A Comparative Study of Knowledge in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy and John Lock’s Philosophy

Abstract

             The objectives of this research were: 1 to study knowledge in Theravada Buddhist philosophy, 2) to study knowledge in John Locke's philosophy, and 3) to comparative study the similarities and differences in the concept of knowledge between Theravada Buddhist philosophy and John Locke's philosophy. This is a qualitative research method, studying primary and secondary data, as well as various academic documents, and then analyzing and presenting the findings in a descriptive format.
             The research results found that:
             1. Knowledge in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy is the direct apprehension of reality (Yathābhūtaṃ), untainted by emotions or biases. The development of wisdom unfolds through three continuous stages: 1) Sutamaya Paññā: Wisdom acquired from listening and reading. 2) Cintāmaya Paññā: Wisdom developed through critical thinking and contemplation. 3) Bhāvanāmaya Paññā: Wisdom gained from practice and meditation development. Types of knowledge are broadly categorized into two main types: 1) Lokiya Paññā: Mundane knowledge essential for daily life. 2) Lokuttara Paññā: Supramundane knowledge that leads to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of liberation.
             2. Knowledge in John Locke's philosophy, proposing that experience is the sole source of human knowledge. Experience is divided into two main types: 1) Sensation: Experience received from the external world through the five senses, leading to simple ideas. 2) Reflection: Internal experience derived from the mind's own operations (e.g., thinking, doubting), generating simple ideas about the mind's workings.
             3. Comparison of the similarities and differences in the concept of knowledge between Theravada Buddhist philosophy and John Locke's philosophy, suffering, and non-self, in order to end suffering and escape the cycle of rebirth. Knowledge in Buddhist teachings is therefore inward-oriented, leading to liberation through inner enlightenment. In contrast, John Locke viewed knowledge as primarily derived from sensory perception, with the mind merely receiving and being enriched by experience. The goal is to understand the external world in order to live a rational life. Locke's perspective on knowledge is thus outward-oriented. Ultimately, both perspectives reflect the diverse paths in the search for truth, which is the core of philosophy.