In this episode of Philosophize This!, Stephen West delves into Byung Chul Han's "The Philosophy of Zen Buddhism," exploring how Western subjectivity contributes to the burnout society and digital panopticon. West outlines Han's critique of neoliberalism, where individuals are pressured into constant self-improvement, leading to narcissism and mental health issues. He contrasts this with Zen Buddhism's alternative perspective, which emphasizes emptiness, interconnectedness, and dwelling nowhere, challenging Western notions of God, substance, self, and home. By examining Zen concepts and examples, West illustrates how embracing impermanence and friendliness can offer a less anxious and more connected way of relating to the world, ultimately questioning the Western pursuit of control over life and death.
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