Dharmakirti was a prominent Indian philosopher and logician who lived in the 7th century CE. He is best known for his contributions to Buddhist philosophy, particularly in the areas of epistemology and logic. His works, such as the "Pramanavarttika," explore the nature of knowledge and the validity of perception and inference. As a key figure in the Madhyamaka and Yogacara schools of thought, Dharmakirti's ideas influenced later Buddhist thinkers and scholars. His emphasis on logical reasoning and the importance of direct experience shaped the development of Buddhist philosophy and its approach to understanding reality.