All About Heterodox School of Philosophy

Introduction

The Heterodox School of Philosophy challenges traditional paradigms, embracing diverse perspectives and unconventional ideas. Through critical inquiry and open discourse, it seeks to transcend limitations, fostering intellectual pluralism and innovation in philosophical thought.

Exploring Heterodox Philosophies in Ancient India

• They do not believe in the originality of the Vedas and question the existence of God. 
• They are divided into three major sub-schools : Buddhism, Jainism, Lokayata

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The Charvaka Philosophy: Materialism and Skepticism in Ancient Indian Thought

• Founder: Brihaspati laid the foundation stone of this school. 
• In the Heterodox School of Philosophy, this philosophy finds mention in the Vedas and Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
• Materialistic View: It propounded a materialistic view of life and is also known as the philosophy of the masses.
• Denial of God: They argued against the need to achieve salvation and also denied the existence of Brahm and God.
• They also argued against God’s representatives on Earth, the priestly class. 
  • They argued that Brahmans manufacture false rituals so as to acquire gifts (Dakshina) from the followers.
• Discard Ether: They do not consider Either as one of the five essential elements because it cannot be experienced through perception but believe in the other four elements (fire, air, water and earth).
• Post World: This school argues that there is no other world after this one. 
  • Hence death is the end of a human being, and pleasure should be the ultimate objective of life. 
  • They propounded the theory of ‘eat, drink and make merry’.

The Shramana Tradition: Paths of Asceticism and Spiritual Inquiry

• The word shramana means one who performs the act of austerity and ascetic. 
• The various Shramana schools include : 
  • Jainism 
  • Buddhism 
  • Charavakas 
  • Ajivikas 
  • Ajnanas.

Ajivikas 

• Founder: This school was founded by Makkhali Goshala in the 5th century BC.
• Center: Sravasti in Uttar Pradesh is believed to be the centre of Ajivikas.
• Believe: This school revolves around the Niyati (fate) doctrine of absolute determinism. 
  • It believes that there is no free will and that everything is predetermined.
• Simplistic Life: Ajivikas led a simple ascetic life without clothes and material possessions.
• Different View: They did not believe in Karma however they believed in the existence of the soul.
• They rejected the authority of Vedas.
• Patronage: Bindusara was one of its followers, and Ashoka’s seventh pillar edicts mention about Ajivikas.

Ajnanas

• Believe: They believed in radical scepticism.
• The Heterodox School of Philosophy, Ajnanas believed that it is impossible to attain knowledge about nature and even if it is possible, it is useless for attaining Salvation.
• According to this school, “Ignorance is Best”.

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Conclusion

• In a world of ever-evolving ideas, the Heterodox School of Philosophy stands as a beacon of intellectual diversity and innovation. 
  • By embracing unconventional approaches and challenging established norms, it enriches the philosophical landscape, pushing boundaries and inspiring new avenues of thought.