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The intersection of Indian and Western Philosophy

OKO

Member
Namaskaram.

I am interested in pursuing a PhD in philosophy after finishing my current coursework and want to start preparing my thesis at this juncture. The rough idea I have at the moment is understanding the differences between Indian logic and moral conduct and that of the West and how colonisation and globalisation has affected the two. The idea is for me to explore the reasoning quotient of it and the evolution of the aforesaid. At the moment I am not sure if I would like to add epistemological thought to this as this itself seems quite vast.

I would like to solicit the opinion of scholars with knowledge of Indian thought for recommendations of books (English and Sanskrit preferable but it is alright if the books are written in Tamil or Grantham) and any other thoughts you might have. Furthermore, I welcome all opinions (as long as they are constructive) on my current prompt and any tips on how to fine-tune it.
 
Wishing you the best in your pursuits.

I’m curious about what motivates you to pursue a PhD in Philosophy. Most PhD programs require a high level of specialization in a relatively narrow area. Your choice of topic will likely depend on the expertise of your thesis advisor.

After several years of study, earning the title "Dr." could help prepare you for an academic career—though I hope you're financially prepared for the journey.

I don’t claim to be a scholar or hold any notable status. However, since this discussion is in the religion section, I’m struggling to see its connection to Philosophy.

Morality is highly subjective and varies across time and place. While we can evaluate the societal impact of specific moral codes, they continue to evolve.

When you refer to Indian logic, are you referencing the works of the Nyāya philosophers (Naiyāyikas) or something else?

Western logic, in recent times, seems more oriented toward scientific disciplines. There are some truly exceptional philosophers in this tradition—several of whom I admire. As for Western morality, it is also quite subjective, though it’s worth exploring the universal aspects of morality and how they compare across Eastern and Western cultures.

I’m not entirely sure I fully understand or appreciate the prompt. If you could clarify your interests and explain how pursuing a PhD aligns with your dream career, it would make it easier to offer thoughtful suggestions.

While I can think of a few topics that greatly interest me, they might not align with your prompt.
 
Here is a link to a Ph. D thesis titled "Publication: Defending the Authority of Scripture: Testimony as a Source of Knowledge in Classical Indian Philosophy of Religion" submitted to Harvard University in 2019 - https://dash.harvard.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/9baf36fa-6816-436c-97f5-e99dbaa57f44/content just to give you an idea . You can look at the abstract here https://dash.harvard.edu/entities/publication/17aca3a4-285e-4dc9-ada8-34e59e4dcac3 One way is to look at other Ph D theses submitted on related topics to give you an idea of breadth and depth.
 
I am not a scholar, but always have an opinion, and collection of thoughts.

Your research direction sounds incredibly rich and promising. Since you're focusing on Indian logic and moral conduct in comparison to Western frameworks, I recommend starting with foundational texts in both traditions:

Indian Logic and Moral Conduct
"The Nyaya Sutras of Gautama" (with English translations) – Foundational for Indian logic, particularly Nyaya's reasoning methods.
"Tarka Sangraha" by Annambhatta – A concise introduction to Indian logic and epistemology.
"The Essentials of Indian Philosophy" by M. Hiriyanna – Offers clear insights into Indian philosophical systems.
"The Concept of Moral Order in India" by Sukhalaji Sanghavi – Explores moral frameworks rooted in Indian thought.
"History of Indian Philosophy" by Surendranath Dasgupta – Comprehensive for understanding the evolution of logic and moral conduct in Indian thought.
Colonialism and Globalization's Impact
"The Loss of Hindustan: The Invention of India" by Manan Ahmed Asif – A critical examination of how colonial narratives reshaped Indian historical consciousness.
"Argument and Authority in Early Modern India" by Jonardon Ganeri – Focuses on Indian philosophical debates and their transformation during colonial encounters.
Comparative Thought and Reasoning
"Comparative Philosophy and the Philosophy of Scholarship" by Andrew Tuck – Offers insights into cross-cultural logic and epistemology.
"Indian Philosophy: An Introduction to Hindu and Buddhist Thought" by Richard King – Useful for understanding how these traditions differ from Western frameworks.
Language-Specific Resources
For Tamil and Grantham resources, texts like the Tirukkural (focused on moral conduct) or Neethi Neri Vilakkam might align well with your interests. Additionally, seeking resources from institutes like the Kuppuswami Sastri Research Institute could be highly rewarding.

Fine-Tuning Your Thesis
Clarify the scope: Will you focus on a specific school of Indian logic (e.g., Nyaya, Mimamsa) or Western frameworks (e.g., Kantian ethics, utilitarianism)?
Consider case studies: Examining colonial and postcolonial figures (e.g., Radhakrishnan, Gandhi) could ground your exploration.
Engage with living scholars: Reaching out to professors or joining online forums like the Indian Philosophy Network may yield valuable insights.
 
