Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophies (Vol. 5): The Philosophy of Grammarians

This volume of the Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophies is devoted to the Philosophy of the Grammarians. The introductory essay summarizes the main philosophical ideas contained in the grammatical works. The summaries of the main sources that follow concentrate on the philosophical ideas contained therein, so that philosophers who are unable to read the original Sanskrit can get an idea of the positions taken and arguments offered. Covered in this text are chapters on Metaphysics, Epistemology, Word-meaning and Sentence meaning, Accounts of Vedic literature like Yaska’s Nirukta, Panini’s Astadhyayi, Patanjali’s Mahabhasya and 80 other accounts. An exhaustive bibliography of original and secondary writings on the philosophy of grammar is included. Cumulative Index is also given. Bhartrhari, Mandanamisra, Kondabhatta and Nagesa have been dealt with at length.

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About the Author(s)

About the Author:  Harold G. Coward is fellow and former director of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at the University of Victoria in British Columbia.