An updated classification of meditation methods using principles of taxonomy and systematics
Jonathan Nash, Andrew B. Newberg
Frontiers in Psychology February 8, 2023 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1062535 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Taxonomy biology Assertion Cognitive science Epistemology Management science Cognitive psychology Artificial intelligence Ecology |
| Citations | 21 |
| Key points | Proposes that meditation methods can be classified into three orthogonal categories using a three-tier system based on functional essentialism and the affect-cognition paradigm, and that recent neuroscience research validates this approach. |
Abstract
This paper revisits the proposal for the classification of meditation methods which we introduced in our initial 2013 publication, "Toward a Universal Taxonomy and Definition of Meditation". At that time, we advanced the thesis that meditation methods could be effectively segregated into three orthogonal categories by integrating the taxonomic principle of functional essentialism and the paradigm of Affect and Cognition; and we presented relevant research findings which supported that assertion. This iteration expands upon those theoretical and methodological elements by articulating a more comprehensive Three Tier Classification System which accounts for the full range of meditation methods; and demonstrates how recent neuroscience research continues to validate and support our thesis. This paper also introduces a novel criterion-based protocol for formulating classification systems of meditation methods, and demonstrates how this model can be used to compare and evaluate various other taxonomy proposals that have been published over the past 15 years.