History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China
HPI 11 - Carry a Big Stick - Ancient Indian Political Thought
Feb 7, 2016
Ancient Indian political thinkers Kautilya and king Ashoka discuss contrasting ideas of ideal political rule. Topics explored include the Ata Shastra treatise on political thought, the disputed authorship and ideas of the Ata Shastra, the pragmatic and cynical approach of Kautilya, the evolution of political rulers in ancient India, and Ashoka's moral authority and use of special ministers.
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Quick takeaways
- The Ata Shastra provides insights into ancient Indian political thought, covering various aspects of life including law, gender relations, and economics.
- Kautilya's work in the Ata Shastra combines moralistic and pragmatic approaches to political thought, reflecting a tension between morality and pragmatism in ancient Indian governance.
Deep dives
The Ata Shastra: A Detailed Guide to Ancient Indian Life
The Ata Shastra is a lengthy treatise that provides detailed regulations governing the lives of ancient Indians, from the king to the slave. It covers various aspects of life, including the dairy industry, warfare, law, gender relations, slavery, and economics. The text offers insights into the political context of Indian philosophy and provides information about the four classes of society and the attitudes of kings towards their subjects and rival kings. Despite its practical orientation, the Ata Shastra raises questions about its philosophical significance and its relationship to the Indian philosophical tradition.
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