Buddhism, Knowledge and Liberation: A Philosophical Study

by Burton,David

• ISBN13: 9780754604358
• ISBN10: 0754604357
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-03-28
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Buddhism, Knowledge and Liberation assesses the common Buddhist idea that knowledge of the three characteristics of existence (impermanence, not-self and suffering) is the key to liberation. It argues that this claim must be seen in the context of the Buddhist path and training as a whole. Sensitive to the wide diversity of philosophical perspectives and interpretation that Buddhism has engendered, this book makes a serious contribution to critical and philosophically aware engagement with Buddhist thought.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
1 First Thoughts on Knowledge and Liberation	1	(10)
2 Impermanence, Not-self and Suffering	11	(20)
3 Thorough Knowledge Versus Deficient Understanding	31	(24)
4 Moral Knowledge and the Buddhist Path	55	(24)
5 Buddhist Anti-realism	79	(27)
6 Buddhist Scepticism	106	(24)
7 Mysticism and Ineffability	130	(33)
8 Compassion, Faith and Human Fallibility	163	(10)
Bibliography	173	(8)
Index	181