Critical Questions Towards a Naturalized Concept of Karma in Buddhism

The article begins by acknowledging karma as a central Buddhist moral concept and as a potentially powerful resource for contemporary ethics. Wright identifies karma’s strength in its claim that human actions naturally shape consequences, character, and moral life. He then raises four critical questions. The first concerns whether karma should be tied to the idea of ultimate cosmic justice through rebirth. The second examines whether this belief may encourage passivity toward injustice by implying that present suffering is deserved due to past lives. The third analyzes the nature of karmic reward, arguing that Buddhism should emphasize internal moral consequences—such as the cultivation of generosity, compassion, wisdom, and character—rather than uncertain external rewards such as wealth or status. The fourth question concerns whether karma should be interpreted collectively as well as individually, since actions radiate through social and historical networks. In its concluding reflections, the article proposes a non-metaphysical and naturalized account of karma grounded in freedom, responsibility, ethical self-cultivation, habit formation, and collective human flourishing.