Early Buddhist Metaphysics: The Making of a Philosophical Tradition

The introduction situates Theravādin doctrinal thought within comparative Buddhist philosophy and asks how the Buddha’s practical teaching became a systematic philosophy. Chapter 1 presents the rise of the Abhidhamma in its historical and doctrinal context. Chapter 2 examines the transition from Dhamma to dhammas, including the development of the dhamma theory, atomism, momentariness, and process metaphysics. Chapter 3 studies the concept of sabhāva and its role in Buddhist doctrinal thought. Chapter 4 revisits the Abhidhamma dhamma theory through the problem of individuals and individuation. Chapter 5 analyzes causation, moving from paṭiccasamuppāda to the Paṭṭhāna theory of conditional relations. The book concludes by reflecting on the philosophical implications and limits of the Abhidhamma metaphysical vision.