Skepticism

Abstract

This chapter entertains a series of skeptical criticisms of the very project of epistemological theorizing—criticisms leveled by the Buddhist philosopher Nāgārjuna. The chapter begins with a discussion of the role of skeptical scenarios in Western and Buddhist philosophy. The remaining portions of the chapter explore a series of criticisms of the whole pramāṇa-based epistemological program that is predominant within the Indian tradition of philosophy. It examines a series of arguments provided by the Buddhist philosopher Nāgārjuna against the very idea that epistemic instruments can be used to establish the existence of epistemic objects.