Vasubandhu · Theology

The Refutation of the Self

Vasubandhu&rsquo;s sustained argument, in the ninth chapter of the <em>Treasury of Abhidharma</em>, against the Personalists (Pudgalavadins): there is no self standing over and above the five aggregates, and the &lsquo;person&rsquo; is only a convenient designation for a bundle of momentary factors.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned that Vasubandhu argued against a real self (atman) or person (pudgala) over and above the five aggregates: the person is either perceived directly (then it would be a separate thing, which no one finds) or known only through the aggregates (then it is a mere designation). Explain the dilemma and why he tho…

Leads to David Hume.

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