The literal
meaning of purva-paksha is prior view, and it refers to the critical
examination of the point of view of others on the subject under discussion.
Purva-paksha essentially involves the study of existing views or arguments of
others to develop a deep understanding of their point of view. Because only after
perfecting the understanding of opposing views, a person would be able to
refute them, and subsequently arrive at a conclusion after presenting his arguments.
Purva-paksha
is a fundamental part of the methodology which serves as the fountainhead of
various Indian thought systems or darshanas. Almost all the darshanas, either
emerged out of, or invariably followed this process -- purva-paksha (prior
view) – khandana (refutation of the view) – uttara-paksha (subsequent view or
conclusion). The beautiful aspect of this process is that it makes darshanas
self-correcting and evolving in nature; because when any particular darshana is
enumerated all other darshanas are taken as purva-paksha.
Rajiv Malhotra, a public intellectual and scholar in the
field of cross cultural encounters, in the synopsis of his book Being
Different, exquisitely summarises:
Purva-paksha
is an ancient dharmic technique where a debater must first authentically
understand in the opponent’s perspective, test the merits of that point of view
and only then engage in debate using his own position. Purva-paksha encourages
individuals to become truly knowledgeable about all perspectives, to approach
the other side with respect and to forego the desire to simply win the contest.
Purva-paksha also demands that all sides be willing to embrace the shifts in
thinking, disruptive and controversial as they may be, that emerge from such a
dialectical process.
The
purva-paksha approach was used by Adi Shankara to
re-establish the Sanatana Dharma in India; who travelled across the Indian
subcontinent to propagate his philosophy through discourses and debates with
other thinkers. He confronted his opponents respectfully and systematically --
first understood their arguments, then refuted them and finally established his
views or siddhanta.
Thus,
purva-paksha is a harmonious approach to resolve intellectual conflicts and the
committed practice of it can immensely contribute to the acquisition of
knowledge, as well as refinement of perspectives to further towards truth.
Shubham
Astu!
