Between the Ultimate and the Conventional: Understanding the Buddhist Theory of Two Truths.

The theory of two truths—conventional and ultimate—holds a central place in Buddhist philosophy and has attracted increasing attention in contemporary philosophy of religion. Given its development across various Buddhist traditions and the diverse interpretive strategies employed by modern philosophers, the theory has been subject to multiple interpretations. This article surveys recent discussions on the two truths, focusing on influential contemporary works while tracing their connections to earlier Buddhist thinkers. It highlights that modern philosophers understand the relationship between the two truths in four distinct yet interrelated ways: dialectical, nondual, paradoxical, and interpenetrative. Rather than endorsing any single interpretation, this article argues that a comprehensive understanding of the two truths emerges from examining these four perspectives collectively. Finally, it suggests that the theory of two truths offers valuable insights for discussions on religious pluralism within the philosophy of religion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]