Charles Goodman, Binghamton - "On the Metaphysics of Buddhist Ethics"

Abstract: In the eighth century CE, the Buddhist philosopher Shantideva advanced the Ownerless Suffering Argument, which purports to show that, because there is no self, people have just as much intrinsic reason to prevent the suffering of others as they do to prevent their own future suffering. Many writers have questioned the soundness of this argument, and some have also raised questions about whether Shantideva himself, given his other metaphysical commitments, is in any position to endorse it. This paper explores how Shantideva could use his concept of the conventional truth of the meditator to earn the right to advance the Ownerless Suffering Argument. By examining a recent exchange between Derek Parfit and Mark Johnston, the paper also clarifies what one would have to assume today in order to defend the argument¿s validity.