THESIS an ESCAPE from ANGER and OTHER BUDDHIST CONTRIBUTIONS to the PHILOSOPHY of EMOTIONS. Submitted by Adam Murray Department
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
THESIS AN ESCAPE FROM ANGER AND OTHER BUDDHIST CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF EMOTIONS. Submitted by Adam Murray Department of Philosophy In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of Master of Arts Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado Summer 2016 Master’s Committee: Advisor: Matthew MacKenzie Alexus McLeod Jeffrey Snodgrass Copyright by Adam Robert Murray 2016 All Rights Reserved ABSTRACT AN ESCAPE FROM ANGER AND OTHER BUDDHIST CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF EMOTIONS This paper begins with an examination of several theories of emotion in general—a ‘mixed theory’, an ‘attitudinal theory’, and a Buddhist ‘componential theory.’ I argue that the Buddhist theory has a theoretical advantage over these alternatives insofar as it avoids two ‘thin’ characterizations of emotions that exclude either affective or conative states from the concept. The Buddhist theory of emotions, I claim, has another advantage insofar as it brings practicality to the forefront, connecting our theorizing about emotions with what is most important— developing good character and bringing about the welfare of beings. Chapter 2 proceeds to an in- depth analysis of the emotion of anger in particular, examining several philosophically important accounts—those of Aristotle, Seneca, and the Buddha. I raise problems of definition, highlight some typical and contentious features of anger, and draw from several classical sources to reconstruct a Buddhist account of anger. In the final chapter, I argue that typical anger is not necessary for moral life, addressing myself to arguments from Zac Cogley and Emily McRae. I continue by demonstrating that Buddhism has resources that allow us to both eliminate or largely attenuate anger, and to approach the problems we face without anger; finally, I sketch out exactly how this can be accomplished. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project was made possible by the kindness and generosity of family, friends, colleagues, and teachers. I would like to thank my parents, Suzen and Thomas Murray, for their unfailing support and endurance. Thanks to my advisor, Dr. Matthew MacKenzie, for making this project possible, and for his time, conversation, and guidance. Thanks to my committee members Dr. Alexus McLeod and Dr. Jeffrey Snodgrass, to colleagues who had to endure hours of conversation about the nature and moral status of anger, Zach Wrublewski, Tyler Will, Jessi Norris, Joshua Jarrott. Thanks to Dr. Andre Archie and Dr. Katie McShane. Thanks to Dr. Linda Rollin and the CSU philosophy department. Thanks to those who supported and nourished me in my return to academia: Dr. Willoughby Britton, Dr. Jared Lindahl, Matt Jankauskas, Devon Nelson, Nathan Fisher, Louis Gularte. Many thanks to the Buddhist tradition, to those who initiated me into the contemplative life—Sam Harris, Aaron Murray, Osho—and to those who have been teachers and inspirations to me along the way, Stephen Snyder and Tina Rasmussen, Ajahn Brahm, and of course, the Buddha. iii DEDICATION For Emma. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract .................................................................................................................................................ii Acknowledgemments ......................................................................................................................... iii Dedication ............................................................................................................................................ iv Chapter 1: Approaching the emotions ................................................................................................. 1 1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Theories of emotion ................................................................................................................... 2 1.1.1 Mixed theory ....................................................................................................................... 2 1.1.2 Attitudinal theory ................................................................................................................ 4 1.1.3 De Silva, A Buddhist Componential theory ...................................................................... 8 1.1.4 Discussion.......................................................................................................................... 11 1.2 Wholesome and unwholesome emotion ................................................................................. 14 1.2.1 ‘Negative’ and ‘positive’ emotion ................................................................................... 14 1.2.2 Unwholesome emotions in Buddhism ............................................................................. 15 1.2.3 Wholesome emotion ......................................................................................................... 19 1.3 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 23 Chapter 2: Anger ................................................................................................................................. 24 2.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................... 24 2.1 Aristotle..................................................................................................................................... 25 2.1.1 What is Central? ................................................................................................................ 26 2.1.2 Object of anger .................................................................................................................. 27 2.1.3 Felt experience .................................................................................................................. 29 2.1.4 Morality ............................................................................................................................. 30 2.2 Seneca ....................................................................................................................................... 31 2.2.1 What is central? ................................................................................................................. 31 2.2.2 Object of anger .................................................................................................................. 33 2.2.3 Felt experience .................................................................................................................. 34 2.2.4 Morality ............................................................................................................................. 36 2.3 The Buddha ............................................................................................................................... 38 2.3.1 What is central? ................................................................................................................. 38 2.3.2 Object of anger .................................................................................................................. 42 2.3.3 Felt experience .................................................................................................................. 44 2.3.4 Morality ............................................................................................................................. 50 2.4 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 52 Chapter 3: An escape from anger ...................................................................................................... 56 3.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................... 56 3.1 Moderation ................................................................................................................................ 57 3.1.1 Motivation ......................................................................................................................... 57 3.1.1 Correction and Communication ....................................................................................... 59 3.2 Tantric anger ............................................................................................................................. 65 3.2.1 Puissance ........................................................................................................................... 67 v 3.2.2 Spiritual development ....................................................................................................... 68 3.3 Benefits and burdens of anger ................................................................................................. 71 3.3.1 Benefits .............................................................................................................................. 71 3.3.2 Burdens .............................................................................................................................. 73 3.4 Discussion ................................................................................................................................. 77 3.5 Abandoning anger .................................................................................................................... 77 3.5.1 Support for BDIs ..............................................................................................................