142257 UE Introduction to a Buddhist Theory of Universals (apoha) (2026S)

Students will familiarise themselves with the characteristic literary techniques of scholastic Sanskrit while learning about the main tenets of a seemingly counter-intuitive theory of universals.

Starting around the fifth century CE, Buddhist philosophers posit that our judgement that some things are similar is not based on any real properties or universals that make these things similar; rather, such a judgement is based on the differences that these things have to other things. Buddhist authors develop and defend this unique theory in Sanskrit works for at least seven centuries. We will track the theory’s first formulation in terms of Indian logic (with Dignāga), then follow the ontological turn that emphasises causal relations (Dharmakīrti), and finally look at the theory’s transformations within an idealistic framework (Jñānaśrīmitra and Ratnakīrti).

During classes, students will translate original Sanskrit sources for this theory of universals. On each change of topic, at least one student will present an overview of the new topic (introducing an author, text, or idea) based on at least two articles or book chapters.

Furthermore, we will engage critically with Modern AI-based research tools (search and translation services, summarizers, and chat bots) and learn about the possibilities and limits that these tools offer.