Long Yin Sin

This project is a philosophical-historical and philological study of the Sabdarthapariksa Chapter of the “Tattvasamgraha,” which examines apoha theory, a Mahayana Buddhist theory of meaning. The main body of this project consists of a synopsis of the arguments guided by philosophical enquiries, a critical edition of the Sanskrit text, and an annotated English translation. The purpose of the study is twofold: First, to reconstruct the historical development of apoha theory in the post-Dharmakirtian period. Second, to explore the relation between apoha theory and contemporary philosophy—for instance, whether it has any resources for responding to some central problems that face any contemporary nominalist theory of meaning.