Comparative Study Of Indian And Western Philosophy

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Comparative Study of Indian and Western Philosophy

Philosophy is the root of all knowledge. It is considered as mother of all sciences. Philosophy has interpreted man and his various activities in a comprehensive manner. It helps to coordinate the various activities of the individuals and the Society.
It helps us to understand the significance of all human experience.
“It explores the basic source and aims of life. It asks and tries to answer the deepest questions to life. It clarifies life and the basic values of life. This clarity is very essential because it provides us with the wisdom to face the challenges of life.
Wisdom is the supreme instrument in the hands of man in the struggle for his successful existence.

A GENERAL OUTLINE OF INDIAN PHILOSOPHY

In the early phases of human life on this planet when man was struck with wonder or the natural phenomena or when he found complex ad conflicting phenomena in life and was filled with discontentment at the existing order of things, it was the beginning of philosophy.

The Vedas

The origin of Indian philosophy may be easily traced in the Vedas. The Vedas are the earliest available records of Indian Literature.
The Upanishads are the foundation of Indian philosophy, which teach spiritual monism and mysticism.
The systems of Indian philosophy are systematic speculations on the nature of the Realty in harmony with the teachings of Upanishads, which contain various aspects of the truth. They aim at the knowledge of the Reality with a view to transforming and spiritualizing human life.
Philosophical knowledge does not aim at merely satisfying our theoretical and speculative interest, but also at realizing the highest truth in life

Dars’ana or vision of truth

Indian philosophy is intensely spiritual and emphasizes the need of practical realization of truth. As philosophy aims at knowledge of truth, it is termed in Indian literature, ‘the vision of truth’ (dars’ana).
The word ‘dars’ana’ means ‘vision’ and also the ‘instrument of vision’. It stands for the direct, immediate and intuitive vision of Reality, the actual perception of Truth , and also includes the means which lead to this realization.
‘See the Self’ is the keynote of all schools of Indian Philosophy. And this is the reason why most of the schools of Indian Philosophy are intimately associated with religious sects.

The schools of Indian philosophy

The following are the major philosophical schools or systems (dars’anas).

The Nyaya system of Aksapada Gautama
The Vaise esika system of Maharshi kanada
The Samkhya system of Kapila muni
The Yoga/”>Yoga system of Ptanjali
The Mimamsa system of Jaimini
The Vedanta system of Badarayana Vyas
TheBauddha system of Guatama Buddha
The Jaina system of Mahavira
The Carvaka system of Carvaka

Classfication of the Indian Philosophical Schools:

Orthodox and Heterodox

The schools or systems of Indian philosophy are divided into two broad classes, namely, orthodox (astika, Vedic) and heterodox (nastika, Non-Vedic).
To the first group belong the six chief philosophical systems (popularly known as sad-darsana), namely, Mimamsa, Vedanta, Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya and Vaisesika.
These are regarded as orthodox (astika), not because they believe in God, but because they accept the authority of the Vedas.
The Mimamsa and the Sankhya do not believe in God as the creator of the world, yet they are called orthodox (astika), because they believe in the authoritativeness of the Vedas.
Under the other class of Heterodox systems, the chief three are the schools of the Materialists like the Carvakas, the Bauddhas and the Jains. They are called heterodox because they do not believe in the authority of the Vedas.

Empiricism, Rationalism and Authoritarianism

The nine major systems of Indian Philosophy may be classified on the basis of sources of knowledge ie. epistemology into three major groups- Empiricism, Rationalism and Authoritarianisn.

Empiricism:

Those who hold that perception is the only source of knowledge are forced to deny the existence of God , soul, rebirth, hell and heaven.
This view is called Empiricism- Sense experience is the only source of knowledge. Charvaka holds this view.

