The MHN 003 ज्ञान-मीमांसा assignment solution provides an in-depth analysis of Jñāna-Mīmāṃsā, or the philosophical investigation of knowledge, as it is discussed within Indian epistemological traditions. This solution is designed to help students understand the nature of knowledge (Jñāna), the sources of valid knowledge, and the philosophical debates about truth, perception, and understanding in the context of Hindu philosophy. It offers an overview of how Indian philosophical systems examine the processes by which humans acquire knowledge and how different schools of thought interpret these processes.

The study begins with an exploration of the concept of Jñāna in Hindu philosophy. Jñāna refers to knowledge, particularly spiritual knowledge or knowledge of the self. It is a central concept in many Indian philosophical traditions. Jñāna can be divided into different categories, such as empirical knowledge (related to the material world) and transcendental knowledge (concerned with the ultimate reality or Brahman). The study examines how Jñāna is associated with the realization of Atman (the self) and how this realization leads to moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The solution explores how knowledge in Hindu philosophy is viewed as both a means of spiritual liberation and a tool for understanding the nature of reality.

The next section delves into the different epistemological schools in Indian philosophy that engage with the nature and sources of knowledge. The study covers the major schools of thought, including Nyāya, Vedanta, and Mīmāṃsā, each of which offers its own understanding of pramāṇas (sources of knowledge) and validity.

• Nyāya philosophy focuses on logic and pragmatics. The Nyāya school identifies perception, inference, comparison, and testimony as valid sources of knowledge. It provides a systematic framework for determining the validity of knowledge claims and understanding the process of logical reasoning.

• Vedanta focuses on spiritual knowledge that leads to the realization of Brahman and the understanding of Atman. The Vedantic view of Jñāna emphasizes direct experience and intuition (also referred to as aparokṣa Jñāna). According to Advaita Vedanta, knowledge is the direct realization of the oneness of Atman and Brahman.

• Mīmāṃsā, the school of ritual interpretation, is concerned with the correct interpretation of Vedic texts and the validity of scriptural authority. The Mīmāṃsā school emphasizes perception (direct experience) and inference as valid sources of knowledge. It asserts that the Vedas are a primary source of valid knowledge, especially in relation to rituals and ethical duties.

The study also discusses the different sources of knowledge known as pramāṇas in Hindu epistemology. These sources are essential for understanding the nature of knowledge and establishing its truth. The main pramāṇas discussed in the solution include:

• Pratyakṣa (Perception): Direct sensory experience is considered one of the primary sources of knowledge. The study emphasizes how perception is regarded as the most reliable source in the Nyāya school.

• Anumāna (Inference): This involves deriving knowledge through logical reasoning. Inference is particularly important in the Nyāya and Vedanta schools, where knowledge is derived from the principles of logic and reasoning.

• Śabda (Testimony): This refers to knowledge derived from authoritative sources, especially scriptures like the Vedas. The Mīmāṃsā school gives special importance to Śabda as a valid source of knowledge, especially for understanding ritualistic practices.

• Upamāna (Comparison): Knowledge gained by comparing one object to another is also an important source of knowledge.

• Arthāpatti (Postulation): This refers to the knowledge derived from postulation when direct evidence is not available but can be inferred.

The solution also explores the debates within Indian philosophy regarding the nature of knowledge and truth. How do we know what we know? What is the relationship between subject and object in the acquisition of knowledge? The study looks at various philosophical arguments and positions, including those of Mīmāṃsā, Vedanta, and Nyāya, and how they differ in their understanding of validity and reliability.

For students seeking more personalized support, a custom handwritten option is available. This option allows students to receive tailored insights into specific aspects of Jñāna-Mīmāṃsā, epistemology, or the interpretation of Vedic knowledge, ensuring a deeper understanding of the subject.