David Loy

David Loy (born 1947) is an American scholar and author known primarily for his work in Buddhist philosophy and comparative philosophy. He is a leading voice in the discussion of socially engaged Buddhism and the intersection of Buddhist thought with contemporary issues such as ecological crisis, social justice, and economics.

Loy received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the National University of Singapore. His academic work explores the implications of Buddhist concepts such as emptiness (sunyata) and no-self (anatta) for understanding the nature of reality and the human condition. He often draws connections between Buddhist insights and Western philosophical traditions, including deconstruction and existentialism.

Key themes in Loy's writing include:

• Nonduality: Exploring the interconnectedness of all things and challenging the subject-object dichotomy.
• The Social Relevance of Buddhism: Emphasizing the ethical and political implications of Buddhist teachings, advocating for a compassionate and just world.
• Ecological Awareness: Highlighting the role of Buddhist principles in addressing environmental degradation and fostering a sustainable way of life.
• The End of Suffering: Analyzing the psychological and social factors that contribute to suffering and exploring pathways to liberation based on Buddhist practice and wisdom.

Loy has authored numerous books, including Nonduality: A Study in Comparative Philosophy, Lack and Transcendence: The Problem of Death and Life in Psychotherapy, Existentialism, and Zen Buddhism, Money, Sex, War, Karma: Notes for a Buddhist Revolution, The Great Awakening: Buddhism and Our Social Crisis, and Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis. He is also a frequent speaker and lecturer on topics related to Buddhism and contemporary issues. He is emeritus professor of ethics/religions and society at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.