STOLEN
The Appropriation

Modern analytic philosophers

Item
"Panpsychism"
Retail
Academic prestige
Spin
""Radical new Western philosophy""
Repackaged as 'radical new Western philosophy'

Modern analytic philosophers have explored 'panpsychism,' presenting it as a novel Western philosophical concept. This approach, which suggests that consciousness is a fundamental property of matter, mirrors the core premise of Advaita Vedanta. The contemporary discourse often overlooks or minimizes the extensive historical and philosophical development of similar ideas within Indian traditions, presenting the concept as a recent, independent Western intellectual breakthrough.

The Origin

अद्वैत वेदांत

Advaita Vedanta

Region
Pan-India
True Value
Sacred
Category
22 · Philosophy & Cognitive Science
Ancient Indian philosophical system

Advaita Vedanta (अद्वैत वेदांत) is a profound philosophical system from India, primarily expounded by Adi Shankara over 1,200 years ago. It posits that the individual soul (Atman) is identical with the ultimate reality (Brahman), and that consciousness is a fundamental, all-pervasive aspect of the universe. This sacred knowledge system emphasizes the unity of existence and has deeply influenced Indian thought and spirituality for centuries.

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The Story

The Backstory

Modern analytic philosophers have recently presented "panpsychism" as a radical new Western philosophy, gaining significant academic prestige within intellectual circles. This concept posits consciousness as a fundamental property of the universe, a notion now discussed in numerous academic papers and conferences without acknowledging its historical roots. The intellectual movement is framed as a groundbreaking development in contemporary thought.

The Cultural Origin

The premise of panpsychism, that consciousness is a fundamental building block of the universe, is a core tenet of Advaita Vedanta (अद्वैत वेदांत). This ancient Indian philosophical tradition, formulated by Adi Shankara over 1,200 years ago, is pan-Indian in its origin and influence. It is a sacred philosophical system that explores the nature of reality, the self, and the universe, emphasizing the ultimate oneness of all existence and the pervasive presence of consciousness.

The News Story

The appropriation of this concept has been called out by various scholars and commentators who highlight the striking resemblance between modern panpsychism and Advaita Vedanta. Critics point to the lack of credit given to the ancient Indian philosophical tradition, arguing that the idea is being repackaged as a novel Western discovery. The objection centers on the intellectual erasure of a profound and sacred knowledge system, presenting it as a new philosophical frontier without acknowledging its deep historical and cultural origins.

Editor's Notes

Consciousness as a fundamental building block of the universe — exactly the premise of Advaita Vedanta, formulated by Adi Shankara over 1,200 years ago.

Further Reading

Reporting forthcoming

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