Innovation in Indian Philosophy in Context

Abstract

This article draws attention to the fact, often overlooked, that innovation is not foreign to the history of Indian philosophy. Three such episodes are briefly discussed (in reverse chronological order): (1) the innovations introduced by Raghunātha and his followers in the Nyāya school of thought (ca. 1500 CE); (2) the innovations that gave rise to satkāryavāda, pariṇāmavāda, śūnyavāda, anekāntavāda and other philosophical positions (early centuries CE); (3) the innovations responsible for the first manifestations of rational philosophy in India (ca. second century BCE). Raghunātha’s innovations are most instructive in that a great deal is known about his politico- cultural surroundings. Lessons drawn from these help us to understand the beginnings of Indian rational philosophy better.