The institutions of the middle ages are generally seen as tradition-bound; Monks and Markets challenges this assumption. Durham``s outstanding archive has allowed the uncovering of an unprecedented level of detail about the purchasing strategies of one of England``s foremost monasteries, and it is revealed that the monks were indeed reflective, responsive, and innovative when required.

For over a decade, a small group of scientists and philosophers-members of the Mind and Life Institute-have met regularly to explore the intersection between science and the spirit. At one of these meetings, the themes discussed were both fundamental and profound: can physics, chemistry, and biology explain the mystery of life? How do our philosophical assumptions influence science and the ethics we bring to biotechnology? And how does an ancient spiritual tradition throw new light on these questions?

Pier Luigi Luisi not only reproduces this dramatic, cross-cultural dialogue, in which world-class scientists, philosophers, and Buddhist scholars develop a holistic approach to the scientific exploration of reality, but also adds scientific background to their presentations, as well as supplementary discussions with prominent participants and attendees.