B.A. (Hons. & Subsidiary) Part-I Philosophy Paper -1, Indian Philosophy
By
Dr. Sikander Jamil Department of Philosophy SPM College, Udantpuri Bihar Sharif (Nalanda)
Topic 2: Charvaka – Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics
Charvaka is the school of thought that is considered as Indian materialism. This is one of the oldest non-Vedic schools. Charvaka accepts Brshaspati as their founder. The significance of the name Charvaka applied to this is not very clear but some scholars says that Charvaka is the name of disciple to whom the teaching were communicated.
Charvaka literally means ‘sweet-tongued’ (cāru – vāka). They believe in onlyb two purusharthas as (kāma) andwealth (artha).
The original works of the Charvaka is not traceable. The knowledge about them is obtained from
Buddhists, Hindu and Jaina texts. Charvaka believed in svabhavavada. They are also known as
Lokāyāta.
By Dr. Sikander Jamil
Charvaka Epistemology, Metaphysics and Ethics are as follows:
Charvaka Epistemology:
Charvaka claim that perception is the only means of valid knowledge. That which cannot be perceived is not knowledge at all. They proved that all knowledge is located only in the sense organs.
Since there is no sense-object contact in other sources of knowledge like inference, testimony, etc.
They deny these sources. The doctrine of ‘consciousness of matter’ (bhūta – caitanya vāda) is another name for “consciousnesses of sense organs” because they argue that sense organs are admitted to be made up of forms of matter like earth, fire, water and air. They deny sky because it can’t be perceived.
They also don’t believe in causality based on inference. All knowledge is essentially based on the impression of sense data.
Charvaka Metaphysics:
Charvaka’s metaphysics is rooted in their epistemology. They claim that perception or pratyaksa is the only means of valid knowledge. Therefore, only what is perceivable is the object of knowledge. Hence, that which cannot be perceived is not knowledge at all.
According to them, matter is the only reality. Hence, they accept only four basic elements, namely, earth, water, fire and air, which are all given in perception. Ether or space is not accepted as the fifth element because it is not perceived.
By Dr. Sikander Jamil
Matter is the material and efficient cause of universe. It will always exist. That’s why, Brhaspati says, “out of matter come forth life.”
They reject the authority of Vedas and the existence of God. They also deny the existence of soul.
Charvaka Ethics:
Charvaka does not believe in any spiritual values. They reject ‘Dharma’ and ‘Moksha’ out of four purusārthas.
They believe that the death of the body is the end of life.
Therefore, the attainment of sensual pleasure (kāma) and wealth (artha) should be the only goal.
They believe in eat drink and be marry. They strongly follow hedonism.
They are aware that pleasure is often accompanied by pain. They say that no one throws the grain because it has the husk. The husk comes as a byproduct.
They admit that there is sorrow everywhere. It may be palaces of rich ones or huts of the poor.
Still this world of ours is not full of misery. The pleasure is greater than pain. We should not let the pleasure pass because of the fear of pain behind.
Gaining pleasure and avoiding pain is the only sumum bonum of life.
By Dr. Sikander Jamil