How Many Indian Philosophies are there?

Indian Philosophy can be broadly divided into 2 types: astika and nastika.

Astika philosophy are divided into 6 types

1. Nyaya
2. Vaisheshika
3. Samkhya
4. Yoga
5. Mimasa
6. Vedanta

Nastika school of philosophy is divided into 5 types.

1. Jain
2. Buddhist
3. Ajivika
4. Ajnana
5. Charvaka

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What are the Salient Features of Indian Philosophy?

The ultimate objective of different Indian philosophies was liberation. However the path chosen for liberation is different from each school of thought. However, some features were common for all schools of thought which are given below.

1. Karma
2. Dharma
3. Samsara
4. Renunciation
5. Dukkha
6. Reincarnation

Which is the Oldest School of Indian Philosophy?

Samkhya is the oldest school of Indian philosophy. It is one of the 6 astika schools of Indian philosophy. Samkhya philosophy is strongly dualist and atheist. It believes the universe is made up of purusa (consciousness) and prakriti (matter). These 2 exist in parallel without affecting each other.

Who is Considered as the Father of Western Philosophy?

Socrates (469 – 399 BCE) was a Greek philosopher who is considered as the father of the Western philosophy. Another most famous Greek philosopher Plato was the student of Aristotle and Aristotle was the student of Plato. Aristotle was the tutor of Alexander the Great. Hence Alexander spread the Greek philosophy across the world through his conquests.

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