An Introduction to Indian Philosophy

Description

This wide-ranging introduction to classical Indian philosophy is philosophically rigorous without being too technical for beginners. Through detailed explorations of the full range of Indian philosophical concerns, including some metaphilosophical issues, it provides readers with non-Western perspectives on central areas of philosophy, including epistemology, logic, metaphysics, ethics, philosophy of language, and philosophy of religion. Chapters are structured thematically, with each including suggestions for further reading. This provides readers with an informed overview whilst enabling them to focus on particular topics if needed. Translated Sanskrit texts are accompanied by authorial explanations and contextualisations, giving the reader an understanding of the argumentative context and philosophical style of Indian texts. A detailed glossary and a guide to Sanskrit pronunciation equip readers with the tools needed for reading and understanding Sanskrit terms and names. The book will be an essential resource for both beginners and advanced students of philosophy and Asian studies.

Roy W. Perrett is a Research Associate of the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of Hindu Ethics: A Philosophical Study (1998) and Death and Immortality (1987).

'This is one of the best introductory books on Indian philosophy that I have read. It is even-handed in addressing the pros and cons of each problem, it is sophisticated and up to date, and it places issues of Indian philosophy in the context of the current Western philosophical tradition. It will be suitable for undergraduate philosophy majors and minors, and also for graduate students taking a first course on Indian philosophy.' Prasanta S. Bandyopadhyay, Montana State University 'This is a remarkably clear and systematic introduction to the history of Indian philosophy. Perrett wisely abandons the 'six systems' approach for a topical approach that makes much more sense of the Indian philosophical landscape. This book will be an ideal textbook for an Indian philosophy course, and will be immediately accessible to philosophers to whom this tradition is unfamiliar.' Jay L. Garfield, Yale-NUS College, Singapore