Rationalism:

Those who hold that we are entitled to believe in what is not directly perceived but which can be inferred from what is perceived.
This view is called Rationalism.eg., from the perception of smoke we are entitled to infere the existence of fire though we do not see fire, on the ground that wherever there is smoke there is fire.
The Nyaya-Vaisheshika, The Samkhya-yoga andBuddhism are rationalist schools
They accept perception and inference as the valid pramanas and regard inference as primary and sense perception as subordinate

Authoritarianism

Perception and Inference based upon perception may be adequate to give us knowledge about the empirical world , but what about transcendent realities like souls, God, past birth, karma hell and heaven.
These objects are not knowable by these two pramanas. But they can be known through supra-sensuous experience to the mystics, prophets, saints, sees directly and to us through scriptures which are the records of such experience or revelations This is called Authoritarianism.
Of course, they accept other pramanas also. The remaining three schools of purva Mimamsa, Vedanta and Jainism belong to this category.

The Common Ideas in the System of Indian Philosophy

The Reality of the world: All schools of Indian philosophy recognize the reality of the world. Even the Advaita Vedanta of Samkara regards the world as a mere appearance from the standpoint of the absolute. But it recognizes the empirical reality of the world-appearance.
The reality of the self: The reality of the permanent self is generally admitted. Among the Heterodox Schools the Carvaka and Buddhist deny the reality of the permanent self.
The law of Karma : All schools of Indian philosophy except the Carvaka believe in the law of Karma. As we sow, so we reap. There is no escape from the consequences of actions . Their fruits must be reaped in this life or in future life
Transmigration: The idea of transmigration is common to all systems of Indian philosophy except the Carvaka school.
Initial Pessimism and Ultimate Optimism: Indian philosophy is branded as pessimistic. Life is full of sufferings. But all kinds of pain can be destroyed in the state of liberation. So, Indian philosophy is characterised by initial pessimism and ultimate optimism.
Bondage: Another common view held by all Indian thinkers except Carvaka school, is that ignorance of reality is the cause of our bondage and sufferings, and liberation from these cannot be achieved without knowledge of reality.
Liberation: The idea of liberation is common to all the systems of Indian philosophy except the Carvaka school.
The means to liberation: The different systems of Indian philosophy lay down the means to the attaintment of liberation.
Pramanas: Indian philosophy is not dogmatic and uncritical. Every system of philosophy is based on epistemology or theory of knowledge.

A GENERAL IDEA OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY

Wonder is said to be the origin of philosophy. In the early human life on this planet, when man was struck with wonder at the natural phenomena or when he found complex and conflicting phenomena in life and was filled with discontentment at the existing order of things, it was the beginning of philosophy.
While the philosophy of Vedas began in wonder, the philosophy of Gautam Buddha began in discontentment with the miserable world.
In the West, the early beginning of philosophy was in wonder, while the modern Western philosophy had its origin in doubt.
These are some of the many problems taken at random, which we find agitating the human mind in every land, from the very dawn of civilization.
Western philosophy has removed more or less true to the etymological meaning of ‘philosophy’ in being essentially an intellectual quest for truth

The Development of Western Philosophy:

In the history of Western philosophy we find that as human knowledge about each of the different problems mentioned above began to grow, it became impossible for the same man to study everything about every problem.
Division of labour or specialization became necessary and a group of man devoted themselves to a particular problem or a few connected problems. There came into existence in this way the different special sciences.
Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Anatomy, Geology and similar sciences took up each a part or aspect of the world of nature.
Physiology, Anatomy and the other medical sciences devoted themselves to the different problems of the human body. Psychology began to study the problems of the human mind.
The detailed study of many of particular problems with which philosophical speculation originally started became thus the subject matter of the special sciences.
Philosophy then began to depend on the reports of the investigation made by the different sciences, tried to understand their meanings and implications critically , and utilized these results for understanding the general nature of the universe- man, nature and God.

Divisions of Western Philosophy

Historians of philosophy have divided Western Philosophy according to their convenience. We shall divide the Western Philosophy into Greek, Medieval, Modern, PostKantian, Metaphysicians and the 20th Century philosophy.

I. Greek Philosophy: Ancient Philosophy

It covers a period between 600-400 A.D. This period has three sections.

