Truth and Knowledge in an Empty World: Essays in Conversation with Tom Tillemans (Studies in Indian and Tibetan Buddhism) - Softcover
Book 34 of 35: Studies in Indian and Tibetan Buddhism
Synopsis
Truth and Knowledge in an Empty World brings together sixteen leading experts in Buddhist philosophy to explore how reliable knowledge is possible when both the knower and the known are understood to be empty of intrinsic identity.
The Dutch-Canadian philosopher Tom J. F. Tillemans has shaped the field of Buddhist philosophy for decades. The seventeen contributions in this volume honor his influence by engaging with his key ideas on truth, knowledge, and epistemology—especially within the Madhyamaka tradition founded by Nagarjuna and developed by Tibetan thinkers.
This collection addresses fundamental questions: Should Buddhists refrain from analyzing everyday truths and accept common opinion, or should they critique and refine such truths to reduce ignorance? If critique is necessary, what standards should guide it? And if, as Nagarjuna argues, there are no ultimate metaphysical foundations, how can one meaningfully claim that a statement is true or false?
Readers will encounter rigorous and thought-provoking arguments on how Buddhist philosophy can avoid what Tillemans calls the “dismal slough” of relativism. Contributors expand upon his work, sometimes challenging it directly and at other times offering careful refinements and extensions.
Edited by Sara McClintock, the volume opens with an illuminating introduction that traces Tillemans’ intellectual journey and captures the spirit of philosophical inquiry that has defined his career—an enduring commitment to questioning received wisdom.
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Truth and Knowledge in an Empty World : Essays in Conversation with Tom Tillemans
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Taschenbuch. Condition: Neu. Neuware - In Truth and Knowledge in an Empty World, sixteen leading experts in Buddhist philosophy tackle complex problems of how we can gain reliable knowledge when both the knower and what is known are empty of any intrinsic identity.The Dutch-Canadian philosopher Tom J. F. Tillemans has been influential in the field of Buddhist philosophy for decades, and the seventeen contributions to this volume celebrate that influence by engaging some of his core ideas about the nature and possibility of truth and knowledge, particularly in the Madhyamaka stream of Buddhist thought initiated in India by Nagarjuna and continued by Tibetan philosophers. Should Buddhists refrain from analyzing quotidian truths and thus remain content with popular opinion Or should Buddhists seek ways to critique and reform customary truths in the interest of reducing ignorance If the latter, what criteria should guide the critique If, as Nagarjuna argues with his philosophy of emptiness, there are no metaphysical foundations for our epistemological practices, then to what may a Buddhist appeal in asserting that a given statement is either true or false Readers will find here arguments about how such truths may be saved from what Tom has labeled the "dismal slough" of abject relativism. Tillemans has offered a variety of such solutions in his publications over the years, and here scholars extend his analyses, at times vehemently disagreeing and at other times suggesting nuanced extension or improvement of his ideas. As a tribute to Tillemans, the book highlights what has been central to his work: the unceasing commitment to questioning received wisdom. As the volume's editor, Sara McClintock has provided a marvelous introduction that provides both an account of Tillemans' life and intellectual journey and a taste of the immense pleasure that may arise when having a philosophical conversation with Tom Tillemans. Contents Preface Introduction: Conversations with Tom Tillemans Part 1. Truth Epistemology for Madhyamikas: How Many Hairs Are Falling Jay L. Garfield Candrakirti on the Couch: Why Madhyamikas Need Analysis Mark Siderits Materials for the Study of Cowherds: Are Their Beliefs Normative for Candrakirti Dan Arnold Candrakirti's Tripartite Theory of Conventional Truths: A Case Against Typical-Atypical Readings Sonam Thakchoe Part 2. Knowledge Can Emptiness Be Understood Philosophically Jose Ignacio Cabezon Self-Knowledge and Attachment: A View from Madhyamaka Jonardon Ganeri Bhaviveka's Proof Formulation in Light of Dignaga's Logic Shoryu Katsura Stairway to Ultimate Truth: Gyamarwa's Reinterpretation of the Satyadvayavibha ga Chizuko Yoshimizu On Levels in Madhyamaka John Dunne One, Many, or Neither Neither-One-Nor-Many Arguments in Dharmakirti's Philosophy of Mind Birgit Kellner Negative Dialectics in Madhyamaka Practice Kenneth Liberman Symmetric Existential Dependence Relations in Madhyamaka Jan Westerhoff Part 3. World Whose World Is This Reflections on Customary Truth Sara McClintock The World Is Not Enough: An Early Tibetan Discussion on the Division of Customary Truth Pascale Hugon Unity of the Two Truths: Some Sources and Implications of a Central Buddhist Tantric Doctrine David Higgins Part 4. Reflections and Responses On Truth, Knowledge, Typical/Atypical Madhyamaka Philosophies, and the Science of Tuesdays Tom J. F. Tillemans Index About the Contributors. Seller Inventory # 9798890700322