Knowledge and Action: On How to Attain the Highest Good

• Published in: Indian Philosophy and the Consequences of Knowledge pp. 101 - 131
• Main Author: Ram-Prasad, Chakravarthi
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Routledge 2007; Taylor & Francis Group
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Oriental & Indian philosophy; Other non-Christian religions; Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge; Individuated Identity; Individuated State; Obligatory Actions; Mental Virtues; Epistemic Process; Psychophysical Complex; Liberating Functionality; Virtuous Conduct; Vice Versa; Classical Indian Thought; Individuated Beings; Sacred Ritual Action; Highest Good; Strong Subordination; Subordinate Mode; General Metaphysical Principle; Ritual Action; Highest Human Goal; Draw Back; Functional Efficacy; Explanatory Statement; Advaitic Position; Proper Life; Advaitic Conception; Individuated Subject
• ISBN: 9780754654568; 0754654567; 9781032099729; 1032099720
• DOI: 10.4324/9781315588308-3

This chapter shows that much of the discussion proceeds on the agreement that the main issue is over which is the dominant and which the subordinate mode between action and cognition. It considers the general issue of how action and cognition function in transformation of the ordinary life, into one fit to take the subject to liberation. If knowledge is ultimately important in classical Indian thought, it is because some argue that the highest good is not only attained through knowledge, but is some sort of indefeasible cognitive state in itself. Akara helpfully distinguishes between the fundamental positions of the two schools regarding the issue of whether action or cognition is primary instrument of liberation. If knowledge informs action and action is for the highest goal, then knowledge eventually does function for the attainment of that goal. The cessation of many sorts of actions is as important for the attainment of liberation as performance of some other sorts of action.