The concept of Self (aÌtman) in NyaÌya-VaisÌesÌŁika philosophy
NyaÌya, one of Hinduism's six orthodox schools of philosophy, has been of interest to western philosophers largely because of its sophisticated analysis of logical and linguistic problems. In India, the purpose of the orthodox school (or darsÌana - ~view~) has been to lead the student toward liberation (moksÌŁa). Hence NyaÌya's preoccupation with logic should not in itself preclude a real concern with moksÌŁa. The broad aim of my thesis, therefore, is to determine how NyaÌya functions as a complete darsÌana, to see if indeed the various aspects of the system stand together as a coherent moksÌŁamaÌrga (way to release). Because Hindus conceive of salvation as the realization of a transcendental Self (aÌtman), and because the nature of such a Self has been a prime focus for Indian philosophical debate, this thesis will concentrate on the NyaÌya understanding of aÌtman, and the logical arguments for its existence. NyaÌya philosophers played a leading role in arguing against their Buddhist opponents in India who denied the existence of any such transcendental Self. The debate, which endured for many hundreds of years, culminated in the eleventh century A.D. with the works of Udayana, a leading NyaÌya
Laine, Joy Elizabeth
Philosophy
The concept of Self (aÌtman) in NyaÌya-VaisÌesÌŁika philosophy. NyaÌya, one of Hinduism's six orthodox schools of philosophy, has been of interest to western philosophers largely because of its sophisticated analysis of logical and linguistic problems. In India, the purpose of the orthodox school (or darsÌana - ~view~) has been to lead the student toward liberation (moksÌŁa). Hence NyaÌya's preoccupation with logic should not in itself preclude a real concern with moksÌŁa. The broad aim of my thesis, therefore, is to determine how NyaÌya functions as a complete darsÌana, to see if indeed the various aspects of the system stand together as a coherent moksÌŁamaÌrga (way to release). Because Hindus conceive of salvation as the realization of a transcendental Self (aÌtman), and because the nature of such a Self has been a prime focus for Indian philosophical debate, this thesis will concentrate on the NyaÌya understanding of aÌtman, and the logical arguments for its existence. NyaÌya philosophers played a leading role in arguing against their Buddhist opponents in India who denied the existence of any such transcendental Self. The debate, which endured for many hundreds of years, culminated in the eleventh century A.D. with the works of Udayana, a leading NyaÌya
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