Indian Philosophy
An Introduction to Hindu and Buddhist Thought
📘 About This Book
What is Indian Philosophy? Why has India been excluded from the history of philosophy? Richard King provides an introduction to the main schools of Hindu and Buddhist thought, emphasising the living history of interaction and debate between the various traditions. The book outlines the broad spectrum of Indian philosophical schools and questions prevailing assumptions about the 'mythical' ahistorical and 'theological' nature of Indian thought. Central philosophical questions are addressed: what really exists? How do we know what we know? Can we trust our perceptions of reality? What are we and where do we come from? Early chapters discuss the nature of philosophy in general, examning the shifting usage of the term throughout history. The author argues that a single definition or characterisation of the subject matter is impossible and that histories of philosophy remain tied to an ethnocentric and colonial perspective so long as they ignore the possibility of philosophical thought 'East of the Suez'. This highlights the need for a post-colonial and global approach to philosophy.Key features* Thematic approach rather than separate chapters on various schools* Emphasis on history of interaction/debate between the various trends* Introductory and concluding chapters on exclusion of 'India' from history of philosophy
📖 Summary
Richard King's Indian Philosophy, published in 2019 across 281 pages, serves as an intellectual bridge, inviting readers to reconsider how world philosophy has historically been constructed and who has been left out of the narrative. The book directly confronts the persistent exclusion of Indian thought from mainstream philosophical education, challenging the outdated Western assumption that Eastern traditions are purely mystical, ahistorical, or inherently theological rather than rigorously analytical. At its core, the text provides a comprehensive introduction to the main schools of both Hindu and Buddhist thought, moving past monolithic stereotypes to reveal a vibrant, living history of intense interaction, debate, and disagreement among various traditions. Rather than treating Indian philosophy as a static museum piece, King demonstrates how these diverse schools actively engaged with one another over centuries, continuously refining their arguments about the nature of existence and human consciousness. Early chapters lay a crucial foundation by examining the very nature of philosophy itself, tracing the shifting usage and definition of the term throughout history and arguing against the feasibility of a single, universal definition that excludes non-Western traditions. As the book unfolds across its broad spectrum, it tackles timeless, universal philosophical questions that mirror those found in Western canons: what truly exists in the universe, how humanity acquires valid knowledge, whether our sensory perceptions of reality can be trusted, and what the fundamental nature and origin of the self actually are. By systematically addressing these core epistemological and ontological inquiries, King dismantles orientalist misconceptions and highlights the sophisticated logical frameworks employed by ancient Indian thinkers. The resulting work is both an accessible entry point for newcomers and a critical re-evaluation for seasoned students of philosophy, urging a more inclusive, globally minded approach to the history of human thought.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides a thorough introduction to both Hindu and Buddhist philosophical traditions.
Actively challenges Eurocentric biases in the history of philosophy.
Emphasizes the dynamic and debated nature of Indian thought rather than presenting it as a monolith.
Tackles fundamental epistemological and ontological questions clearly.
⚠️ Cons
May feel dense for absolute beginners due to its critical academic approach.
Does not cover every minor philosophical sub-school in exhaustive detail.
❓ FAQ
What is the main focus of Indian Philosophy by Richard King? +
The book explores the main schools of Hindu and Buddhist thought while challenging Western exclusions and stereotypes of Indian philosophy.
Who wrote the book and when was it published? +
It was written by Richard King and published in 2019.
How many pages are in the book? +
The book spans 281 pages.
What common assumptions about Indian thought does the author challenge? +
King challenges the assumption that Indian thought is purely mythical, ahistorical, and theological rather than genuinely philosophical.
What central questions are addressed in the text? +
The book addresses what exists, how we know what we know, whether we can trust perceptions, and the origins and nature of human existence.
