A Philosophical Inquiry into Epistemology and Metaphysics in Advaita Vedanta

Abstract

The well-known Hindu philosophical system Advaita Vedanta has a unique viewpoint on the nature of knowledge and reality. Within the field of philosophy, epistemology studies the nature, origins, forms, sources, techniques, and applicability of knowledge. Indian philosophical systems all have unique epistemologies that are intimately connected to their respective metaphysics. Another major area of philosophy is metaphysics, which addresses issues such as what constitutes reality, whether it is material or spiritual, if the world is real or not, what makes it up, and whether it is singular, dual, or plural. Whereas epistemology elucidates how we might know something, metaphysics establishes what is real. Vedanta’s epistemology is founded on its metaphysical conceptions of reality. In short, epistemology is a tool for understanding metaphysical reality; In light of this, this article explores the epistemological and metaphysical aspects of Advaita Vedanta, elucidating its perspectives on perception, inference, testimony, and the illusory nature of reality (Maya). It also highlights the relationship between epistemology and metaphysics in Vedanta, with a particular focus on Advaita Vedanta.