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.

Autorentext

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.

Inhalt

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