AIF Insights No. 16 (2025) | Catuṣkoṭi and Non-Binary Reasoning in Artificial Intelligence
2025-05-14
CHHEM Kieth Rethy, MD, PhD (Edu), and PhD (His)
This article explores the application of catuṣkoṭi, a four-fold logic system rooted in Buddhist Madhyamaka philosophy, as a framework for advancing artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in areas where binary logic falls short. Classical Aristotelian logic, foundational to most AI systems, operates on binary distinctions (true or false), which often prove inadequate for modeling ambiguity, contradiction, and ethical complexity. Catuṣkoṭi introduces a non-binary alternative by allowing propositions to be true, false, both, or neither—offering a richer, more flexible basis for reasoning. The authors argue for integrating this logic into AI domains such as natural language processing (NLP) and ethical decision-making. They highlight how a catuṣkoṭi-based approach can better interpret culturally nuanced expressions and ethical dilemmas that resist binary classification. The article calls for epistemic pluralism in AI development to foster more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and philosophically robust systems. This integration, the authors contend, is essential for creating intelligent machines that align more closely with human cognition and diverse moral frameworks.
