The Dismal Slough

The book Moonshadows investigated the nature of Madhyamaka ethics. Specifically, it examined the nature of Madhyamaka ethics in the context of conventional truths, and identified a problem with ethics based on conventional truths. This difficulty arises from Nāgārjuna’s identification of conventional truth/reality and the ultimate truth/reality, while an understanding of the distinction between ultimate and conventional is also necessary for the understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. This chapter revisits the concerns raised in Moonshadows. In so doing, it connects the present book with Moonshadows and sets the stage for what follows. It is argued that one cannot account for Madhyamaka ethics if Mādhyamikas cannot account for justified moral claim and conduct.