An Applied Perspective on Indian Ethics
This book presents a novel interpretation of major problems of Indian ethics from an applied ethical perspective. It approaches prominent theories like Dharma, Karma and Purusarthas from a critical point of view, so as to render them l
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An Applied Perspective on Indian Ethics
An Applied Perspective on Indian Ethics
P. K. Mohapatra
An Applied Perspective on Indian Ethics
P. K. Mohapatra Former Professor of Philosophy, Utkal University Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
ISBN 978-981-13-7502-6 ISBN 978-981-13-7503-3 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-7503-3 © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2019 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors, and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. This Springer imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. The registered company address is: 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore
Dedicated to Professor Rajendra Prasad In grateful appreciation of his inspiring contributions of innovative and critical thinking, which have helped in enriching philosophical analysis in contemporary India.
Preface and Acknowledgement
The purpose of ethics is to provide guidance for practical life. Buddha emphatically highlighted this in his life and teachings. Any theory that has no practical bearing on human life was of no value for him. Other Indian thinkers like Sankara (Vedanta Sutra III. ii) even insisted that ethical values must be realized before being counted as values. Indian philosophers have always believed that ethical theories are practically applicable, for these are the principles we ought to follow, and if something (some principle, theory or standard) is impossible to be followed or achieved, then one ought not to try to follow or achieve it; because ‘ought’ implies ‘can’ and therefore, conversely, ‘cannot’ means ‘ought not’. However, the fact remains that, more often than not, many of our celebrated ethical theories seem to be inapplicable or difficult to apply in actual life situations. This apparent contradiction between ethics and its application has an inevitable effect of threatening the use and even the relevance of
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