The Course in Buddhist Reasoning and Debate: An Asian Approach to Analytical Thinking Drawn from Indian and Tibetan Sources

by Daniel Perdue

Step-by-step lessons in building the skills needed to engage in Tibetan Buddhist philosophical debate and that have proved successful in the college classroom.

     Debate is the investigative technique used in Tibetan education to sharpen analytical capacities and convey philosophical concepts. Reading and memorization are not enough; students must be able to verbalize their understanding and defend it under the pressure of fierce cross-examination. This book, based on the author's successful undergraduate course in the subject, trains readers to develop the analytical skills used in Tibetan-style debate. Making use of sample debate exchanges and definitions and classification systems drawn from Tibetan Buddhist debate manuals, the book shows how to challenge and defend assertions made in the course of debate.

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy

496 pages, Hardcover

First published December 17, 2013

Reviews

[Grand Logothete · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be a worthy read, just for its two chapters on Buddhist Ontology. As it is, it stands not only as a clear and comprehensive presentation of the philosophical structure that underpins Buddhist thought, but as a grand exposition of Tibetan Buddhist debate, a fascinating intellectual tool designed to attain clear-sightedness conducive to wisdom. It is detailed, accessible, intriguing and utterly satisfying, showcasing plentiful examples and exercises too. An outstanding cultural and philosophical introduction to a most exotic yet highly relevant tradition.