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A New Unified Theory of Psychology pp 113–152Cite as

The Justification Hypothesis

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Abstract

On June 11, 1963, an elderly Buddhist monk named Thich Quang Duc calmly walked to the center of a circle of protesters, sat down on a cushion, and meditated in the lotus position as he was doused by his religious brothers in a specially concocted mix of gasoline and diesel fuel. He then proceeded to light a match. Although he reportedly grimaced in agony, he did not move, scream, or cry out as his body was incinerated.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    I am indebted to Leigh Shaffer for this story and analysis.

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  1. Department of Psychology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA

    Gregg Henriques

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  1. Gregg Henriques
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Henriques, G. (2011). The Justification Hypothesis. In: A New Unified Theory of Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0058-5_5

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