[Solved] Charvaka Epistemology: Why Only Perception is Reliable

Who accepts only Perception?

[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. Prelims 2018]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Epistemology (sources of knowledge) in India is defined by 'Pramanas'. Charvaka is the most radical school, rejecting all sources except direct sensory experience.

Authentic Source Evidence

Charvaka (Lokayata) argues that Inference (Anumana) and Testimony (Sabda) are unreliable because they cannot be verified without sensory proof. Therefore, only Pratyaksha (Perception) is a valid Pramana.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option B is correct. Jainism and Buddhism accept both Perception and Inference. Samkhya accepts three sources.

Logic 2: Charvakas argue that if we haven't seen it (like God or Heaven), it doesn't exist.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did Charvaka reject Inference?"

Because they believed that the universal relation (Vyapti) required for inference could never be proven through perception.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Charvaka represents the extreme limit of Indian skepticism, challenging every spiritual claim that lacked physical evidence."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Pratyaksha 2 Materialism 2

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