Jan Westerhoff

Jan Westerhoff is a Professor of Buddhist Philosophy at the University of Oxford's Faculty of Theology and Religion. His research focuses on philosophical aspects of ancient Indian religious traditions, particularly Buddhist thought (Madhyamaka) and Classical Indian philosophy (Nyāya). He examines metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of language, and ethics within these frameworks. Westerhoff has contributed to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy's Indo-Tibetan section and edits the Oxford University Press book series 'Buddhist Philosophy for Philosophers.'

His work bridges Buddhist and Western philosophical traditions, exploring topics like ontological nihilism, emptiness (śūnyatā), and the implications of contemporary science for idealism. Recent publications include analyses of causation, mind continuity after death, and critical engagements with academic critics. He has authored influential books such as The Non-Existence of the Real World and edited key texts on Nāgārjuna and Madhyamaka. Westerhoff's scholarship emphasizes comparative philosophy, addressing foundational questions through cross-cultural perspectives.

Westerhoff holds editorial roles and has written extensively on Buddhist metaphysics, ethics, and language. His academic contributions reflect a deep engagement with primary Sanskrit and Tibetan sources, alongside critical dialogue with modern Western philosophy. His research continues to shape debates in Buddhist studies and comparative metaphysics.