Living Deliberately through Existential Despair

Justin McDaniel’s research is within Buddhist Studies and a broader study of human flourishing. In this talk, he explores two courses he teaches that ask students either to take on monastic vows (no tech for a month, no speaking or touching, food & dress restrictions, etc.) or read books cover to cover from 5pm to midnight in silence.

It will discuss student experiences, and why turning off and learning how to single-task can lead to unexpected felicities and revelations.

This is a joint event for Buddhist Studies and the Scottish Network for Religion and Literature.

Venue information

In line with fire safety regulations attendees using a wheelchair must be able to self-transfer to an evac chair in order to safely evacuate the building.

This venue is fully accessible however, if you require disabled access, please email pippa.innes@ed.ac.uk so that we can ensure we accommodate this.