PhilosophyLesson 1 of 1 in the course The Early History of Philosophy around the World

Classical Indian Philosophy: Vedic Thought, Samkhya, Yoga, and Darshanas

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces the Vedic tradition, the earliest philosophical literature of India, and the questions about reality, the cosmos, and human life that emerge from it. It matters because Vedic ideas became foundations for later Hindu philosophy and because they show philosophy as both reflection and a practical way of life.

The four Vedas—the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda—are the oldest Hindu scriptures. They were composed by Indo-Aryan communities in northern India, broadly between 1500 and 900 BCE. The Vedas are also called Shruti, meaning “hearing,” because they were transmitted orally for generations. Hindus traditionally understand them as divinely inspired words preserved by priests.

All flashcards

Shruti
“Hearing”; a term for the Vedas, which were transmitted orally and traditionally understood as divinely inspired.
Purusha and prakriti
Samkhya’s two fundamental principles: pure consciousness and material nature, respectively.
Samadhi
The final limb of Patanjali’s eightfold Yoga path, associated with oneness with true reality or the supreme soul.
Darshana
A systematic way of seeing or interpreting reality; the term also names a Hindu philosophical school.
Mimamsa
A school that interprets Vedic texts to investigate dharma, including duties, rituals, and social norms.

Quiz questions

  1. In Samkhya philosophy, which pair names the two fundamental principles used to explain reality?Answer: Purusha, pure consciousness, and prakriti, material nature.
  2. What does dharana mean in Patanjali’s eight limbs of Yoga?Answer: Concentration on a chosen object, word, or image.
  3. Which four sources of reliable knowledge does Nyaya recognize?Answer: Perception, inference, comparison, and testimony.
  4. Which two sources of knowledge does Vaisheshika accept?Answer: Perception and inference.
  5. What is a central focus of Mimamsa philosophy?Answer: Interpreting Vedic texts to understand dharma and prescribed action.

Based on Introduction to Philosophy by Nathan Smith (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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