Section I. Pre-Socratic Philosophy
Section II. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.
Section III. Greco-Roman Philosophy

Medieval Philosophy 400-1500 A.D
Modern Philosophy (Bacon to Kant) Post-Kantian Philosophy.
20th Century Philosophy

Methods of Philosophy

A method for any science is a necessity. Method in philosophy is a systematic and consistent way of attaining philosophical knowledge. What our method is going to be largely determined by our Attitude to philosophy.
Those who look upon philosophy as a universal science may think that a method of philosophy like a method of science is empirical.
Others looking upon philosophy as an intellectual pursuit may treat a method of reason as the method of philosophy.

The different methods of philosophy are as follows:

Dogmatism

This method of thinking consists in assuming certain “fundamental principles as self-evident and axiomatic, without explanation or proof, and deducing conclusions from these unproved premises”.
It also carries on its investigations without a previous criticism of uses. In other words without criticizing the quality of knowledge and without determining how we know things, it at once hastens to interpret the objects of the world.
Hence in this method of thinking the mind is too busy with its objects to attend to itself.
Descartes, Spinoza and Leibnitz may be mentioned as belonging to this line of thinking.

Empiricism

According to Empiricism, all knowledge , whether scientific or philosophical, is entirely built up of sensations and materials derived from sensations.
It holds that the mind of every man at the time of birth is like a blank sheet of white paper (a tabula rasa) on which the impressions coming from the outside are imprinted in the form of experience.
Bacon, Hobbes, Locke, Hume,Mill and Bain may be mentioned as the advocates of this school of thought.

Scepticism

It results from carrying empiricism to its most extreme and consistent form.
Because, if we once admit that we can have no genuine knowledge beyond what can be compounded out of the materials of sensations and feelings, it follows that we cannot have not only any understanding realities outside of and apart from our own sensations and feelings, but also any certain knowledge that such things exist as all.
Hence, our idea of substances, mind, matter and God cannot be known for certain to correspond to realities, existing independently of our ideas.
Not only can we know nothing about the real nature of such meta-physical or transcendental realities, but also we cannot even know for certain that they have any existence.
Hume, Mill, Bain, and Spencer are the advocates of this doctrine.
In its extreme form, skepticism denies the certainty of all knowledge.

Criticism

Criticism is the method which bases all philosophical speculation upon a critical inquiry into the nature, origin and limits of knowledge.
According to this doctrine, the true philosophical method must be critical.
Before we enter into philosophy, we must hold a thorough inquiry into the antecedent conditions of knowledge and the precise filed and range of its operations.
By thus ascertaining the scope of knowledge, criticism helps us in determining the range of philosophical investigations. Kant is a great advocate of critical method.

Rationalism

It is a method which consist in showing that sensations and feelings can only give the materials of knowledge and that such materials do not constitute knowledge unless they are interpreted by reason.
Hence, according to this method of thinking, knowledge is a product, not of experience alone, but of reason interpreting experience.
Thus, this form of thinking gives a prominent place to reason, and a subordinate one to sensations and feelings in the structure of knowledge.
The Criticism of Kant, then, is a form of Rationalism. Likewise some of the dogmatic systems may be regarded as forms of Rationalism.

Dialectical Method

According to Hegel, the proper method for philosophy is dialectic. This is a natural method of philosophical thinking.
It is a commonplace experience that when we think over a problem we arrive at certain positive facts. This is thesis.
Now, after some time we come to know some facts which are contradictory to the thesis; this is antithesis.
Thesis and antithesis cannot live together for long hence they are synthesized into a synthesis. This synthesis arrived through antithesis is more comprehensive than the original thesis.
Thus, knowledge grows in a dialectical process through thesis, anti-thesis and synthesis.

Modern Methods

The Pragmatists adopt the pragmatic method. The New Realists adopt the method of intellectual analysis.
Bergson adopts the method of intuition in regard to life, and of intellect in regard to matter.
The Logical Positivists adopt the method of linguistic analysis and empirical verification.
The naturalists adopt the naturalistic methods of observation and experiment. Croce and Gentile adopt the historical method

Indian and Western philosophy have been developing for thousands of years, and they have both had a profound impact on the world. While there are some similarities between the two traditions, there are also many important differences.

