Indian Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction

by Sue Hamilton

Overview

India has a long, rich, and diverse tradition of philosophical thought, spanning some two and a half millennia and encompassing several major religious traditions.

In this intriguing introduction to Indian philosophy, the diversity of Indian thought is emphasized. It is structured around six schools of thought that have received classic status. Sue Hamilton explores how the traditions have attempted to understand the nature of reality in terms of inner or spiritual quest and introduces distinctively Indian concepts, such as karma and rebirth. She also explains how Indian thinkers have understood issues of reality and knowledge—issues that are also an important part of the Western philosophical tradition.

About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780192853745
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	06/07/2001
Series:	Very Short Introductions , #47
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	682,610
Product dimensions:	6.97(w) x 4.42(h) x 0.42(d)
Lexile:	1370L (what's this?)

About the Author

Sue Hamilton is a Professor of Religious Studies in the Department of Theology at King's College.

Table of Contents

PrefaceIntroduction1. The Brahmanical beginnings: Vedic sacrifice and the early Upanisads2. Beyond Brahmanism: the Buddha and other renouncers3. Issues and justifications: language, grammar, and the emerging of polemics4. Nyaya and Vaisesika5. Developments in Buddhist thought: Abhidharma, Madhyamaka, and Yogicara6. Yoga and Samkhya7. Grammar again, and the exegetical traditions: Bhartrhari, Mimamsa, and VedantaFurther readingIndex