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. This Very Short Introduction emphasizes the diversity of Indian thought, and is structured around six schools which have achieved classic status. Sue Hamilton explores how the traditions have attempted to understand the nature of reality in terms of an inner or spiritual quest, and introduces distinctively Indian concepts such as karma and rebirth. She also shows how Indian thinkers have understood issues of reality and knowledge -- issues which are also an important part of the Western philosophical tradition. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780191579424
Publisher:	OUP Oxford
Publication date:	02/22/2001
Series:	Very Short Introductions , #48
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	738,440
File size:	18 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Sue Hamilton was a member of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at King's College, London. Her publications include Early Buddhism: A New Approach (2000), and she is co-editor (with Peter Connolly) of Indian Insights: Buddhism, Brahmanism and Bhakti (1997).

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