The logic and language of Nirvāna: A contemporary interpretation

Abstract

In contrast to historically orientedapproaches, this paper tackles the concept ofNirvāna from the perspective ofcontemporary philosophy of language. It focuseson four propositions: Nirvāna exists;Nirvāna does not exist; Nirvāna existsand does not exist; Nirvāna neither exists nordoes not exist. The Buddha's rejectionof these propositions is interpreted by meansof explicit and conditionaldefinitions of existence. Stalnaker's notion ofpragmatic presupposition providesan explanation why the propositions are withoutmeaning. After comparing theword ``Nirvāna'' with indexicals, propernames and theoretical terms, it is finallyasked what linguistic function the word has.