Author Description

Many textbooks on Indian Philosophy represent its core in terms of its essential mysticism, ahistoricism and lack of argumentation. These monolithic characterizations not only oversimplify but also grossly belie the complex nature of Indian philosophical traditions. One of the unique characteristics of this book is a thorough representation of the wide range of systems within the Indian philosophical traditions that include, for example, the materialism of the Carvakas, the logic of the Nyayaikas, and the realistic ontology of the Vaisesikas. To highlight the serious argumentative nature of many philosophical transactions between various Indian systems, this book situates these systems in the specific historical backgrounds that shaped the philosophical climate of their period. This novel historical approach helps us appreciate the interesting evolution of various perennial issues of philosophy, such as the nature and existence of the external world, self, consciousness, knowledge and above all human predicament, within the Indian philosophical traditions.