Alfred Ye

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Summary of doctoral thesis: My dissertation project provides an account of the theory of universals by the seventh century Indian philosopher, Kumārila Bhaṭṭa, in his Ślokavārttika ("Critical Commentary in Verses"). In the chapter entitled as Ākṛtivāda ("Theory of Universals"), my main subject of study, Kumārila articulates a theory of universals within an elaborate epistemological framework as a response to the challenges posed by the rival Buddhist philosophers, during a time where Sanskrit philosophy was witnessing an epistemological turn. My dissertation aims to construct an intellectual history of Kumārila's theory of universals by tracing its transmission and its critical reception in the history of Indian philosophy between the seventh and the twelfth centuries.

Other research interests: Greek philosophy, Islamic philosophy, European Medieval philosophy.