Philosophy Today

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Articles Spotlight

The Liberation in Sankhya Philosophy

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Indian Philosophy has several doctrines and theories.  One of the six systems of Indian Philosophy is “Samkhya Darshan”. This darshan describes two independent realities-Prakriti and Purusa.  Prakriti is material reality and purusa is inactive,body-less but co-exists with prakriti. In Samkhya darshan not only explain prakriti and purusa theories but also explain liberation should be achieved in right knowledge of reality. In this samkhya darshan illuminate about liberation of self.

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Can Universal brotherhood and Collective Consciousness be a way out for COVID?

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It may seem ‘idealistic’ to let philosophy pave the path for uncontrollable changes in our lives. However, if we look deeply the answers to the most difficult questions lie within the process of self-introspection and realization. Philosophy meditates the entire process from darkness to light, raveling through the uncharted territories leading towards enlightenment through self-evaluation. It enables us to fight against not only the inner demons but also the surrounding consequences.

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Coronavirus: The role of Philosophy in the time of crisis

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In the rise of COVID-19 virus, uncertain prognosis, shortage of medical resources, and imposition of strict public health measures, such as isolation and restriction to movements contribute to widespread depression, anxiety, and fear among all. Though these measures are the only way to curb the spread of the virus, Indian philosophical principles have an important role in addressing these emotional outcomes arising due to the pandemic. In this essay, I shall discuss about the yogic principles of asanas, and the spiritual effect of meditation to promote physical and psychological well being of an individual. Further, I will address the Vedanta and Jain principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which has positive implications in the fight against the

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Philosophy as a virtue and Way of Life: An Intellectual and Moral Battle against Modern World Crises

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Ludwing Wittgenstein, despite having a great inclination towards linguistic philosophy kept a great deal of empathy towards the importance of ancient thought and philosophers who consider it as a virtue and way of life. As he famously put it; ‘‘[W]hat is the use of studying philosophy if all that it does for you is to enable you to talk with some plausibility about some abstruse questions of logic, etc., & if it does not improve your thinking about the important questions of everyday life.’’[i]In other words, we must always show our deep sense of gratitude to ancient Greek philosophers and Indian saints and seers who gave us the big questions and philosophy in the form of a way of life to battle against any crisis. But the question is how far we preserved that legacy and moral standard? It is here we moderns have to show moral courage to respond to the ancient thinkers who have been asking the question symbolically and silently about what we have done with philosophy and how we used it to the development of world orders, facing any crisis (environmental, moral, personal and so on) and individual character and so on. The present paper is also an attempt to look back at the nature and legacy of philosophy which ancient philosophers and seers (Dārśanika) proposed for us to live a good life and maintain the holistic world order.

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Swaraj in doing Philosophy

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Philosophy cannot just be about conceptual analysis that is very profoundly determined by the West. Philosophy is not an exhaustive subject and therefore in this paper I try to justify other ways of doing philosophy. I take help of Krishna Chandra Bhattacharya’s essay “Swaraj in Ideas” and try to show how the philosophy that is going on India is very much valid as that of the West. My main focus point is the rejection of the word ‘darshana’ and how it is replaced by the word ‘ankviksiki’, because of its analytical connotation. I therefore try to justify the usage of the word ‘darshana’ through my essay.

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A Quest for answers: ṚṢIKĀ GĀRGĪ and her debates

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The silencing of woman in a patriarchal society by adopting the method of threats, menace, warnings and insults is a common scenario witnessed in contemporary times. Though, this phenomena is not only seen in the present times but has been customary in the Vedic times as well. As an example, a famous debate between the philosopher sage Yajnavalkya and Rsika Gargi from the Yajnavalkya Kanda of Brihadaranyaka Upanisad has been taken into account. This debate is an epitome of male egoism and women subordination which can be related to the position of women in present times as well. An important weapon to place our point of view in front of the society and reach to the conclusive answers is by the method of debate through apt justifications and reasoning and one must not stop till indisputable answers are reached. Thus, this paper is a tentative elucidation of how a woman is silenced in a quest for answers from Vedic times to present time.

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Peace in Human Life: In the Eye of Indian Perspective

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We, as human beings, generally think living peacefully and happily is the purpose of this life. Therefore, we always expect peace in all our actions. But from various bitter experiences such as educational insecurity, job insecurity, wars and future expectations and so on, peace in human life seems like a myth. The possibility of it seems impossible. However, some ancient theories, in particular, four ashrama dharmas and some modern thinkers in India tried to show peaceful living is not impossible. They thought it is possible by bringing order and harmony in our thought process and in our day to day practices. They tried to provide a path by which one can live peacefully. Also, they tried to show what kind of results one can get from a peaceful life. The main aim of this paper is to understand those principles and their significant role to bring peace and consequently the positive results of it in human life.

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Dr. Ambedkar and “Untouchability”: Redefining life through Buddhism

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Dr. B.R Ambedkar was a twentieth century political and social reformer. Born as a Dalit, his works and efforts have impacted millions of people residing in India. He stood as the leader to ensure social justice and peace among the Dalit community. This article illustrates the relationship between casteism, and Ambedkar’s adoption of a new religion called Buddhism in two stages. First, I shall define what caste system is, and why there was a need for Ambedkar to abolish Hinduism and adopt Buddhism. Second, I will explain how Buddhism helped Ambedkar to accomplish his aim of social justice and equality for Dalit community. I conclude my suggestions by stating that the principles of ‘rationality’ and ‘freedom’ play an essential role in guiding one’s moral lives.

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