A Panorama Of Indian Philosophy

The Book Presents A Comprehensive Account Of The Six Indian Classical Systems And The Carvakas, And Of Their Texts And Their Exponents. Unfolding A Panorama Of The Hindu Divinities, It Also Discusses Jainism And Buddhism As Religions And Philosophies.

“Here at long last is a comprehensive introduction to the systematic philosophies of India. PRESUPPOSITIONS OF INDIA’S PHILOSOPHIES carries the reader through a discussion of the search for freedom, which characterizes India’s philosophy of self-perfection, to an appreciation of the systematic views of the classical Indian philosophers on such subjects as causation, ontology, knowledge, error, and negation. The entire panorama of the problems and motivations of India’s philosophies is presented, with emphasis on the tensions brought about by the quest for freedom in face of the limitations imposed by casual law. The attitudes and beliefs that govern Indian thought are the vantage point from which this study is begun. Western readers are thus enabled to approach the problems of metaphysics, logic, and epistemology from a standpoint similar to those of the philosophers whose works are here examined. In his pioneering approach to the classification of the schools of Indian philosophy, Doctor Potter abandons the confusing “six systems” tradition in favor of presenting the distinct positions of each school with regard to key topics. Not only Hindu, but also Buddhist and Jain philosophies are discussed in detail. Going beyond impersonal evaluations of the works of Indian philosophers, this book brings these men to life, offering Western readers a true familiarity with the great leaders of Indian thought. As a broad introduction to Indian philosophy, written from a point of view completely understandable to Western readers, PRESUPPOSITIONS OF INDIA’S PHILOSOPHIES forms a unique and valuable contribution to the literature of this field.”- Publisher

This collection of essays provides the specialist, and also the layman interested in philosophy, with examples of the best philosophical work being done in India today. Indologists and Sanskrit scholars have for generations had access to Indian expositions of ancient texts. Rather less has been known about what is being done in fields of recent and current interest. Indian philosophers today are part of a worldwide community of scholars as concerned with technical logical problems, with analysis and phenomenology, as philosophers anywhere else and this is what this book reflects. It also shows the younger philosophers, many of whom have studied outside India, engaged in the cut and thrust of contemporary debate. Indian philosophers have the advantage of not having been swept off their feet by any one of the movements in contemporary philosophy. But they are alive to them all and have their own contribution to make to on-going discussions. The reader will find treatments of the mind-body problem, the nature of moral language, the experience of nothingness in Buddhism and Existentialism, and an analysis of aesthetic experience, to mention only a few of the chapters in this lively book.

Festschrift honoring a historian from Kerala; contributed articles.

Immerse yourself in the intellectual richness of Indian philosophical traditions with this scholarly masterpiece that unveils the development of philosophical thought in India from the Vedic period to the early centuries of the Common Era. This insightful book presents a panoramic view of diverse philosophical schools, including Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, and others, and offers invaluable insights into their key tenets and contributions. Extensive research and lucid writing make this volume an essential reference for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of Indian philosophy worldwide. A captivating journey through the philosophical heritage of India! A comprehensive exploration of the evolution of Indian philosophical thought. Highlights the philosophical systems, thinkers, and their ideas that have shaped Indian culture and spirituality. An extensive overview of the diverse schools of Indian philosophy and their principles. A perfect value addition for any library. An ideal choice for lovers of history and philosophy.

This book introduces the vast topic of Indian philosophy. It begins with a study of the major Upanishads, and then surveys the philosophical ideas contained in the Bhagavadgita. After a short excursion into Buddhism, it summarizes the salient ideas of the six systems of Indian philosophy: Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa, and Vedanta. It concludes with an introduction to contemporary Indian thought.

The present work is a simpler and shorter account of the authors previously published Outline of Indian Philosophy. Therefore, in accordance with the aim kept in view in writing, it leaves out many of the details included in the previous one. The difference between them, however, does not consist merely in these omissions: There is also variation in the treatment of some topics, as, for instance, in the first two chapters dealing with early Indian thought. At least in two cases, again, there are important additions. In the earlier book, Buddhism was dealt with in reference to two stages of its growth. There is a third phase, representing the doctrine as it was originally taught by Buddha; and a brief resume of it, as it has been reconstructed by scholars in recent years, also finds a place here. Similarly, the account of the Vedanta has been amplified by the inclusion of the Dvaita system. In treating such a subject as Indian Philosophy, it is difficult to avoid the use of Sanskrit terms; but their number appearing in the body of the work has been reduced as far as possible, and a Glossary is provided to help the reader in finding out their meanings readily. It provides a concise, connected account of Indian philosophy, and interpretation and criticism are provided within the limits of the volume. The Essentials of Indian Philosophy provides a concise, connected account of Indian philosophy, and interpretation and criticism are provided within the limits of the volume. An introductory chapter summarises Vedic religion and philosophy, and then Indian thought respectively with the early post-Vedic period and the age of the systems. A brief historical survey accompanies each natural division of the subject, in addition to an exposition of its theory of knowledge, ontology and practical teaching. A glossary of Sanskrit terms and a good subject index are provided.