Step 1: Understanding the Concept of Self.
In Buddhist philosophy, the self is conceptualized not as a permanent or independent entity, but rather as a stream of consciousness, impermanent and contingent upon conditions.
Step 2: Analyzing the Options.
- 1. Kumarila: A proponent of Mimamsa philosophy, Kumarila affirmed the existence of the self but did not define it as mere potentiality of knowledge. - 2. Buddha: Aligns with Buddhist teachings, Buddha viewed the self as an impermanent phenomenon, not an independent essence, consistent with the notion of self as potency. - 3. Patanjali: While Patanjali's Yoga Sutras explore consciousness and self, they do not describe the self solely as the potency of knowledge. - 4. Sankaracharya: Sankaracharya's Advaita Vedanta posits the self (Atman) as ultimate reality, not merely a potentiality.
Step 3: Conclusion. The accurate choice is 2. Buddha.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{The correct answer is 2. Buddha.}} \]