Thank you a-TB, mskmoorthy, and Prasad1 for your comments. All of you have given me a lot to think about and I am quite excited to dive deep into the resources suggested by mskmoorthy and Prasad1 after my semester exams are complete. I plan on updating my progress on this forum and would greatly appreciate it if you would offer your opinions/ ideas/ resources in the future!
Wishing you the best in your pursuits.

I’m curious about what motivates you to pursue a PhD in Philosophy. Most PhD programs require a high level of specialization in a relatively narrow area. Your choice of topic will likely depend on the expertise of your thesis advisor.

After several years of study, earning the title "Dr." could help prepare you for an academic career—though I hope you're financially prepared for the journey.

I don’t claim to be a scholar or hold any notable status. However, since this discussion is in the religion section, I’m struggling to see its connection to Philosophy.

Morality is highly subjective and varies across time and place. While we can evaluate the societal impact of specific moral codes, they continue to evolve.

When you refer to Indian logic, are you referencing the works of the Nyāya philosophers (Naiyāyikas) or something else?

Western logic, in recent times, seems more oriented toward scientific disciplines. There are some truly exceptional philosophers in this tradition—several of whom I admire. As for Western morality, it is also quite subjective, though it’s worth exploring the universal aspects of morality and how they compare across Eastern and Western cultures.

I’m not entirely sure I fully understand or appreciate the prompt. If you could clarify your interests and explain how pursuing a PhD aligns with your dream career, it would make it easier to offer thoughtful suggestions.

While I can think of a few topics that greatly interest me, they might not align with your prompt.
My coursework is entirely tied to the legal system, and my motivation for pursuing a PhD is mostly for the opportunity to engage in academic discourse. I understand that it would be more "sensible" to get a D.Phil in Law or Public Policy but I feel that philosophy as a subject allows for more abstract theories to be theorised. After my 4-7 years at grad school, I do plan on finding work within the legal fold or some other affiliated field like policy or politics and will be pursuing this for the sake of personal gratification.

By Indian logic I am not referring to the Nyaya-sutras alone but rather Nastika and Astika schools of philosophy (Nyaya, Vedanta, Mimansa, Samkhya, et cetera). At the moment I am in the preliminary stages and have not narrowed it down to which school yet.

I am open to any idea as I have a couple of years to prepare and fine-tune my thesis proposal. My core interest lies in comparative studies as well as something of relevance to us in this day and age.

I am not a scholar, but always have an opinion, and collection of thoughts.

Your research direction sounds incredibly rich and promising. Since you're focusing on Indian logic and moral conduct in comparison to Western frameworks, I recommend starting with foundational texts in both traditions:

Indian Logic and Moral Conduct
"The Nyaya Sutras of Gautama" (with English translations) – Foundational for Indian logic, particularly Nyaya's reasoning methods.
"Tarka Sangraha" by Annambhatta – A concise introduction to Indian logic and epistemology.
"The Essentials of Indian Philosophy" by M. Hiriyanna – Offers clear insights into Indian philosophical systems.
"The Concept of Moral Order in India" by Sukhalaji Sanghavi – Explores moral frameworks rooted in Indian thought.
"History of Indian Philosophy" by Surendranath Dasgupta – Comprehensive for understanding the evolution of logic and moral conduct in Indian thought.
Colonialism and Globalization's Impact
"The Loss of Hindustan: The Invention of India" by Manan Ahmed Asif – A critical examination of how colonial narratives reshaped Indian historical consciousness.
"Argument and Authority in Early Modern India" by Jonardon Ganeri – Focuses on Indian philosophical debates and their transformation during colonial encounters.
Comparative Thought and Reasoning
"Comparative Philosophy and the Philosophy of Scholarship" by Andrew Tuck – Offers insights into cross-cultural logic and epistemology.
"Indian Philosophy: An Introduction to Hindu and Buddhist Thought" by Richard King – Useful for understanding how these traditions differ from Western frameworks.
Language-Specific Resources
For Tamil and Grantham resources, texts like the Tirukkural (focused on moral conduct) or Neethi Neri Vilakkam might align well with your interests. Additionally, seeking resources from institutes like the Kuppuswami Sastri Research Institute could be highly rewarding.

Fine-Tuning Your Thesis
Clarify the scope: Will you focus on a specific school of Indian logic (e.g., Nyaya, Mimamsa) or Western frameworks (e.g., Kantian ethics, utilitarianism)?
Consider case studies: Examining colonial and postcolonial figures (e.g., Radhakrishnan, Gandhi) could ground your exploration.
Engage with living scholars: Reaching out to professors or joining online forums like the Indian Philosophy Network may yield valuable insights.
I think I am facing some issues in narrowing the scope, considering how many different approaches and sub-fields/schools exist. Furthermore, I am hoping to make it rooted in philosophy and then have an extremely short section on effects and solutions (if any). I believe that to be the major cause for the extremely open-ended thesis statement.

