History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China HPI 58 - Amber Carpenter on Animals in Indian Philosophy
Jan 21, 2018
Amber Carpenter, expert in ancient Indian philosophy and literature, discusses the representation of animals in classical Indian literature and their didactic role in teaching about proper interaction. The podcast explores the concept of reincarnation and its implications for non-human animals in Indian philosophy, the ethical concept of vegetarianism and ahimsa in the Indian tradition, and the boundaries of non-violence and the ethical stance towards animals. It also discusses different perspectives on benevolence towards animals and the notion of Indian moral and ethical thought.
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Animals in Indian Literature vs. Philosophy
- Animals are everywhere in Indian classical literature, but less so in explicit philosophical works.
- This lack of focus may be due to the absence of a single Sanskrit word for "animals."
Lack of "Animal" Category in Sanskrit
- Sanskrit lacks a direct equivalent to the English word "animals," hindering categorization.
- The concept of distinguishing humans as rational from other animals is not a primary concern in Indian thought.
Dharma as a Differentiator
- The distinction between humans and animals in Indian thought is linked to Dharma.
- Humans are seen as better at acting for a larger or more distant good, like achieving Moksha.