Abstract:
This dissertation entitled A Problem of the Concept of Autonomy and Good Life in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy has the following objectives : (1) to study the conceptual framework of autonomy and the concept of good life, (2) to study the concept of autonomy in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy, and (3) to critically analyze the relationship of autonomy and good Life in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy. This dissertation paper is a documentary research.
The concept of autonomy basically refers to the ability whereby a person can choose values for oneself and thereby following ones values. The autonomy in this view is absolute and significant because it is by nature associated with good life. Since the concept of self (Attā) is completely rejected by Theravada Buddhist philosophy, then a question arises that: is the concept of autonomy available in Theravada Buddhist philosophy?
In this research, it argues that yes, it does; it conditionally exists because in the view of Theravada Buddhist philosophy the concept of autonomy refers to the ability to choose and determine ones goals or the ideal of one's life as well as controlling and directing oneself on the path to achieve ones goal or ideal life. Therefore, the concept of autonomy in Theravada Buddhist philosophy is an essential condition of a good life. It argues that autonomy is related to freedom and moral responsibility that can be found from the analysis of the autonomous person who obtains the good life as mentioned in Theravada Buddhist philosophy.