Buddhist physicalism? Non-self metaphysics and phenomenal consciousness | Synapse
July 3, 2026
Buddhist physicalism? Non-self metaphysics and phenomenal consciousness
Key Points
Examine the relationship between Buddhist non-self metaphysics and phenomenal consciousness.
Philosophical analysis of ancient Indian texts
Comparison of Cārvāka materialism with Buddhist thought
Exploration of implications for consciousness theory
Identified parallels between Cārvāka materialism and Buddhist non-self views
Established that phenomenal consciousness may arise from non-materialist perspectives
Highlighted the relevance of these discussions in contemporary philosophy
Abstract
One of the many schools of philosophy that populated the variegated intellectual landscape of ancient India was that of the Cārvākas, who defended an early form of materialism.1 The Cārvākas were h...