Home > Activities > Lecture - Can an effect precede its cause? Religion, logic and grammar in Buddhist philosophical analysis

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Lecture - Can an effect precede its cause? Religion, logic and grammar in Buddhist philosophical analysis

With Eli Franco, University of Vienna

Monday, April 07, 2003
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
UCLA
243 Royce Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90095

While discussing the proofs of rebirth, Prajnakaragupta argues that future life can be inferred from its effect on a present life. In other words, in some cases an effect may precede its cause. To substantiate this claim, Prajnakaragupta attempts to disassociate causality and temporality: A cause may exist before, after or at the same time as its effect.

Prajnakaragupta claims that this doctrine of reverse causation is apparent in the canonic formulation of dependent origination; he also argues that reverse causation is implied in Paninian grammatical analysis, in divination (notably, in signs predicting death that are treated in medical literature) and in the perception by yogis of past and future objects. Professor Eli Franco will explore Prajnakaragupta's theory of reverse causation, as well as similar notions in other religious and philosophical traditions.

Cost: Free

For more information please contact

Jonathan Silk
Tel: (310) 206-8235
silk@humnet.ucla.edu

Sponsor(s): Center for Buddhist Studies