Apoha

Buddhist Nominalism and Human Cognition

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Eastern
Cover of the book Apoha by , Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9780231527385
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: September 13, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9780231527385
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: September 13, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

When we understand that something is a pot, is it because of one property that all pots share? This seems unlikely, but without this common essence, it is difficult to see how we could teach someone to use the word "pot" or to see something as a pot. The Buddhist apoha theory tries to resolve this dilemma, first, by rejecting properties such as "potness" and, then, by claiming that the element uniting all pots is their very difference from all non-pots. In other words, when we seek out a pot, we select an object that is not a non-pot, and we repeat this practice with all other items and expressions.

Writing from the vantage points of history, philosophy, and cognitive science, the contributors to this volume clarify the nominalist apoha theory and explore the relationship between apoha and the scientific study of human cognition. They engage throughout in a lively debate over the theory's legitimacy. Classical Indian philosophers challenged the apoha theory's legitimacy, believing instead in the existence of enduring essences. Seeking to settle this controversy, essays explore whether apoha offers new and workable solutions to problems in the scientific study of human cognition. They show that the work of generations of Indian philosophers can add much toward the resolution of persistent conundrums in analytic philosophy and cognitive science.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When we understand that something is a pot, is it because of one property that all pots share? This seems unlikely, but without this common essence, it is difficult to see how we could teach someone to use the word "pot" or to see something as a pot. The Buddhist apoha theory tries to resolve this dilemma, first, by rejecting properties such as "potness" and, then, by claiming that the element uniting all pots is their very difference from all non-pots. In other words, when we seek out a pot, we select an object that is not a non-pot, and we repeat this practice with all other items and expressions.

Writing from the vantage points of history, philosophy, and cognitive science, the contributors to this volume clarify the nominalist apoha theory and explore the relationship between apoha and the scientific study of human cognition. They engage throughout in a lively debate over the theory's legitimacy. Classical Indian philosophers challenged the apoha theory's legitimacy, believing instead in the existence of enduring essences. Seeking to settle this controversy, essays explore whether apoha offers new and workable solutions to problems in the scientific study of human cognition. They show that the work of generations of Indian philosophers can add much toward the resolution of persistent conundrums in analytic philosophy and cognitive science.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Survivors of Slavery by
Cover of the book The Song of Everlasting Sorrow by
Cover of the book Fossil Mammals of Asia by
Cover of the book Indians, Markets, and Rainforests by
Cover of the book Christianity, Truth, and Weakening Faith by
Cover of the book Critical Theory at a Crossroads by
Cover of the book Social Administration by
Cover of the book The Statesman's Science by
Cover of the book The Utopia of Film by
Cover of the book Mad for Foucault by
Cover of the book The New Hollywood by
Cover of the book Inside Private Prisons by
Cover of the book Kiku's Prayer by
Cover of the book Who's Afraid of Academic Freedom? by
Cover of the book Envisioning The Tale of Genji by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy