Abstract

In this essay, I explore the nature of the logical analysis of Buddhist thought that Graham Priest has offered in his book The Fifth Corner of Four (5of4). The paper traces the development of a logical value in- troduced in 5of4, which Priest has called e. The paper points out that certain criticisms I have made earlier still stand, but focuses on a recon- ceptualization of 5of4 in which these arguments carry less weight. This new perspective on the book, inspired by a response to my arguments by Priest himself, sees the logical analysis of Buddhism as aiming more for an allegorical, suggestive and aesthethic endeavour, rather a purely analytical one. I illustrate this view by focusing on the Ox herding pictures, as interpreted by Priest and Ueda Shizuteru, and I compare it to ideas in the discussion around Critical Buddhism.