ABSTRACT
The structure of this essay is simple. First, we consider what rational assessment of religious traditions means and the current status of the idea that it is possible. Second, beliefs that are philosophical as well as religious will be noted. Third, a particular argument in favor of a typical Buddhist claim is assessed. Fourth, arguments against that claim are assessed. Fifth, some conclusions are drawn. I note, at the outset, two things. (1) I am not trying to establish or refute any particular religious tradition. Any religious tradition worth considering will involve much more simply in terms of explaining what there is in it to try to establish or refute than I can do here, let alone taking a careful run at assessing it. I am arguing that rational assessment – consideration of arguments and evidence for and against the propositions that comprise the core doctrines of a religious tradition – is possible. (2) In discussing some of the complex Buddhist tradition, I ignore the fact that earlier Buddhism is not, and much of later Buddhism is, idealistic. This has its importance, but it does not matter for my argument here.
