Disassembling the Self: An Experience-First Inquiry

Hi Folks,

This week we invite you on an investigation of the self using ordinary experience rather than argument or theory. It returns again and again to a single question: Is this what I mean when I say “me”?

This style of inquiry appears in early Buddhist analysis (traditionally attributed to Gautama Buddha) and, over two millennia later, reappears independently in Western philosophy in David Hume. We will look at both.

The first reading is "22.59. The Characteristic of Nonself" from the Buddhist text, the Pali Canon, which is from the Theravada tradition.

The second reading is an excerpt from western philosopher, David Hume's work, A Treatise of Human Nature, speficically Book I, Part IV, Section VI: “Of Personal Identity” .

Reading is optional. We will offer some opening thoughts on the content before beginning. If you do decide to read the full texts we may invite you to assist to guide on the material to help others who did not read by sharing extra knowledge from the pieces.

We will be guided by this simple handout (AI generated) which summarizes the key ideas from each texts and shares relevant quotes, for group discussion.

Here is an AI generated video explaining the content we are reading today in 6-7 minutes. Here is an AI generated podcast style audio (about 12 minute) that covers the same material.

The venue is provided by Writers & Books, if you have the means please donate to support them, and if you can, become a member:

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Please remember to RSVP to this event, space sometimes can be limited so RSVP'ing means we know how many people to expect. If you haven't RSVP'd and show up you may not be guaranteed a space. It is also a courtesy to other guests to RSVP so they know in advance who will be there with them.

Kind regards,
Ryan & Tina