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How does Charvaka view morality and ethics?
Charvaka, also known as Lokayata, is a philosophical school that emerged in ancient India, advocating for materialism and skepticism towards the supernatural. As such, their perspective on morality and ethics differs greatly from other schools of thought.
Charvaka rejects the idea of an afterlife and the concept of karma, which is central to many Indian religions. They believe that the only reality is the material world, and therefore, morality and ethics should be based on the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain in this life. This philosophy is known as hedonism.
According to Charvaka, the pursuit of pleasure is the ultimate goal of human life. They argue that all actions, including moral and ethical ones, are driven by the desire for pleasure. Therefore, morality and ethics are subjective and relative, varying from person to person based on their individual desires and preferences.
Furthermore, Charvaka believes that there is no higher authority or divine power dictating moral codes. They reject the idea of a moral law or absolute truth, stating that moral values are man-made and based on societal norms and customs. This perspective is in stark contrast to the beliefs of other Indian schools, which view morality as a reflection of cosmic order and duty.
Charvaka also rejects the concept of dharma, which is the moral duty or righteousness prescribed by Hinduism. They argue that dharma is used as a tool by the upper class to control and exploit the lower class, and it is not based on any objective truth.
In terms of ethics, Charvaka advocates for a pragmatic approach. They believe that actions should be evaluated based on their consequences, rather than any moral principles. For Charvaka, the end justifies the means, and if an action results in pleasure, it is considered ethical.
However, this hedonistic approach to morality and ethics has been heavily criticized by other schools of thought. They argue that this philosophy promotes selfishness and disregards the well-being of others. They also point out that pleasure is temporary and can lead to harmful consequences in the long run.
In conclusion, Charvaka views morality and ethics as subjective and relative, based on the pursuit of pleasure in this life. They reject the idea of a higher authority or moral law, and instead, advocate for a pragmatic approach to ethics. While their perspective may differ from other schools of thought, Charvaka's philosophy continues to be a significant influence in the study of Indian philosophy.