Shree Nahata

Summary of doctoral thesis: My thesis reconstructs and analyses the debate regarding the nature, object, and structure of perception between the Buddhist philosopher Dharmakīrti (c. 600-660 CE) and the Jaina philosopher Akalaṅka (c. 720-780 CE). I focus on three main points of dispute: (1) Is perception non-conceptual (Buddhist) or conceptual (Jaina)? (2) Is the object of perception an object-form internal to awareness (Buddhist) or a mind-independent external object (Jaina)? (3) Is perceptual awareness ultimately non-dual (Buddhist) or is it always structured dualistically (Jaina)? By examining unique Buddhist and Jaina answers to these perennial philosophical questions, my thesis hopes to demonstrate the relevance of classical Indian philosophy for modern philosophical thought.

Other research interests: Jaina Philosophy; Buddhist Philosophy; Stoicism and Pyrrhonian Skepticism; Existentialism.