Description
Book SynopsisExamines how the Brahmanical tradition of Purva Mimamsa and the writings of the seventh-century Buddhist Madhyamika philosopher Candrakirti challenged dominant Indian Buddhist views of epistemology. This book retrieves these two different but equally important voices of philosophical dissent.
Trade ReviewArnold's book is impressive on many levels. It is a brilliant study of several key figures in the history of medieval Indian thought. It is also a thought-provoking and intelligent exploration of contemporary issues in epistemology and philosophy of religion that makes the potential audience of the book much wider than the relatively small circle of those of who delight themselves by picking their way through the briar patches of difficult Sanskrit and Tibetan texts. Finally, it is a profoundly civilized book, one based on an abundant charity of interpretation that offers thoughtful criticism without any trace of a tone of denigration of the many positions entertained... A delightfully provocative book. -- Richard Hayes Journal of the American Academy of Religion Arnold's book has been an instant success, and it is clear that any future work on Dignaga, Candrakirti, and their Hindu rivals will have to take its arguments into account. -- Malcolm David Eckel H-Buddhism A thoroughly stimulating read for anyone interested in Indian, Buddhist or cross-cultural philosophy. -- Douglas Osto The Journal of Religion An illuminating and lucidly written study... recommended for anyone interested in the study of religious thought. -- Mario D'Amato Religious Studies Review Thought-provoking. Journal of Buddhist Ethics
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction: On the Rational Reconstruction of South Asian Philosophy Part I: Buddhist Foundationalism 1. Dignaga's Transformation of Buddhist Abhidharma 2. The Problems with Buddhist Foundationalism Part II: The Reformed Epistemology of Purva Mimamsa 3. Nobody Is Seen Going to Heaven: Toward an Epistemology That Supports the Authority of the Vedas 4. Are the Vedas Are Intrinsically True? Prima Facie Justification and the Mimasaka Critique of Buddhist Foundationalism Part III: The Metaphysical Arguments of Madhyamaka 5. A Philosophical Grammar for the Study of Madhyamaka 6. Candrakirti Against Bare Particulars: An Expression of Madhyamika Metaphysics 7. Is It Really True That Everything Is Empty? Candrakirti on Essencelessness as the Essence of Things Conclusion: Justification and Truth, Relativism and Pragmatism: Some Lessons for Religious Studies Notes References Index
