Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c6.s5.t15: Debates on Philosophy of Language
Vāda in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c6.s5.t15
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Debates on Philosophy of Language
c6.s5.t15.1
Even though, Bhartṛhari with his *Vākyapadīyam* provided a sound footing to Vyākaraṇa as a philosophical system, an intense debate continued for a few centuries pertaining to the acceptability of Vyākaraṇa as a philosophy. Somānanda, the author of *Śivadṛṣṭi*, strongly rejected the idea of Vyākaraṇa as a philosophical system. Vyākaraṇa should occupy itself with accuracy of language and not with pursuit of *vijñāna*.¹³⁵ The main arguments of the opponents of the view of Vyākaraṇa as *darśana* were:
1. Vyākaraṇa is meant to teach correct usages, it is not expected to indulge in philosophizing.
2. Vyākaraṇa does not have any epistemology and ontology.
3. A mere study of language cannot lead to *mokṣa* which is the purpose of *darśana*.
c6.s5.t15.2
Before Patañjali and Bhartṛhari, Jaimini in his *Mīmāṁsādarśana* had already provided a firm footing to the philosophy of language. Jaimini had discussed the debatable question whether the word is eternal or ephemeral, and various systems of philosophy as well as the Vyākaraṇa are sharply divided on the question of nature of speech.
Linked texts (1)
- Śivadṛṣṭi — Somānanda, Sanskrit