At the moment, I am looking at the evolution from preclassical to classical in Indian philosophy and its Greek-roman counterpart, as most of the modern philosophy that is taken as gospel in the West is based on Greek and Roman philosophy. I am a bit unsure if I want to take a mainstream approach as it has been covered to a good degree, and a new thesis would essentially be the grammar nazi equivalent.

I do plan on focusing on colonial and post-colonial figures, particularly Ramakrishna Paramahansa as he had essentially changed the philosophical outlook of most Indian Hindus and allowed for the emergence of a new outlook, one that heavily incorporated western ideals of the time. I am still looking into other philosophers of the yesteryear and trying to get a better idea though.
 
It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into the foundations of your project, and it’s exciting that you’re drawn to philosophy for its ability to explore abstract theories while remaining relevant to contemporary issues.

While I am no expert and do not hold a 'Doctor of Philosophy,' I have been studying various ideas over the past decade. Allow me to make a small effort to be useful. You will see a few ideas from other discussions in other threads.

You could examine how preclassical-to-classical Indian and Greco-Roman philosophies conceptualized justice and ethics, and how these ideas either resonate with or diverge from modern philosophical and legal frameworks. Furthermore, you might explore whether these early philosophies provided a proto-foundation for modern pluralistic legal systems, connecting ancient ideals with contemporary challenges in law and governance. This approach could leverage your expertise in the legal field.

My conviction is that true philosophers seek truth at all levels and are not confined by rigid beliefs. You might begin by examining your own belief system, then investigate the philosophical foundations of beliefs and how beliefs underpin different schools of thought. A comparative study of the East and West could help uncover the harm that unfounded beliefs have caused, particularly in the Indian context. This topic, however, may or may not align with your interests.

Studying Ramakrishna Paramahansa could provide a lens through which to understand how colonial encounters redefined Indian philosophy—blending traditional spiritual philosophies with modern political thought. You might explore the philosophical implications of adopting Western ideals within Indian traditions during colonialism and whether this syncretism continues to shape post-colonial thought and policy.

You could analyze the influence of classical philosophy on the development of legal frameworks in colonial and post-colonial societies (e.g., how Greco-Roman and Indian philosophies informed colonial law). This would allow you to bridge the abstract with the practical by examining how philosophical principles have evolved or persisted in governance, law, and political systems—linking it back to your legal studies.

Another potential avenue is to use classical Indian and Greco-Roman philosophical concepts (e.g., dharma versus natural law) to critique modern philosophical assumptions about justice, equality, or governance. You might relate these critiques to pressing global issues such as climate justice, social inequality, or ethical governance, rooting your analysis in historical-philosophical foundations.

Since you mentioned wanting to keep effects and solutions concise, your thesis could primarily take the form of a deep philosophical exploration, concluding with a brief reflection on how these ideas could inform current societal or legal challenges.

Finally, the topic of most interest to me is the evolving effect of AI on humanity. We remain ill-prepared in terms of legal frameworks. For example, if someone has an AI agent, should it enjoy the same freedoms—such as freedom of speech—or other privileges? If so, in cases of major liability, who would be held accountable?

Thus, the aforementioned topics could be amended to include an AI focus, making your work highly relevant for the coming decades.

You could explore the philosophical implications of delegating critical decisions (e.g., in healthcare or legal judgments) to AI systems. A comparison of classical ethical frameworks (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology) with modern challenges posed by AI decision-making processes would be illuminating.

Investigating how AI-supported living impacts individual autonomy and agency could also be a worthwhile endeavor. You might analyze whether AI enhances or diminishes human freedom, drawing on philosophical theories of autonomy and free will, while also examining the origins of the free will concept in Indian thinking.

Another area to consider is the role of AI in creating or perpetuating biases within legal and social systems. You could use comparative philosophy to critique the ethical challenges of AI in governance and law enforcement.

A fascinating question would be whether AI systems could ever be considered "persons" with rights and responsibilities. To explore this, you could compare classical Indian and Western philosophical views on consciousness and selfhood.

You might also study how AI reshapes human relationships and communities in AI-supported living environments. This transformation could be analyzed through the lens of post-colonial philosophy or cultural exchange theories.

Finally, you could investigate the philosophical dimensions of existential risks posed by AI, such as loss of privacy, surveillance, or even human obsolescence. For example, how was the concept of privacy regarded in ancient India, and what is its status today?

Wish you all the best!
 
