Early Buddhist Theory of Knowledge provides a comprehensive examination of the epistemological foundations within the Pali Canon. By analyzing source material through historical, linguistic, and philosophical lenses, the work explores how early Buddhist thought developed its unique understanding of truth and reality. The study situates these concepts within the broader context of contemporary and later literary evidence, offering a rigorous investigation into the authenticity and antiquity of the teachings. This essential volume serves as a foundational text for scholars and students interested in the intellectual history of Hinayana Buddhism.

Why You Should Read?

• Offers a deep scholarly analysis of the epistemological framework found in the Pali Canon.
• Examines the historical and sociological context of early Buddhist thought with academic precision.
• Provides essential documentation including a chronological table of schools, bibliography, and index for further research.
• Serves as a definitive resource for understanding the development of knowledge theory in early Buddhism.

About the Author

Kulatissa Nanda Jayatilleke was a distinguished scholar known for his profound contributions to the study of Buddhist philosophy and epistemology. His work is highly regarded for its meticulous application of historical and critical methods to ancient religious texts, bridging the gap between traditional scholarship and modern philosophical inquiry. Through his extensive research and publications, he significantly advanced the academic understanding of the Pali Canon and its enduring relevance to the history of ideas.