The Buddha's Teachings As Philosophy

by Mark Siderits

A shorter and less technical treatment of its subject than the author’s acclaimed Buddhism As Philosophy (second edition, Hackett, 2021), Mark Siderits's The Buddha’s Teachings As Philosophy explores three different systems of thought that arose from core claims of the Buddha. By detailing and critically examining key arguments made by the Buddha and developed by later Buddhist philosophers, Siderits investigates the Buddha's teachings as a set of claims—in this case, claims about the nature of the world and our place in it—supported by rational argumentation and, here, developed with a variety of systematic results. The Buddha’s Teachings As Philosophy will be especially useful to students of philosophy, religious studies, and comparative religion—to anyone, in fact, encountering Buddhist philosophy for the first time.

Genres: Buddhism

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2022

Reviews

[Hikari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a philosophical treatment of Buddhism looking at the writings of the Buddha and early Buddhists. As this is a philosophical treatment, the emphasis is on definitions and argument structures. Terms are also used technically and precisely. If you’ve not read philosophy before, this could seem rather daunting. Personally, I would prefer to engage with this material in a printed book so that I can underline/highlight key definitions and refer back to them as I’m not so good at remembering them.

The audiobook is read very clearly and at a pace which makes it possible to follow the arguments being presented.

I received an advance review copy of the audiobook for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very good read. Focuses on philosophical explication and development from the Four Noble Truths (or Four Nobles' Truths, as Siderits translates cattāri ariyasaccāni, by which I think he fairly clearly means "the four truths perceived by noble ones"). Chapter 2, the longest chapter, rightly develops the philosophical content given to the theory of no-self (anatta). Chapter 3 considers Buddhist ethics, with a particular effort to clarify what it might be like to be enlightened. Chapter 4 looks at later developments in Vaibhasika, Yogacara and Madhyamaka traditions.

It's philosophy, and Buddhist philosophy, so one must keep one's wits about herself. Siderits is a clear and considerate guide, though, often providing helpful recaps and metacommentary.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

**Listened to the audiobook**

The premise of the book was really up my street! However, the book was incredibly overwhelming.
At the start of the book, Siderits states that this book is a good entry level - and for those wanting more in depth info there is another book by him - the origin book.
A lot of this book just went over my head, and I struggled to get along with it.
Too dense. Too formal. Too much - and I wouldn't even consider myself a beginner to this topic.

[JCS · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating and well explained insight into the philosophy behind Buddha’s teachings. I think if I reread it I would perhaps listen in smaller chunks and consider each more before moving on. The narration was very clear and easy to listen to. Thank you to Net Galley for an audio arc in exchange for an honest review.