In another thread I mentioned about Immanuel Kant. His book of critique of reason is a very tough read. Among western philosophers he is closer to the teachings of Vedanta though I am not sure others will agree. A comparison is worthy of exploration in my view. Here is a reference comparing the two. I do not endorse all that is said in the link below but provided only to suggest a topic



OM
 
It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into the foundations of your project, and it’s exciting that you’re drawn to philosophy for its ability to explore abstract theories while remaining relevant to contemporary issues.

While I am no expert and do not hold a 'Doctor of Philosophy,' I have been studying various ideas over the past decade. Allow me to make a small effort to be useful. You will see a few ideas from other discussions in other threads.

You could examine how preclassical-to-classical Indian and Greco-Roman philosophies conceptualized justice and ethics, and how these ideas either resonate with or diverge from modern philosophical and legal frameworks. Furthermore, you might explore whether these early philosophies provided a proto-foundation for modern pluralistic legal systems, connecting ancient ideals with contemporary challenges in law and governance. This approach could leverage your expertise in the legal field.

My conviction is that true philosophers seek truth at all levels and are not confined by rigid beliefs. You might begin by examining your own belief system, then investigate the philosophical foundations of beliefs and how beliefs underpin different schools of thought. A comparative study of the East and West could help uncover the harm that unfounded beliefs have caused, particularly in the Indian context. This topic, however, may or may not align with your interests.

Studying Ramakrishna Paramahansa could provide a lens through which to understand how colonial encounters redefined Indian philosophy—blending traditional spiritual philosophies with modern political thought. You might explore the philosophical implications of adopting Western ideals within Indian traditions during colonialism and whether this syncretism continues to shape post-colonial thought and policy.

You could analyze the influence of classical philosophy on the development of legal frameworks in colonial and post-colonial societies (e.g., how Greco-Roman and Indian philosophies informed colonial law). This would allow you to bridge the abstract with the practical by examining how philosophical principles have evolved or persisted in governance, law, and political systems—linking it back to your legal studies.

Another potential avenue is to use classical Indian and Greco-Roman philosophical concepts (e.g., dharma versus natural law) to critique modern philosophical assumptions about justice, equality, or governance. You might relate these critiques to pressing global issues such as climate justice, social inequality, or ethical governance, rooting your analysis in historical-philosophical foundations.

Since you mentioned wanting to keep effects and solutions concise, your thesis could primarily take the form of a deep philosophical exploration, concluding with a brief reflection on how these ideas could inform current societal or legal challenges.

Finally, the topic of most interest to me is the evolving effect of AI on humanity. We remain ill-prepared in terms of legal frameworks. For example, if someone has an AI agent, should it enjoy the same freedoms—such as freedom of speech—or other privileges? If so, in cases of major liability, who would be held accountable?

Thus, the aforementioned topics could be amended to include an AI focus, making your work highly relevant for the coming decades.

You could explore the philosophical implications of delegating critical decisions (e.g., in healthcare or legal judgments) to AI systems. A comparison of classical ethical frameworks (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology) with modern challenges posed by AI decision-making processes would be illuminating.

Investigating how AI-supported living impacts individual autonomy and agency could also be a worthwhile endeavor. You might analyze whether AI enhances or diminishes human freedom, drawing on philosophical theories of autonomy and free will, while also examining the origins of the free will concept in Indian thinking.

Another area to consider is the role of AI in creating or perpetuating biases within legal and social systems. You could use comparative philosophy to critique the ethical challenges of AI in governance and law enforcement.

A fascinating question would be whether AI systems could ever be considered "persons" with rights and responsibilities. To explore this, you could compare classical Indian and Western philosophical views on consciousness and selfhood.

You might also study how AI reshapes human relationships and communities in AI-supported living environments. This transformation could be analyzed through the lens of post-colonial philosophy or cultural exchange theories.

Finally, you could investigate the philosophical dimensions of existential risks posed by AI, such as loss of privacy, surveillance, or even human obsolescence. For example, how was the concept of privacy regarded in ancient India, and what is its status today?

Wish you all the best!
Thank you for your insights! I am not sure about my PhD thesis, but you have definitely helped me pick a topic for my coursework in criminal procedure : ))

I believe AI has become a topic discussed quite a bit. The ideas you have given are quite similar to a paper I am writing with the help of my Prof regarding the evolution of the State. The notion of personhood is quite hard to understand and becomes a complicated matter as all our laws are based on our legal personhood. The Indian philosophical approach is not as anthropocentric as the Roman law and is instead far more fluid and is not as contractual as the legal recognition was given (particularly for non-sentients or other animals but humans) based on dharma, whereas it is only through personhood that Western law gives rise to rights. Maybe I could use that as a basis and develop it further for my thesis. Thank you so much!
 


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