The work undertakes an examination of Indian metaphysical
theories and their relationship to ethical ideas and moral
conduct, as these operate in Indian thought. Special
account is taken of the samkhya, advaita and visistadvaita
systems, the metaphysical conceptions presupposed in these
systems, and the ethical theories proposed by them.
The peculiarities characteristic of each system in terms of
both metaphysics and ethics are set out and examined in terms
of the vital concepts of dharma, karma and mok~a. It is
demonstrated that, in the case of each system the original
classical formulations, as supported by a relatively consistent
dialectic through the centuries down to modern times,
in fact accentuate and harden the distinctions among the
systems . se fuat 1he three systems appear to be supporting
distinctly differing patterns of ethical behaviours.
The safukhya is seen to be supporting a somewhat simplistic
model of life-denying ethics as flowing from its metaphysical
premises, while the visistadvaita, with its clear accent on
theism, gives the impression of a more positive attitude in
ethical thought and practice. Its ethical concerns, however,
are seen to be markedly individualistic in character and
operation.
The advaita system, with its singular peculiarity of a splitlevel
theoretic orientation, is seen to vac~te between
a negative withdrawal from life, and a mor-e positive concern
towards life in the world. The complex character of advaita
metaphysical constructs, in their relation to the more
~ractical aspects of life, are seen to be related to the
operation of some stresses and tensions reflected at the
individual and social levels. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1988.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/6131 |
| Date | January 1988 |
| Creators | Dewa, Harilal G. |
| Contributors | Zangenberg, F. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | en_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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