Abstract:
The objective of this thesis is to study the life and the works of K.S.R. Kularb, a major intellectual of Siam, from 1834 1920. Research results indicate that his knowledge was rooted in traditional education of Siam and was later influenced by the intellectual transformation, which occurred in Siam during the early modern period. K.S.R. Kularb cited traditional knowledge, Buddhism wisdom, and information from historical documents, and elaborated them with western-style logical explanations in order to express his opinion concerning progress of Siamese society. His writings represented the merging of Western and Siamese knowledge that were emerging and developing side by side in Siamese society of that era.The works of K.S.R. Kularb shared certain ideas of the Siamese elite, including the preservation of traditional wisdom while employing Western knowledge to enhance social progress and the stability of social institutions. At the same time, his works also expressed the inspiring égalité concept that was widespread among Siamese commoners. Such knowledge transformation resulted in conflict with certain social institutions as the elitedespite having adopted many forms of Western knowledge continued to see the need to preserve the old system that relied on traditional knowledge