History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China

Dive into the evolution of Indian philosophy after Dignāga, exploring key figures and transformative ideas. Discover the rich legacy of non-violence and Nagarjuna's thoughts on emptiness, connecting ancient insights to modern ethical debates. Uncover the influence of Indian traditions on epistemology and cognitive science. The discussion transitions to Africana philosophy, highlighting the importance of non-European perspectives and teasing an exploration of Ancient Egyptian thought.

Muslim scholar al-Bīrūnī and European thinkers Hume, Hegel, and Schopenhauer were influenced by ancient Indian thought. Topics include: Islamic engagement with Indian ideas, influence of Indian philosophy on European thought (particularly Buddhism on Hume), impact of Indologists on Hegel, and contrasting views of Indian philosophy by Hegel and Schopenhauer.

Explore the fascinating potential influences of Indian philosophy on ancient Greek thought. Discover the insights of Magasthenes, a Greek ambassador, and the common philosophical concepts that bridge these two civilizations. Uncover the cultural barriers that may have hindered the exchange of ideas, revealing the nuances of their intellectual interactions. Finally, delve into the connections between Greek philosophers like Pyro and Plotinus and Indian traditions, highlighting the impact of these exchanges on Western thought.

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.

Dive into the rich philosophical roots of Tantra, revealing its profound practices beyond the misconceptions often held in the West. Discover Abhinavagupta's influence and how bodily engagement plays a vital role in spiritual liberation. Explore non-dual Śaivite Tantra, and its unique perspective on consciousness and reality. The episode also touches on intriguing connections between ancient Indian philosophy, animal attitudes, and their impact on reincarnation and dietary choices.

Buddhaghosa, a major figure in Buddhism, challenges the idea of a controlling self in mental activities. He compares humans to self-driving cars, explores the intricacies of conscious experience, and discusses the active engagement of the mind using vivid analogies. The podcast delves into his philosophy of mind and the importance of empathy in fostering community.

Exploring Dignaga's philosophy on self-awareness in perception, contrasting it with Niaya school's reflective theory. Discussing awareness inherent in perception, subjective qualities, and cognitive aspects. Delving into intersection of memory, self-awareness, and consciousness. Exploring debates of Dignaga and Damakirti on perception, awareness, and self-awareness within Buddhist philosophy.

Graham Priest, expert in non-classical logic, discusses the connection between logic and Buddhism. Topics include the influence of Buddhist patterns of reasoning, the exploration of Asian philosophies, the evolution from classical to non-classical logic, the emphasis on epistemology in ancient Buddhist logic, the principle of non-contradiction in Western philosophy, and Nagarjuna's Tetralemma in Buddhist philosophy.

Delve into Dignaga's trairūpya theory on reliable inferences and the role of evidence in epistemology. Explore Darmakirti's solution to the problem of induction and the importance of properties in sound inference. Get a teaser for the next episode on a philosopher influenced by Buddhist logic.

Delve into Dignaga's concepts on perception and language, exploring the notions of superimposition and the ineffable nature of perceived objects. Discover his critique of traditional Buddhist views and his skeptical approach towards direct realism. Explore how Dignaga argues that perceptions are shaped by internal forms rather than external objects, and dive into his views on perception, language, and the role of universals in mental constructs.