SCHOOLS OF INDIAN PHILOSOPHY - AN INTRODUCTION

 

Schools of Indian philosophy

Schools of Indian philosophy

Schools of Indian philosophy – Introduction

Schools of Indian philosophy are a part of Hindu philosophy has a long history originating in ancient India with several scholars intrigued by the mysteries of life and death, metaphysics, purpose of existence, belief in God etc. They codified their world views in what is referred to as schools of philosophy with each of them having extensive literature. Almost all Indian schools of thought accepted the theory of karma and rebirth, and the ideal of moksha is conceived as liberation from the cycle of births and deaths. Moksha/liberation is considered as the highest goal of human struggle.

These schools of Indian philosophy can broadly be divided into two categories:

1. Orthodox(Astik)
2. Heterodox(Nastik)

Schools of Indian philosophy: Difference between Astik schools and Nastik schools

The difference between these two schools of Indian philosophy is  based on the recognition of Vedas. Orthodox schools recognize the authority of Vedas while heterodox schools don’t believe in the authority of Vedas.