Vasubandhu’s Refutation of the Aggregate of Atoms: a Reading Inspired by Van Inwagen’s Objection to Series-Style Answers to the Special Composition Question

Vasubandhu’s arguments against atomism in Viṃśikā stanzas 12–13 are not strong enough to disprove that atoms simple partless substances. However, if we take the special composition question into consideration, stanza 13ab can be regarded as an objection so-called series-style answers, which results undesirable conclusion for opponents, i.e. Vaibhāṣikas. A step back a bonding answer is good choice Vaibhāṣikas responding this because leads other difficulties and some notions Vaibhāṣika atomic theory entail multigrade relations material aggregates of atoms. Hence, answers still makes sense refutation Buddhist through claim proper parts aggregate.