Religious Philosophy

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer explores various perceptions of the self from the Samkhya, Nyaya and Buddhist philosophical traditions. The writer explains that each of these traditions holds an opposing view or interpretation of what the self is and is not. The writer maintains that from this analysis the author concludes which interpretations of self are most plausible and defendable and which lack strength and support.

Table of Contents:
The Nature of Self
Samkhya View of Self
Buddhist View Self
Nyaya School Self
Analysis and Interpretations
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Opponents of this view including Buddhists suggest that the self does not exist and cannot be perceived through conscious or unconscious suggestion, but is rather a collection of thoughts and experiences related to universal consciousness. This point however is refuted by the notion that the conscious and unconscious thought may exist independently of one another, but also enhance each other. Using the example of the sun's light described above, the rays of unconscious light highlight important features of conscious thought. One can't perceive conscious thought unless some sense of self exists. The Samkhya view of self is very defendable and based on the tendency of individuals to perceive conscious and unconscious perceptions. According to this line of thinking it is impossible to define the human condition without acknowledging the dual relationship that exists between the conscious and unconscious self."

More papers on Religious Philosophy:

• Comparison Essay # 40047 : "Religious Philosophy"
• Term Paper # 137193 : "Plato, Psychology and Philosophy"
• Analytical Essay # 23711 : "North and South: Divergent Views on Religious Responsibility"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: