Single Idea 5349

[catalogued under 16. Persons / E. Rejecting the Self / 4. Denial of the Self]

Full Idea

According to Buddhism, the idea of a permanent, constant self is an illusion, and a morally dangerous one.

Gist of Idea

For Buddhists a fixed self is a morally dangerous illusion

Source

Owen Flanagan (The Problem of the Soul [2002], p.161)

Book Reference

Flanagan,Owen: 'The Problem of the Soul' [Basic Books 2003], p.161


A Reaction

We are familiar with the idea that it might be an illusion, but I am unconvinced by 'morally dangerous'. If you drop both free will and personal identity, I can't see any sort of focus for moral life left, but I am willing to be convinced.