UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Notes  >  History Optional for UPSC (Notes)  >  Orthodox & Unorthodox Systems of Indian Philosophy

Orthodox & Unorthodox Systems of Indian Philosophy | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Understanding Indian Philosophy: Vedas and Their Influence

The Vedas hold the distinction of being the oldest scriptures in the world. Indian philosophical systems are categorized based on their acceptance of the Vedas' authority. Orthodox & Unorthodox Systems of Indian Philosophy | History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

The Orthodox Systems (Astika or Theistic)

  • These systems are rooted in the belief that the Vedas are of divine origin. Adherents of these philosophies view the Vedas as having emanated from God. In this tradition, any system of thought not grounded in the Vedas, even if it includes a belief in God or gods, is considered atheistic (nastika).

Over time, the astika schools, originally known as sanatana dharma, have come to be collectively referred to as Hinduism.
The orthodox systems include:

  • Vaisheshika
  • Nyaya
  • Samkhya
  • Yoga
  • Purva-Mimamsa
  • Uttar-Mimamsa

It is common to see Purva-Mimamsa referred to simply as “Mimamsa” and Uttar-Mimamsa as “Vedanta.”

Orthodox & Unorthodox Systems of Indian Philosophy | History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

Question for Orthodox & Unorthodox Systems of Indian Philosophy
Try yourself:
Which Indian philosophical system is based on the belief that the Vedas are of divine origin?
View Solution

The Unorthodox Systems (Nastika or Atheistic)

These systems reject the authority of the Vedas. The unorthodox systems include:

  • Charvakism
  • Ajivika
  • Jainism
  • Buddhism

While the orthodox systems uphold the supremacy of the Vedas, the unorthodox systems do not recognize their authority.
Interestingly, Vaisheshika, Nyaya, Samkhya, and Yoga are unique in that they neither strictly align with orthodox nor unorthodox views. These four systems, at their inception, did not explicitly accept or reject the Vedas.

Pairing of Orthodox Systems

The orthodox systems can be grouped into pairs:

  • Nyaya-Vaisheshika
  • Yoga-Samkhya
  • Mimamsa-Vedanta

In each pair, the first system is more concerned with practical aspects, while the second system focuses on theoretical considerations.

Founders and Promoters of the Systems

Identifying a single founder or promoter for each system can be challenging. However, the following figures are widely recognized as proponents of these systems:

  • Nyaya: Gautama
  • Vaisheshika: Kanada
  • Yoga: Patanjali
  • Samkhya: Kapila
  • Purva-Mimamsa: Jaimini
  • Uttar-Mimamsa: Shamkara

Common Characteristics of Indian Philosophy

Indian philosophies, with the exception of Ajivikas and Charvakism, share several common characteristics. Charvakism stands out because it advocates for materialism, while the other systems exhibit the following shared traits:

Positive Impact on Life:

  • All schools of thought emphasize that philosophy should have a beneficial impact on human life.

Importance of Purushartha:

  • There is a general consensus on the significance of Purushartha, which refers to the goals of human life.

Ends of Human Life:

  • All systems agree that philosophy should assist individuals in achieving the main goals of human life: artha (prosperity), kama (pleasure), dharma (righteousness), and moksha (liberation).

From Darkness to Light:

  • Philosophy is seen as a means to guide individuals from darkness and ignorance to light and knowledge.

Verifiability of Truth and Reality:

  • There is a consensus that truth and reality should be verifiable, supported by reasoning and experience. Experiences can be sensory, conceptual, or intuitional.

Conquering Ignorance and Attaining Freedom:

  • All schools agree that human suffering stems from ignorance and that individuals can overcome ignorance to achieve total freedom (moksha) within their lifetime.

Essential Spirituality:

  • There is a mutual agreement on the fundamental spirituality of human beings.
The document Orthodox & Unorthodox Systems of Indian Philosophy | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) is a part of the UPSC Course History Optional for UPSC (Notes).
All you need of UPSC at this link: UPSC
70 videos|815 docs

Top Courses for UPSC

FAQs on Orthodox & Unorthodox Systems of Indian Philosophy - History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

1. What are the main texts that constitute the Vedas, and what is their significance in Indian philosophy?
Ans. The Vedas consist of four main texts: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. They are considered the oldest sacred scriptures of Hinduism and form the foundation of Indian philosophy. The Vedas encompass hymns, rituals, and philosophical discourses that address the nature of existence, the cosmos, and the relationship between the individual (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), influencing various philosophical schools in India.
2. What distinguishes Orthodox (Astika) systems of Indian philosophy from Unorthodox (Nastika) systems?
Ans. Orthodox (Astika) systems accept the authority of the Vedas and believe in the existence of a higher reality or God, such as in Vedanta, Samkhya, and Nyaya philosophies. In contrast, Unorthodox (Nastika) systems, like Buddhism and Jainism, reject Vedic authority and do not necessarily posit a supreme being. This fundamental difference shapes their metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical frameworks.
3. Can you explain the common characteristics shared by both Orthodox and Unorthodox systems of Indian philosophy?
Ans. Both Orthodox and Unorthodox systems in Indian philosophy share several characteristics, including an emphasis on the nature of reality, the pursuit of knowledge, ethical living, and the quest for liberation (moksha). They also explore concepts such as karma (action and its consequences), dharma (duty/righteousness), and the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara), although they may interpret these concepts differently.
4. How do the Vedas influence the development of the Orthodox systems of Indian philosophy?
Ans. The Vedas serve as the foundational texts for Orthodox systems, providing a framework for their philosophical inquiries. Each Orthodox school interprets Vedic teachings to develop its doctrines and practices. For instance, Vedanta emphasizes the Upanishads (philosophical portions of the Vedas) to explore the nature of Brahman and Atman, while Samkhya and Yoga draw from Vedic concepts to formulate their theories on dualism and the paths to liberation.
5. What role do the concepts of karma and dharma play in both Orthodox and Unorthodox Indian philosophies?
Ans. In both Orthodox and Unorthodox philosophies, karma refers to the law of cause and effect governing actions and their consequences, influencing one's future existence. Dharma represents the moral and ethical duties one must adhere to in life. While Orthodox systems often link these concepts to the Vedic framework and the pursuit of moksha, Unorthodox systems interpret them within their unique ethical contexts, guiding practitioners towards spiritual liberation and ethical living.
70 videos|815 docs
Download as PDF
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev
Related Searches

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

Important questions

,

pdf

,

MCQs

,

Semester Notes

,

Viva Questions

,

video lectures

,

mock tests for examination

,

Orthodox & Unorthodox Systems of Indian Philosophy | History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

Orthodox & Unorthodox Systems of Indian Philosophy | History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

,

Summary

,

ppt

,

Objective type Questions

,

Free

,

past year papers

,

Sample Paper

,

practice quizzes

,

Exam

,

Extra Questions

,

Orthodox & Unorthodox Systems of Indian Philosophy | History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

,

study material

;