On the question of authority and the various responses to new ideas: A (possible) buddhist perspective

The primary objective of this paper is to study the various possible responses to a new theory or perspective, whether this new theory is in science, philosophy, or religion. The response will depend on how one defines authority and truth. A brief discussion on certain aspects of Eastern spirituality is given. I rely on the philosophical aspect of Buddhism, as a basis to further my presentation. Specifically, the search for truth and certainty based on personal experience are discussed. The example of the Buddha as an archetypical teacher whose authority was based on his personal experience is also presented.