by explaining these two truths from their very foundations upwards

[Sakya kim]

Thus P.S. serves in the elucidation of the second and third noble truths about the origin and extinction of suffering, by explaining these two truths from their very foundations upwards, and giving them a fixed philosophical form.

Source: Fundamentals of Buddhism (Four Lectures) by Nyanatiloka Mahåthera

1. What does the verb 'serve' mean here? Does it mean: 'useful'?
2. How should I understand the underlined phrase?
3. What does the phrase 'giving them fixed' mean?

 

[Barque]

1. What does the verb 'serve' mean here?

It means "works" or "functions".

2. How should I understand the underlined phrase?

It explains the truths by starting from the basics or the foundations, and then going on "upwards" to everything else. Imagine the basics as being at the bottom.

3. What does the phrase 'giving them fixed' mean?

You have to read the phrase as a whole. It refers to giving them a fixed philosophical form. It explains the philosophy or principles behind those truths and gives them a fixed or definite explanation.

 

[Sakya kim]

You have to read the phrase as a whole. It refers to giving them a fixed philosophical form. It explains the philosophy or principles behind those truths and gives them a fixed or definite explanation.

Does the following definition work here:
give (one) a fix
(redirected from give them a fix)
To provide one with a required or necessary amount of something, especially that which one is addicted to or compulsively seeks.
(The free dictionary.com)

 

[5jj]

No.

it is not about giving a fix, but about giving a (fixed (philosophical)) form.

 

[Barque]

"Fixed" in that phrase means "definite" or "specific".