How to Find the Truth in a World of Lies
Short Answer: Epistemology
Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 30:84-85
84The whole of suffering which cleaves to mind and body has ignorance for its basis and conversely all happiness is founded in clear scientific knowledge. 85However this very knowledge of mighty import is no illumination to those who are devoid of understanding, as is the orb of the sun to those who have lost their eye-sight.
Epistemology is all about understanding and justifying what we know. It looks at questions like: What is knowledge? Where does it come from? What are its limits? And how can we tell what is true from what is false?
How Do We Know What We Know?
At its core, epistemology tries to answer one big question: How do we know what we know? It examines how we acquire knowledge—whether through observation, experiments, or immersing ourselves in different cultures or times. It also looks at how reliable our knowledge is and how we can use evidence to test our beliefs.
Different Branches
There are many branches of epistemology, each with its own focus, for example:
- Epistemic Ethics: Looks at the moral value of knowledge and how this shapes our understanding and beliefs.
- Epistemic Luck: Explores the role of luck in gaining knowledge.
- Moral Epistemology: Investigates the connection between knowledge and morality.
Why Is Epistemology Important?
Epistemology is crucial in fields like philosophy, sociology, and psychology. It helps us understand how we learn and acquire knowledge and how we should interpret and act on that knowledge. By learning more about epistemology, we can better understand and justify what we know.
A Brief History
Western philosophy has long tackled the issues of knowledge and how to evaluate it. Philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, and Kant have all explored this topic. However, these early efforts were mainly focused on developing theories rather than systematically studying knowledge. It wasn't until the 20th century, with the rise of new disciplines like psychology, that various theories of knowledge and its evaluation began to develop, leading to the modern field of knowledge evaluation.
In contrast, the study of knowledge in Hinduism has a long and rich history, starting as early as the 6th century BCE and culminating in the Samkhyakarika around 550 CE. This important text laid the foundation for many Hindu philosophies and religious traditions, including the Nyaya school, Vaisheshika school, Yoga, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. From a modern perspective, this system is remarkably similar to the scientific method used by scientists today.
Samkhya Epistemology vs. Western Epistemology
Samkhya epistemology shares some similarities with both deductive and inductive reasoning but isn't exactly the same as either.
- Deductive Reasoning: Samkhya's emphasis on inference is similar to deductive reasoning, which involves drawing conclusions from established premises. However, deductive reasoning aims for absolute certainty, whereas Samkhya allows for more open-ended conclusions based on observed data.
- Inductive Reasoning: Samkhya's focus on direct perception is akin to the pattern recognition and generalization seen in inductive reasoning. Both involve forming broader conclusions based on observed patterns, but inductive reasoning is more about establishing probability, whereas Samkhya seeks knowledge through inference.
Epistemology Is Yoga
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Samadhi-pada 1:7
7Of these perception, inference and testimony constitute the methods of discerning truth.
Patanjali on Yoga and Knowledge
Patanjali emphasizes that understanding and applying knowledge (epistemology) is essential for practicing yoga. This isn't surprising since he also highlights cleanliness as an important habit for yoga practitioners. Distinguishing between truth and falsehood helps keep your mind clean from misinformation.
Pramana Are Tools for Judging Truth
The tools we use to judge the truth of new information are called pramana. Different Indian philosophies recognize between two and six pramana. Yoga acknowledges three pramana, the same as Samkhya: pratyaksha, anumana, and shabda. These pramana are like tools we use to ensure our minds stay as clean as our bodies and physical spaces. Each pramana helps us judge the truth of what we learn.
Pratyaksha Is Direct Perception
Pratyaksha is considered the strongest proof of truth. It means direct perception—basically, what you experience firsthand. With few exceptions, your own direct experience should be taken as proof.
Anumana Is Inference
Anumana means inference, which is your ability to put together things that have happened without seeing them directly. If pratyaksha tells you there's a fire because you see the fire, anumana tells you there's a fire because you see smoke, feel heat, and hear the fire alarm. Anumana is how you know it rained while you slept because you see wet ground in the morning.
Shabda Is Reliable Testimony
Shabda is the weakest pramana and refers to reliable testimony. It's considered the weakest because it involves evaluating the reliability of the source. For example, a Fire Chief or Weather Forecaster would be a reliable shabda, but in everyday life, it's harder to determine the best authority. The world is full of people sharing opinions, and those amplified by the media often fit an agenda. Shabda can be a good proof, but only if the source is trustworthy.