The different schools of Hindu philosophy

Introduction

Hindu philosophy includes multiple approaches to knowledge, reality and liberation. The conventional six classical darshanas are Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa and Vedanta. This classification does not exhaust Indian philosophy: Buddhist, Jain and materialist thinkers also contributed to its debates.

The Nyaya School of Hindu Philosophy

Nyaya examines reliable knowledge and reasoning. Its foundational Nyaya Sutra is attributed to Gautama, also called Akshapada. Later authors developed commentaries and manuals; these should not all be attributed to Gautama. For example, the University of Delhi identifies Annambhatta as the author of the Tarkasangraha. See the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy account of Nyaya and the University of Delhi text introduction.

The Vaisheshika School of Hindu Philosophy

Associated with Kanada and the Vaisheshika Sutra, Vaisheshika analyzes categories of reality. Its classical categories include substance, quality, action, generality, particularity and inherence; later accounts include absence. It became closely connected with Nyaya.

The Samkhya School of Hindu Philosophy

Classical Samkhya distinguishes purusha, consciousness, from prakriti, nature. It explains experience through their distinction and prakriti's evolution. It does not require a creator God to explain the world. This differs from the theistic account previously given here. See the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy account of Samkhya.

The Yoga School of Hindu Philosophy

Classical Yoga, associated with Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, combines disciplined practice with a philosophical account related to Samkhya. Its distinctive teachings include Ishvara, a special purusha. Its framework should not simply be equated with every later account of union with Brahman.

The Purva Mimamsa School of Hindu Philosophy

Purva Mimamsa studies Vedic interpretation, ritual and dharma. The Mimamsa Sutra is associated with Jaimini. It should not be confused with Advaita Vedanta's account of Brahman and maya.

The Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta) School of Hindu Philosophy

Vedanta interprets the Upanishads and related texts, including the Brahma Sutras associated with Badarayana. Its schools offer differing accounts of self, world and ultimate reality; Advaita, Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita are important examples.

Charvaka and the Wider Indian Philosophical Context

Charvaka, also called Lokayata, is a materialist tradition outside the conventional six Veda-accepting darshanas. Distinguishing these classifications helps readers compare traditions without treating one account as universal.

Comparing the Schools

Ask what each school considers valid knowledge, how it understands reality and what role practice plays. Differences are part of the subject, rather than mistakes to flatten into a single doctrine.

Sources and Further Reading

This overview follows the distinctions explained in the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Hindu Philosophy. Dates for early thinkers and texts are debated; precise founder dates have therefore been omitted.