carvaka philosophy

this is my first presentation.

1. Charvaka School of Indian Philosophy Presented by: Mohammad Rizwan 21 PYMAA-105 Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

2. Charvaka is that generally stands for “Materialist”. Charvaka philosophy is a heterodox school of Indian philosophy. They do not believe in the authority of Vedas. Brihaspati is also said to be the founder. Charvaka derives its name from its philosophy of Eat, Drink & Be merry. Materialism accepts matter as the ultimate reality. Charvaka philosophy focuses mainly on these three issues:- Epistemology Metaphysics Ethics INTRODUCTION

3. According to Charvaka, perception or pratyaksha is the only valid source of knowledge. The simple philosophy of the school is, whatever be perceived, exists. And that which cannot be perceived, does not exists. Perception is possible via Object, Contact and F ive S enses O rgans:- gustatory (taste), tactual (touch), olfactory (smell), visual (sight) and auditory (sound) organ. Charvaka is the only school of Indian philosophy which accept only one Pramana , that is pratyaksha (perception). Charvaka’s Epistemology (Theory of Knowledge)

4. According to Charvaka, matter is the only reality because it can be perceived by us. So, the World according to them is made up of four elements- Air ( V ayu ), Fire ( A gni ), Water ( Ap ), Earth ( P rithvi ). Charvaka rejects the concept of conscious soul, according to them the soul is nothing but the living body which has the quality of consciousness. The concept is known as “ chaitanya visishta deha eva atma ”. The metaphysical concepts such as concept of Liberation, God, Heaven-hell, Immorality of Soul, Karma, etc. are all rejected by them because C harvaka believe that the soul is nothing but apart from body. Charvaka’s Metaphysics (Theory of R eality)

5. Charvaka theory is also known as a hedonistic theory. According to Charvaka, out of the four purushartas or the goal of human life, Dharma , Artha , Kama and Moksha . Only two are accepted they are: Artha or wealth, kama or pleasure. Only Kama or sensual pleasure is regarded as the end and Artha or wealth is regarded as the means to realize that end. Charvaka regards sensual pleasure as the summum bonum . On the other hand, Dharma and Moksha are totally rejected. Religion is the means of livelihood of the priests . Charvaka’s Ethics (Theory of Morality)

6. Charvaka’s philosophy refutes spiritualism and establishes its materialism to give its metaphysical theories. The main reason of the denial of this metaphysical issue is that ‘perception’ is the only source of valid knowledge. They do not believe in causality and universality. They believe in Naturalism. They regard that mind and consciousness are the product of matter. conclusion