An Agent Lacking a Self Open Access

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

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Philosophy
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Philosophy Religion, Philosophy of
Keyword	Self Agency Bhavaṅga Cetanā Anatta Karma
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	McClintock, Sara, Emory University
Committee Members	Bell, Jeremy, Emory University Risjord, Mark, Emory University

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