Central Idea

• This article explores materialism’s origins, its various cultural names, and its ethical implications.

Introduction to Materialism

• Philosophy as a Life Theory: Known as ‘Darshan’ in Sanskrit, philosophy seeks to explain the universe and guide human actions with a comprehensive worldview.
• Materialism – Bhautikvad: This perspective, called ‘Bhautikvad’ in Sanskrit, views everything as fundamentally material, dismissing the supernatural and valuing empirical observation and perception for knowledge.

Origins of Materialism

• Ancient Beginnings: Materialism has deep roots and appears in different forms across cultures.
• Indian Lokāyata: In India, materialism, known as Lokāyata, was championed by thinkers like Brhaspati, Ajita, and Jābāli. It focused on the physical world, rejecting theism.
• Greek Atomism: Greek philosophers such as Democritus and Epicurus adopted materialism, with Democritus introducing the idea of atoms as reality’s basic elements.

Materialism’s Names in India

• Lokāyata: Meaning ‘worldly philosophy’, it emphasizes worldly objects and entities.
• Chárváka: From ‘charv’, meaning ‘to chew’, it highlights materialism’s hedonic aspects.
• Bhautikvad: From ‘Bhautika’, meaning ‘physical or material’, it underscores the importance of materiality.
• Jadavāda: Focuses on the ‘jada’ or essence of existence.
• Dehātmavāda: Highlights the unity of the self (‘atman’) with the body (‘deha’).

Materialist Ontology

• Perception as Knowledge Basis: Materialists view perception as the cornerstone of knowledge.
• Use of Inference: Contrary to some beliefs, materialists did employ logical inference based on perceptual evidence.
• Disregarding Divine Agency: They dismissed the idea of divine providence and supernatural realms, focusing on the human world.

Ethics of Materialism

• Emphasis on Pleasure: Materialism is often linked with enjoying life’s pleasures.
• Living in the Present: The principle “yāvat jīvēt sukham jīvēt” advocates for a fulfilling present life.
• Human-Created Values: Materialists view values as human constructs, independent of divine morality.
• Action and Responsibility: They stress the impact of one’s actions on themselves and the world, highlighting ethical conduct.

Materialist Views on Heaven and Hell

• Earthly Heaven and Hell: Materialists redefined heaven and hell in worldly terms.
• Heaven as Earthly Enjoyment: Heaven was perceived as enjoying life’s luxuries, akin to the gods’ enjoyment in mythological heavens.
• Hell as Earthly Suffering: Hell was seen as earthly suffering, like diseases and hunger.

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