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Tenets of Nyaya School of Philosophy

Nyaya Philosophy

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1. Introduction

  • Nyaya is often paired with Vaisheshika due to shared concerns.
  • Both analyze experiences (perceptual and non-perceptual).
  • Basic Assumption: Valid experience must reflect reality.
  • Nyaya believes earlier cognitions must be accepted as real until contradicted.

2. Focus of Nyaya & Vaisheshika

  • Nyaya: Focuses on the means of knowing reality.
    • Studies how we gain knowledge (e.g., perception, inference).
  • Vaisheshika: Focuses on the objects of reality which can be known.
    • Studies what can be known, various types of reality.

3. Goal of Knowledge

  • The right knowledge of both the means of knowing and what can be known leads to liberation.
  • All Vedic schools aim at liberation or ultimate happiness.

4. Key Figure and Development

  • Gautama Rishi is the founding figure ( Nyaya Sutras).
  • Around 14th century, Gangesopadhyaya shifted the focus more on pramanas (means of knowledge).
  • This led to the "Navya Nyaya" (New Nyaya) which focuses on detailed inquiry into knowledge.

5. Core Questions of Navya Nyaya

  • What is knowledge?
  • What are the various means of acquiring knowledge?
  • How is right knowledge different from false cognition, dream or doubt?
  • What are the means to cognize an objective?
  • Systematic way to arrive at true conclusions, hypothesis to conclusions.

6. Methodology and Epistemic Concepts

  • Nyaya created rules for debating, which became widely accepted standards.
  • Other traditions have also engaged with their methodology & epistemology.

7. Concept of Liberation

  • Liberation (moksha): Cessation of all pain and suffering.
  • It is not a positive state of infinite happiness, but the absence of pain and suffering.

8. Concept of Ishvara

  • Accepts Ishvara as the creator but not as the creator out of nothing.
  • Paramanu (atoms): infinite, eternal are material cause.
  • Ishvara: Efficient cause.
  • Ishvara has a unique role in the following:
    • Author of the Vedas (making them infallible).
    • Directs karma (the karmic law) and dictates the next life based on present actions.
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