The doctrine of void (Shunyata) was first expounded by the Buddhist philosopher

Answer & Explanation

Answer: [A]

The doctrine of void (Shunyata) was first expounded by the Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna.

Nagarjuna is credited with being the Buddhist philosopher who first expounded the doctrine of void (Shunyata). Nagarjuna was an influential philosopher and scholar who lived in India around the 2nd century CE. He is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Mahayana Buddhism and is known for his works on philosophy, particularly his influential text called the "Mūlamadhyamakakārikā" or "Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way."

In his teachings, Nagarjuna emphasized the concept of Shunyata, which can be translated as "emptiness" or "voidness." According to Nagarjuna, Shunyata is the ultimate nature of reality, challenging inherent existence and the concept of independent entities. His philosophical arguments and analyses aimed to deconstruct fixed concepts and notions, leading to a deeper understanding of the nature of existence.

Therefore, Nagarjuna is associated with the first expounding of the doctrine of void (Shunyata) in Buddhist philosophy.