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CDS 2022 (II)

Indian Materialism

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which among the following are Charvaka Schools of Philosophy? 1. Dhurtta 2. Nyaya 3. Sushikshita 4. Vaisheshika Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Indian Materialism (Charvaka/Lokayata) had internal divisions regarding how strictly one should apply materialistic principles.

Explanation Philosophical commentaries identify two main branches: the Dhurtta (the 'extreme' or 'naive' materialists who denied the soul entirely) and the Sushikshita (the 'refined' materialists who admitted a soul that lasts as long as the body).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. They represent the internal diversity of the Lokayata tradition.
Logic 2: Nyaya (2) and Vaisheshika (4) are independent orthodox (Astika) schools that believe in the existence of the soul and the authority of the Vedas.

Active Recall

Question

What is the core difference between Dhurtta and Sushikshita Charvaka?

Answer

Dhurtta believes the body and soul are identical, while Sushikshita believes the soul is a temporary quality of the body that disappears at death.

Core Insight

Even a radical school like Charvaka had 'refined' thinkers who attempted to account for consciousness within a strictly materialistic framework.

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