Analytical and Critical Reflections on India's Nâstika Philosophical Schools

At first glance, most people unconsciously associate the name of India, with such issues like superstition, idolatry, certain various ceremonies and ascetics and so on. However, there have been many scholars throughout the checkered history of this land, who have thought about rational, philosophical, theological and mystical issues and started different schools of thought. Generally speaking, the scholars of ancient India who were contemporary with Greek thinkers developed theological and philosophical thoughts too, and some advanced interesting theories in this regard. These schools of thought are based on four-fold pivots. Some are based on accepting the probative validity and authority of Vedas and some on rejecting them. Some philosophical thoughts and ideas in India are based on the Holy Scriptures and in general the purpose of these schools is religion-oriented. This paper examines the three Nâstika schools.