Public Talk by Georges Dreyfus

Public Lecture

CAN A BUDDHIST BE A SKEPTIC?

Prof. Georges Dreyfus
Williams College, Massachusetts, USA

Rather than look at recent advocacies of skepticism as a way to accommodate Buddhism to modernity, I answer my question by looking at the writings of Patsab Nyimadrak, a 12th century Tibetan thinker.  I explore his reading of Nagarjuna’s philosophy and show how his skeptical stance provides a viable interpretation of this tradition.  In the process, I also explore the varieties of skepticism, distinguishing modern epistemological skepticism and ancient Pyrrhonian skepticism and showing the relevance of the latter for understanding important aspects of Buddhist philosophy.  I conclude by wondering about the ethical implications of such a skeptical stance within the modern context.

Room 708, Boromratchakumari Bldg., Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University
Friday, November 6, 2009
1 – 3 pm