Research Statement
My research lies at the intersection of Chan Buddhism, Kierkegaard, cognitive science, and ethics. My work integrates Eastern and Western traditions to address questions about truth, ethics, and the self, reflecting an interdisciplinary methodology that connects philosophy, religious thought, and cognitive science. I aim to deepen our understanding of how truth and ethical frameworks shape belief, selfhood, and decision-making in diverse cultural and practical contexts.
My forthcoming book, Knowing/Seeing Truth: Conceptual Bridges Between Kierkegaard and Chan Buddhism (Springer, 2025), reframes Kierkegaard’s existential philosophy through the lens of Chan Buddhism, particularly the teachings of Huineng, using Conceptual Metaphor Theory. This work generates innovative perspectives on truth and ethics, demonstrating the relevance of cross-cultural philosophy to contemporary challenges.
Buddhist Studies and Comparative Philosophy
A central focus of my research is the philosophical and ethical dimensions of Chinese Chan Buddhism and its dialogues with Western thought. My doctoral research reinterpreted Kierkegaard’s concept of “truth as subjectivity” through Chan Buddhist notions of non-duality and emptiness. By engaging with Huineng’s teachings, I identified resonances between Kierkegaard’s emphasis on subjective engagement with truth and the Chan Buddhist understanding of self-transformation. This comparative framework highlights the interplay between personal ethical responsibility and self-cultivation, offering new insights into global philosophical and ethical discourses.
I argue that Chan Buddhism’s emphasis on direct experience and self-realization complements Kierkegaard’s existential focus, presenting a unified perspective on the nature of truth and ethical action. This integration provides a robust framework for addressing modern ethical dilemmas by harmonizing inward transformation with practical decision-making.
Truth, Belief, and Ethical Decision-Making
Expanding on my comparative work, I explore how truth and belief influence ethical decision-making processes. In particular, I examine how different traditions conceptualize truth—such as Chan Buddhism’s “seeing into one’s nature” and Western theories like coherence and pragmatism—and their implications for belief systems. By incorporating cognitive science frameworks, such as dual-process theory, my research investigates how individuals navigate uncertainty in high-stakes ethical contexts.
My comparative approach bridges Chan Buddhist insights on mindfulness and clarity with Western philosophical and cognitive models, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how truth informs ethical resilience and responsible action.
Ethics and Artificial Intelligence
Building on my expertise in ethical frameworks, my recent work addresses the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence (AI), with particular attention to healthcare applications. Autonomous AI systems challenge traditional understandings of truth and accountability, particularly in scenarios requiring life-critical decisions. My project, Ethical Frameworks for Autonomous AI Decision-Making in Healthcare: Balancing Accountability and Machine Learning, investigates how Buddhist principles of mindfulness and ethical clarity can inform AI governance.
By integrating Chan Buddhist practices of attentiveness with cognitive and philosophical insights, I explore how human-AI collaboration can mitigate biases, enhance transparency, and improve decision-making in ethically complex environments. This interdisciplinary approach offers practical and theoretical guidance for navigating the ethical challenges posed by AI technologies.
Future Directions
My future research will continue to deepen the integration of Buddhist Studies, particularly Chan, with contemporary ethical and philosophical challenges. I aim to expand the application of Chan Buddhist insights to global issues in ethics, AI, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, I plan to further explore the contributions of Chinese and Indian philosophies to global discourses on truth, belief, and ethics.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, my research seeks to foster a richer understanding of truth and ethics while addressing pressing global challenges. By bridging Buddhist thought, philosophy, and cognitive science, I hope to develop frameworks that promote ethical responsibility and resilience in an interconnected world.
Jizhang Yi 