continent, the doctrines expressed in both theories inevitably showcase differences between one another. However, more interesting than the differences that can be found are the similarities, which provide striking and illuminating points of correspondence. Formulating the structure of this thesis by means of the triad of thesis, antithesis, synthesis might clarify the effort that will be undertaken. The first chapter will discuss arguments in support of how affective polarisation can best be ameliorated. Affective polarisation has been addressed as fitting into the theory of social identity. The second chapter will look at how from a Western perspective, similarities can be discerned in Engaged Buddhism with regards to affective polarisation. But more importantly, this chapter will allow for a different Buddhist perspective on how to tackle the problem of affective polarisation. The conclusion will naturally culminate in the synthesis.Show less

Engaged Buddhism

Polarisation

Political Science

Author

Glas, Charlotte

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Li, Jingjing

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en