An Agent Lacking a Self Open Access

Campbell, Lacey (Spring 2020)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/zs25x961p?locale=en
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Abstract

Referencing the Visuddhimagga, the Buddhist philosophical text of Bhadantācariya Buddhaghosa, this thesis evaluates agency in conjunction with the doctrine of anatta—i.e., no Self—in Buddhist philosophy. Buddhaghosa, a fifth century Indian, Buddhist philosopher, maintains that there is no intrinsic, inherent, independent Self, yet there exists an agent. This thesis evaluates Buddhaghosa’s paradoxical account of a Selfless agent; I examine who or what—if not a Self—assumes agentive responsibility. 

Table of Contents

Chapter I: Key Concepts......................6

Chapter II: Agency vs. Anatta............25

Chapter III: Value in Knowledge........38

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