[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021) › c7.s2.5 # Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c7.s2.5 Vāda in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c7.s2.5 - **Language:** English ### [c7.s2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c7.s2.5) Through the theory of \*vāda\*, Caraka has reformulated the epistemology for Āyurveda. He has also developed a theory of \*vāda\* as applicable to his discipline and calls it \*bhiṣagvāda\* (debates between the physicians).³⁶ He also gives a clear directive to his fellow physicians — all the discussions or dialogues that they carry with their colleagues should pertain to Āyurveda only and not to other disciplines.³⁷ Here, \*pratyakṣa\* (perception) is not cited as the first valid means of knowledge, it is \*āptopadeśa\* which is the first \*pramāṇa\*.³⁸ The concept of \*āpta\* also differs. \*Āptas\* to Caraka are the knowledgeable ones who have perfect memory of the \*śāstra\* and can give a discourse on it in an unambiguous way without any partiality and prejudice.³⁹ - [Previous: c7.s2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c7.s2.4) - [Next: c7.s2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c7.s2.6) - [Up: c7.s2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c7.s2) ## Cites (1) - [Carakasaṃhitā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.samhita.caraka) — Agniveśa (Āyurveda) & Caraka, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c7.s2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c7.s2.5) · Pramāṇa