Tarkashastra (तर्कशास्त्रम्)

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Tarkashastra (Samskrit: तर्कशास्त्रम्) refers to logic, reasoning, and discussion in general sense. Many philosophies of India speak about Atman, Karma, Punarjanma - cycle of the birth and death, Paramaatma/Brahman – the supreme power and Moksha; Tarka or Nyaya-Vaisheshika is not an exception to this. These schools propagate that; until we understand the matter/substance properly we cannot gain the knowledge about the Atman, Paramatman, without which attaining moksha is not possible. Tarka, as the Indian system of logic is also called, is a fine and precise tool for the philosopher who probes to discover the Ultimate Truth. All Indian philosophy is characterized by the application of a rigorous logic that has enabled the different metaphysical systems to stand the test of time.

Introduction

In India, the philosophy of the Upanishads was the precursor of the rationalistic metaphysics of both Maharshi Kanada and the logic of Gautama Maharshi as per many scholars. The transition from philosophy to logic and reasoning is the direct outcome of the tendency of the human mind to revert back to rationality as a reaction from an extreme faith in intuition, presupposed by philosophy. Philosophy of the Upanishads always made an appeal to intuition. No amount of reasoning, no skepticism, no logic could reveal the truth to the seeker, नैषा तर्केण मतिरापनेया। This knowledge (the knowledge of God) cannot be obtained by logic, nor can it be removed by logic (once firmly obtained through a proper preceptor). We see in Brhdaranyaka Upanishad Gargi is snubbed by Yajnavalkya saying that the head will fall off if you ask any more questions (do not debate further). Intuition and ecstasy are the privilege of a few only, majority of people tend towards logic and metaphysics. Nyaya and Vaiseshika systems originally attempted to bring about a harmony between the Upanishadic philosophy and extreme materialism (of Charvakas). Both Nyaya-Vaiseshika accepted reasoning as a valuable means to knowledge but differed in the relative value they attached to it; they differed from Shruti where it conflicted with reason and adhered to it where its doctrines did not clash with reason. Vedanta, on the other hand, does recognize the validity of reasoning, but favours Shruti when in conflict between Shruti and Tarka.

Etymology

Amarakosha mentions that Tarka is अध्याहारस्तर्क ऊहो विचिकित्सा तु संशयः । सन्देहद्वापरौ चाथ समौ निर्णयनिश्चयौ ॥ ( १.५.४)