One of the most significant differences between Indian and Western philosophy is their origins. Indian philosophy is rooted in the Vedas, a collection of sacred texts that were written over 3,000 years ago. The Vedas contain a wide range of teachings on religion, philosophy, and ethics. Western philosophy, on the other hand, is rooted in the works of ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. These philosophers developed a number of important ideas about logic, metaphysics, and ethics.

Another difference between Indian and Western philosophy is their major schools of thought. Indian philosophy is divided into six major schools: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. Each of these schools has its own unique approach to philosophy. Western philosophy, on the other hand, is not as neatly divided into schools. However, there are a number of important philosophical traditions in the West, such as empiricism, rationalism, and existentialism.

Indian and Western philosophy also differ in their concepts and ideas. One of the most important concepts in Indian philosophy is Brahman, which is the ultimate reality. Brahman is often described as being beyond all form and description. In Western philosophy, there is no single concept that is equivalent to Brahman. However, some philosophers, such as Plotinus, have come close to describing a similar concept with their idea of the One.

Another important difference between Indian and Western philosophy is their approach to ethics. In Indian philosophy, ethics is often seen as a way to achieve liberation from suffering. The goal of life is to achieve moksha, which is a state of perfect peace and happiness. In Western philosophy, ethics is often seen as a way to live a good life in this world. The goal of life is to achieve eudaimonia, which is a state of happiness and well-being.

Despite their differences, Indian and Western philosophy have much to offer each other. Indian philosophy can provide Western philosophy with a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the human condition. Western philosophy can provide Indian philosophy with a more critical and analytical approach to philosophical problems. By studying both Indian and Western philosophy, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the relevance of Indian and Western philosophy to contemporary issues. Some philosophers have argued that Indian philosophy can provide us with new insights into problems such as environmental sustainability, Economic Development, and social Justice. Others have argued that Western philosophy can help us to better understand the nature of science, technology, and the human mind.

The study of Indian and Western philosophy can be a rewarding and enriching experience. It can help us to understand the world around us in a new way and to develop our own unique philosophical perspective.

What is philosophy?

Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline.

What is the difference between Indian and Western philosophy?

Indian philosophy is a diverse tradition that has been developing for over 2,500 years. It is characterized by its focus on the nature of reality, the human condition, and the path to liberation. Western philosophy, on the other hand, is a more recent tradition that has its roots in ancient Greece. It is characterized by its focus on logic, reason, and the nature of knowledge.

What are some of the key concepts in Indian philosophy?

Some of the key concepts in Indian philosophy include Brahman, Atman, karma, and moksha. Brahman is the ultimate reality, the ground of all being. Atman is the individual soul, which is ultimately identical to Brahman. Karma is the law of cause and effect, which governs the cycle of rebirth. Moksha is liberation from the cycle of rebirth and the attainment of union with Brahman.

What are some of the key concepts in Western philosophy?

Some of the key concepts in Western philosophy include Plato’s Forms, Aristotle’s four causes, Descartes’ cogito ergo sum, and Kant’s categorical imperative. Plato’s Forms are the eternal, unchanging realities that exist behind the world of appearances. Aristotle’s four causes are the material cause, the formal cause, the efficient cause, and the final cause. Descartes’ cogito ergo sum is the statement “I think, therefore I am,” which he used to prove the existence of the self. Kant’s categorical imperative is the moral principle that one should act only according to that maxim whereby one can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.

What are some of the similarities between Indian and Western philosophy?

Both Indian and Western philosophy have a long and rich history. Both traditions have grappled with fundamental questions about the nature of reality, the human condition, and the path to liberation. Both traditions have produced a vast body of literature, including philosophical treatises, religious texts, and works of art.

What are some of the differences between Indian and Western philosophy?

