History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China HPI 56 - Who’s Pulling Your Strings? - Buddhaghosa
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Dec 24, 2017 Buddhaghosa, a major figure in Buddhism, challenges the idea of a controlling self in mental activities. He compares humans to self-driving cars, explores the intricacies of conscious experience, and discusses the active engagement of the mind using vivid analogies. The podcast delves into his philosophy of mind and the importance of empathy in fostering community.
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No Self-Control
- Buddhaghosa rejects the idea of a controlling self, arguing against the 'charioteer' metaphor of human agency.
- He uses the metaphor of a marionette to illustrate the lack of an inner controller, but not implying external divine control.
Intentionality
- Buddhaghosa's marionette metaphor challenges the charioteer analogy but risks suggesting external control.
- He refutes this, emphasizing self-doing and the importance of intention in Buddhist ethics.
Consciousness as Activity
- Buddhaghosa argues all consciousness is active, revising the traditional Buddhist rope metaphor of interwoven mental strands.
- He asserts control is inherent in every moment of conscious experience, not from discrete volitions.