Indian Materialism

Identify Charvaka Schools: Dhurtta and Sushikshita

The Dhurtta and Sushikshita are the two primary schools of the Charvaka (Materialist) philosophy. Nyaya and Vaisheshika are separate orthodox schools.

Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference

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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:

[CDS 2022 (II)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


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

Authentic Source Evidence


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).

Analytical Breakdown


  • 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.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is the core difference between Dhurtta and Sushikshita Charvaka?"

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

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

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