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Nyaya-Vaisheshika
Indian Logic & Atomic Philosophy — Two sister darshanas exploring the nature of valid knowledge and ultimate reality
44
Entries
6
Categories
4
Pramanas
7
Padarthas
न्याय
Nyaya (न्याय)
Founder: Gautama (Akshapada) · ~400 BCE
Logic, epistemology, and the art of valid debate. The Nyaya Sutras define 4 Pramanas (sources of valid knowledge) and the 5-part syllogism (Panchaavayava).
Explore Nyaya Concepts →वैशेषिक
Vaisheshika (वैशेषिक)
Founder: Kanada (Kashyapa) · ~600 BCE
Atomic ontology and the 7 ultimate categories (Padarthas). Kanada's atomic theory predates Democritus, positing eternal indivisible Paramanus.
Explore Vaisheshika Concepts →Explore All Categories
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Nyaya Concepts
Pramanas, Anumana, Vyapti, logic & epistemology
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Vaisheshika Concepts
Padarthas, Dravya, Paramanu — atomic ontology
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Key Texts
Nyaya Sutras, Vaisheshika Sutras, Tattvachintamani
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Key Thinkers
Gautama, Kanada, Udayana, Gangesa and more
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Navya-Nyaya
New Logic — formal semantics of Gangesa's school
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Comparative Study
Nyaya vs Buddhist Logic, Aristotle, Mimamsa
Quick Reference
4 Nyaya Pramanas
1. Pratyaksha — Direct Perception
2. Anumana — Inference
3. Upamana — Comparison
4. Shabda — Testimony
7 Vaisheshika Padarthas
1. Dravya — Substance
2. Guna — Quality
3. Karma — Action
4. Samanya — Universality
5. Vishesha — Particularity
6. Samavaya — Inherence
7. Abhava — Absence