Knowledge and Liberation in Classical Indian Thought
Classical Indian schools of philosophy undertake major debates on a
variety of issues with the formal aim of attaining a supreme end to
existence - liberation from the cycle of lives. This book looks at
four conceptions of liberation and the way analytic inquiry and
philosophical knowledge are held to lead in its attainment. The
central motivation of Indian philosophy - the quest for the Highest
Good - is recognised but also situated in the rigorous and analytic
philosophical activity of these thinkers.
Table of contents:
Introduction
Bhatta Mimamsa: Action, the Sacred Texts and the End of
Action
Nyaya: Suffering, Detachment and Peace
Yogacara-Madhyamika: Conceptualisation, Insight and Pure
Cognition
Advaita: Radical Misunderstanding and De-Individuation of
Consciousness
Concluding Summary
Bibliography
Index
CHAKRAVARTHI RAM-PRASAD is a Lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at Lancaster University. He is the author of many articles on Indian metaphysics and epistemology, religion and politics, and classical Hinduism.
