The present work is an analytical exposition of the theory of knowledge as propounded in the Dinnaga-Dharmakirti tradition. It expounds the Buddhist theory of knowledge in its totality, comparing it with other schools wherever necessary.

Buddhist thinkers unanimously uphold the view that there are two kinds of objects of knowledge, namely, the unique particular (svalaksana) and the generalized image (samanyalaksana) . Unique particular is a discrete and instantaneous being. It is unique particular in the sense that it is neither identical nor similar to other unique particulars. It is the only objective real (paramartha sat) . As distinct from unique particular there are objects that are constructs of our intellect and that are in the form of generalized images. They are subjective in origin but intersubjective in nature.

To make the logical issues more intelligible to readers, a basic text, "Nyaya Pravega" is given as an appendix of the work. The text of "Nyaya Pravesa" is generally ascribed to Dinnaga, a pioneer thinker in the Buddhist theory of Knowledge. For centuries it has been studied as a manual of the Buddhist theory of knowledge in India, Tibet, China, and other countries. It provides a foundation for the famous Buddhist art of debate (vada-vidhi).

Buddhist Epistemology, S.R. Bhatt and Anu Mehrotra, Motilal Banarsidass, Hardcover, 140 Pages, $20.00

Professor Siddheshwar Rameshwar Bhatt (b. 24 April 1939) is an eminent philosopher, Sanskritist and profound thinker. He is a senior professor and format Head of Department and Co-ordinator of UGC Special Assistance Programme in Philosophy, Delhi University. He has authored several books and research papers. He has lectured in many universities and research institutes of India, Japan, China, North Korea, Turkey, United States, Trinidad and Germany. An internationally known authority on ancient Indian culture, Buddhism and Vedanta, he has been the General President of the Indian Philosophical Congress and All India Philosophy Association. He is a member of the Federation of the International Societies of Philosophy, world Association of Vedic Studies, Society for Comparative and Asian Philosophy, and International Vedanta Congress.

Anu Mehrotra is senior scholar of Philosophy at Delhi University. Her research interests include Indian Philosophy, logic and epistemology, philosophy of religion, and social and political thought. She has published scholarly articles on Nehru and Buddhist Philosophy.