Self-Concept on the Vision of Madhyamika Buddhism

บทคัดย่อ

The concept of self has long occupied a central position in both Western philosophical inquiry and Eastern contemplative traditions. This study examines the notion of self-concept through the lens of Madhyamika Buddhism, one of the most influential schools of Mahāyāna thought, and critically engages it in dialogue with dominant Western psychological theories of identity. While Western frameworks often conceptualize the self as a coherent, developing, and measurable psychological construct, Madhyamika philosophy radically deconstructs any notion of inherent selfhood through the doctrine of emptiness (śūnyatā) and dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda).

The findings reveal that Madhyamika does not merely deny the self but reframes it as a conventional designation arising from relational and contingent processes. This perspective challenges essentialist and substantivist assumptions embedded in many Western models of identity formation. By analyzing classical Madhyamika texts alongside contemporary psychological theories, this study demonstrates that the Buddhist account provides a dynamic, process-oriented understanding of personhood that aligns with emerging constructivist and relational approaches in cognitive science. The body of knowledge gained from this research lies in articulating a cross-cultural philosophical synthesis that expands the conceptual horizon of self-concept studies. It proposes that Madhyamika’s non-essentialist framework offers critical resources for rethinking identity, reducing ego-centered cognition, and contributing to contemporary debates on subjectivity, mental well-being, and intercultural philosophy. This interdisciplinary dialogue opens new avenues for integrating contemplative insights into modern psychological and philosophical discourse.