What Western philosophical terms should be used to describe traditional Buddhist ethical reflection, and what is the value of using such terms? Charles Goodman and Amod Lele will explore this question through a discussion of the eighth-century Indian Buddhist philosopher Śāntideva (Shantideva), known as the Dalai Lama’s favorite philosopher and arguably the most systematic ethical thinker in classical India. On Goodman’s influential interpretation, Śāntideva is best described as a utilitarian. Lele rejects this interpretation and claims, contra Goodman, that Śāntideva is better described as a eudaimonist. In this conversation, the two scholars will debate the merits of these respective interpretations.

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