One of the most significant differences between Indian and Western philosophy is their approach to the question of reality. Indian philosophy tends to be more monistic, while Western philosophy tends to be more dualistic. In other words, Indian philosophy tends to view reality as a single, unified whole, while Western philosophy tends to view reality as consisting of two distinct Realms: the material world and the spiritual world.

Another difference between Indian and Western philosophy is their approach to the question of the self. Indian philosophy tends to be more individualistic, while Western philosophy tends to be more collectivist. In other words, Indian philosophy tends to view the self as an independent, autonomous entity, while Western philosophy tends to view the self as being embedded in a social context.

What are some of the contributions of Indian and Western philosophy to the world?

Indian and Western philosophy have made significant contributions to the world in many areas, including religion, art, literature, science, and technology. Indian philosophy has influenced Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism, and Jainism, while Western philosophy has influenced Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Indian philosophy has also influenced the development of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, while Western philosophy has influenced the development of logic, mathematics, and physics.

What are some of the challenges facing Indian and Western philosophy today?

One of the biggest challenges facing Indian and Western philosophy today is the rise of Secularism-2/”>Secularism. Secularism is the view that religion should be kept separate from the state and public life. This view has led to a decline in the influence of religion in many parts of the world, including India and the West. This has made it more difficult for Indian and Western philosophy to have a significant impact on society.

Another challenge facing Indian and Western philosophy today is the rise of materialism. Materialism is the view that the only thing that exists is matter. This view has led to a decline in the interest in spiritual matters, including Indian and Western philosophy. This has made it more difficult for Indian and Western philosophy to attract new followers.

What is the future of Indian and Western philosophy?

The future of Indian and Western philosophy is uncertain. However, both traditions have a long and rich history, and they have made significant contributions to the world. It is possible that they will continue to make significant contributions in the future.

Here are some MCQs on the topics of Indian and Western philosophy:

Which of the following is not a characteristic of Indian philosophy?
(A) It is based on the Vedas.
(B) It is concerned with the nature of reality.
(C) It is focused on the individual’s quest for liberation.
(D) It is atheistic.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Western philosophy?
(A) It is based on reason.
(B) It is concerned with the nature of knowledge.
(C) It is focused on the individual’s moral development.
(D) It is theistic.
Which of the following is a similarity between Indian and Western philosophy?
(A) Both traditions are concerned with the nature of reality.
(B) Both traditions are focused on the individual’s quest for liberation.
(C) Both traditions have a long and rich history.
(D) Both traditions have been influenced by other cultures.
Which of the following is a difference between Indian and Western philosophy?
(A) Indian philosophy is based on the Vedas, while Western philosophy is based on reason.
(B) Indian philosophy is concerned with the nature of reality, while Western philosophy is concerned with the nature of knowledge.
(C) Indian philosophy is focused on the individual’s quest for liberation, while Western philosophy is focused on the individual’s moral development.
(D) Indian philosophy is theistic, while Western philosophy is atheistic.
Which of the following is a contribution of Indian philosophy to the world?
(A) The concept of karma.
(B) The concept of dharma.
(C) The concept of nirvana.
(D) All of the above.
Which of the following is a contribution of Western philosophy to the world?
(A) The concept of Democracy.
(B) The concept of Human Rights.
(C) The concept of the scientific method.
(D) All of the above.
Which of the following is a difference between Indian and Western philosophy that has been the source of much debate?
(A) The role of religion in society.
(B) The nature of reality.
(C) The purpose of life.
(D) All of the above.
Which of the following is a similarity between Indian and Western philosophy that has been the source of much debate?
(A) The importance of reason.
(B) The importance of experience.
(C) The importance of intuition.
(D) All of the above.
Which of the following is a conclusion that can be drawn from the study of Indian and Western philosophy?
(A) There is no one right way to think about the world.
(B) All cultures have something to contribute to the world of ideas.
(C) The best way to understand the world is to study multiple perspectives.
(D) All of the above.
Which of the following is a question that remains unanswered in the study of Indian and Western philosophy?
(A) What is the nature of reality?
(B) What is the purpose of life?
(C) What is the relationship between mind and body?
(D) All of the above.