Pyrrhonism - (Studies in Comparative Philosophy and Religion) by Adrian Kuzminski (Paperback)

About the Book

Adrian Kuzminski argues that Pyrrhonism, an ancient Greek philosophy, can best be understood as a Western form of Buddhism. Not only is its founder, Pyrrho, reported to have traveled to India and been influenced by contacts with Indian sages, but a close comparison of ancient ...

Book Synopsis

Adrian Kuzminski argues that Pyrrhonism, an ancient Greek philosophy, can best be understood as a Western form of Buddhism. Not only is its founder, Pyrrho, reported to have traveled to India and been influenced by contacts with Indian sages, but a close comparison of ancient Buddhist and Pyrrhonian texts suggests a common philosophical practice, seeking liberation through suspension of judgment with regard to beliefs about non-evident things.

Review Quotes

In promoting cross-cultural understanding and the quest for linkages between Greek and Buddhist philosophies, the book has paved a radiant path reflecting the continuity of traditions since the third century BCE.

Kuzminski does a commendable job of pointing out the marked similarities or congruencies between Indian Buddhism and Pyrrhonism. Moreover, what I found particularly interesting and fruitful --something not often discussed in much detail in the Pyrrhonist literature-- were the sections devoted to an examination of the sort of practical life adherence to Pyrrhonist (and Buddhist) attitudes yield. This, in particular, is sure to spark or encourage further enquiry.


The connections between Greek Pyrrhonism and Indian Madhyamaka are too striking to ignore. Kuzminski provides welcome attention to the philosophical vision they share and to the arguments Pyrrhonists and madhyamikas deploy to advance that vision. The exposition is clear and accessible to the non-specialist.

Throughout this book, Kuzminski boldly challenges an intimidating array of scholars and philosophers in an attempt to show how Pyrrhonism has often been misunderstood. Considering the brevity of the work, Kuzminski is remarkably successful....Kuzminski's study is a welcome addition to the literature on this topic in that he show the benefit of a comparative analysis with Buddhism for a more nuanced understanding of the issues.

A thought provoking exercise in comparative philosophy. This book allows us to interrogate the meaning of Pyrrhonism in light of Madhyamaka Buddhism and vice versa. The result will be of great interest to students of both traditions.

About the Author

Adrian Kuzminski is research scholar in philosophy at Hartwick College.