Advanced Topics
- Classical Āstika Orthodox Systems
- Classical Nāstika Heterodox Systems
- Later Developments and Comparative Perspectives
After finishing the Core (sections I and II), you reach the point where the roadmap branches. The remaining sections are specialization tracks that explore specific schools, periods, or comparative angles in much greater depth.
- Classical Āstika (Orthodox) Systems: Dive into the six major “orthodox” schools (Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika, Sāṃkhya-Yoga, Mīmāṃsā, Vedānta) that accept Vedic authority.
- Classical Nāstika (Heterodox) Systems: Explore the major traditions that reject Vedic authority (mainly Buddhism, Jainism, Cārvāka materialism).
- Later Developments and Comparative Perspectives: Look at medieval debate traditions, modern Indian thinkers (19th–20th century), and conversations between Indian and Western philosophy.
Classical Āstika (Orthodox) Systems
| Subject | Book/Text | Online Course |
|---|---|---|
| 6. Nyāya and Vaiśeṣika: Logic, ontology, debate | Nyāya Sūtra (Archive.org – English translation by Ganganatha Jha) | |
| 7. Sāṃkhya and Yoga: Dualism, cosmology, liberation praxis | Radhakrishnan & Moore – A Source Book in Indian Philosophy (Archive.org) | |
| 8. Mīmāṃsā: Ritual, language, hermeneutics | Dasgupta – History of Indian Philosophy, Vol. I (Archive.org) | Introduction to Mīmāṃsā (YouTube – Banaras Hindu University) |
| 9. Vedānta (Survey): Advaita, Viśiṣṭādvaita, Dvaita | Dasgupta – History of Indian Philosophy, Vol. III (Archive.org) | Introduction to Vedānta Philosophy playlist (YouTube – various scholarly series) (related Upanishads/Vedanta intro series) |
Classical Nāstika (Heterodox) Systems
| Subject | Book/Text | Online Course |
|---|---|---|
| 10. Buddhism: Foundations: Four Noble Truths, no-self, impermanence | The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way (Nāgārjuna) (Archive.org – Garfield translation) | |
| 11. Buddhist Schools: Madhyamaka, Yogācāra | History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps – Classical Indian Philosophy | |
| 12. Jain Philosophy: Anekāntavāda, syādvāda, ethics | (Reference) Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Jain Philosophy | |
| 13. Cārvāka (Materialism): Skepticism, empiricism | Source Book in Indian Philosophy (relevant sections – Archive.org) |
Later Developments and Comparative Perspectives
| Subject | Book/Text | Online Course |
|---|---|---|
| 14. Logic and Debate Traditions: Vāda, hetvābhāsa, inter-school polemics | Nyāya Sūtra (commentarial sections – Archive.org) | |
| 15. Modern Indian Philosophy: Vivekananda, Aurobindo, Gandhi, Tagore | (Reference) Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Modern Indian Philosophy | NPTEL – Philosophy and Critical Thinking (includes modern perspectives) |
| 16. Comparative Indian Philosophy: Indian philosophy in dialogue with Greek and modern Western thought | History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps – India & Beyond |