The Epistemological Role of Language in Indian Philosophy

The Epistemological Role of Language in Indian Philosophy Dr. Sushant Kumar The Mimamsakas had given the foundation for the acceptance of the independent significance of language in the universe of knowledge. The Nyaya philosophers had formerly considered this subject but with a different perspective. As against the Vaisheshikas, the Nyayikas had considered the independent role of language in knowledge but they had considered all the words as personal. They had not underlined the significance of the Vidhi Vakyas (the propositions containing some procedures to be implemented with an imperative sense). They had paid less or no attention to the difference between the Siddharthaka (indicatory) and the Sadhyarthaka (imperative) vakyas (propositions). They had paid more attention to the cognitive aspects of the statements rather than the pragmatic aspects. Thus they were more inclined to establish the scientific importance of the propositions rather than the practical one. Their theory of knowledge, namely, the paratah pramanyavada also indicates towards the same thing. The Nyaya philosophy is realistic and unlike the Mimamsa this has paid less attention to underline the practical aspects of learning and more inclined to know the universe as this is, that is, the cognitive aspects of learning. This has paid attention to the cognitive or indicative functions of the words.