Peter Kūgler, Department of Philosophy, University of Innsbruck, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
摘要
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.
目次
1. Affirmation, Negation, Meta-Affirmation and Meta-Negation 93 2. Approximations of existence 96 3. Falsities 98 4. Conditional definition of existence 101 5. Indexicals and proper names 103 6. Theoretical terms 106 7. The raft and the other shore 108 Notes 109
