<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>This paper considers the matter of representation in Vedānta by examining key claims in the <italic>Ṛgveda</italic> and the <italic>Upaniṣad</italic>s, which are some of its principal texts. Specifically, we consider the logic behind the paradoxical verses on creation and the conception of consciousness as the ground on which the physical universe exists. This also is the template that explains the logical structure underlying the principal affirmations of the <italic>Upaniṣad</italic>s. The five elements and consciousness are taken to pervade each other, which explains how gross matter is taken to consist of all the four different kinds of atoms that get manifested in different states of the substance. The verses on creation are an example of the use of <italic>catuṣkoṭi</italic> in Indian philosophy prior to the use of it by Nāgārjuna in the Madhyamaka tradition. It also contrasts central ideas of Vedānta with the corresponding contemporary scientific ideas on consciousness.</p>
</abstract>

This paper considers the matter of representation in Vedānta by examining key claims in the Ṛgveda and the Upaniṣads, which are some of its principal texts. Specifically, we consider the logic behind the paradoxical verses on creation and the conception of consciousness as the ground on which the physical universe exists. This also is the template that explains the logical structure underlying the principal affirmations of the Upaniṣads. The five elements and consciousness are taken to pervade each other, which explains how gross matter is taken to consist of all the four different kinds of atoms that get manifested in different states of the substance. The verses on creation are an example of the use of catuṣkoṭi in Indian philosophy prior to the use of it by Nāgārjuna in the Madhyamaka tradition. It also contrasts central ideas of Vedānta with the corresponding contemporary scientific ideas on consciousness.

Representation and Reasoning in Vedānta

Studia Humana

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Representation and Reasoning in Vedānta"}

This paper considers the matter of representation in Vedānta by examining key claims in the Ṛgveda and the Upaniṣads, which are some of its principal texts....

Representation and Reasoning in Vedānta

Published Online: Mar 29, 2023

Page range: 15 - 23

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sh-2023-0012

Keywords
logic in Vedānta, consciousness, superposition, error in reasoning, representation

© 2023 Subhash Kak, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Representation and Reasoning in Vedānta

Published Online: Mar 29, 2023

Page range: 15 - 23

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sh-2023-0012

Keywordslogic in Vedānta, consciousness, superposition, error in reasoning, representation

© 2023 Subhash Kak, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
logic in Vedānta, consciousness, superposition, error in reasoning, representation