Prasagika

Prasagika, sometimes transliterated Prasangika, is a term in Buddhist philosophy referring to a sub-school of Madhyamaka known for its method of argument by consequence. The Sanskrit term prasaṅga means “consequence” or “inference that follows from premises,” and in this context denotes a style of philosophical debate in which theses are refuted by showing their logical consequences rather than by invoking independent supporting reasons.

Prasagika Madhyamaka holds that all phenomena lack inherent existence and are dependently originated. It is distinguished from Svatantrika Madhyamaka by its approach to establishing the lack of inherent nature: rather than using autonomous pramana or self-contained premises, Prasangikas rely on dependent origination and the emptiness analysis within a framework of consequence arguments. The central practice is to draw out the implications of any opposing view to the point of contradiction, demonstrating that the opponent’s position cannot be coherently maintained. The aim is to lead to a direct experiential realization of emptiness and interdependence, rather than to secure a conventional defense for a position.

The Prasangika position is traditionally associated with Indian scholars such as Nagarjuna and Chandrakirti. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Prasangika school gained prominence particularly within the Gelug tradition, though other schools also engage with the Prasangika method. The approach remains influential in contemporary studies of Madhyamaka and Buddhist epistemology.