HPI 55 - Doors of Perception - Dignaga on Consciousness
Dec 10, 2017
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Exploring Dignaga's philosophy on self-awareness in perception, contrasting it with Niaya school's reflective theory. Discussing awareness inherent in perception, subjective qualities, and cognitive aspects. Delving into intersection of memory, self-awareness, and consciousness. Exploring debates of Dignaga and Damakirti on perception, awareness, and self-awareness within Buddhist philosophy.
Dignaga argues that self-awareness is inherent in perception, rejecting the Niaya reflective theory.
Self-awareness in perception is demonstrated through reflection on both objective content and subjective experience.
Deep dives
Dignaga's Theory of Self-Awareness
Dignaga argues that there is no perception without self-awareness, rejecting the Niaya school's reflective theory. He believes that awareness is built into perception itself, a reflexive view that differs from Niaya's reflective theory. According to Dignaga, we are always aware of our perceptions, emphasizing awareness as part of the direct perception process.
Visibility of Awareness through Reflection
Dignaga uses examples like Mick Jagger seeing a red door to illustrate the visibility of awareness through reflection. By reflecting on perceptions, individuals become aware not just of the object perceived but also of their subjective experience of perception. This self-awareness is demonstrated through memory, where recalling an event involves remembering both the objective content and the subjective awareness of the experience.
Critique and Regress Argument on Self-Awareness
Dignaga's opponents argue that awareness arises from second-order reflection on perception, suggesting that awareness is not inherently linked to all perceptions. Dignaga counters with a regress argument, highlighting the need for self-awareness even at the level of reflection. However, opponents claim that reflections can involve awareness independently of the underlying perception. This debate raises questions about the nature of self-awareness and its presence in all cognitive processes.