Pratyaksha Pramana (प्रत्यक्षप्रमाणम्)

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Pratyaksha Pramana (Samskrit: प्रत्यक्षप्रमाणम्) refers to direct perception; sense-perception, seeing with one's own eyes or direct observation as a means of acquiring valid knowledge. Broadly translated as perception in the English language, it is extensively discussed in Indian traditional texts as a means of acquiring valid knowledge, also called Pramana. Observation or Pratyaksha is viewed as the primary guideline for correct knowledge at the practical level in most schools of Indian thought. At the practical level, the following six are accepted as means to knowledge (pramana): direct perception (pratyaksha), inference (anumana), verbal testimony (shabda), comparison (upamana), non-apprehension (anupalabdhi) and postulation (arthapatti). However, while accepting the utility of observation in the search for knowledge, it was not considered as the only source of knowledge as did the Charvakas and logical positivists.

In contemporary psychology, the term cognition is a generic term for any process whereby an organism becomes aware of, or obtains knowledge of, an object or event. This includes the processes of sensation, perception, recognition, conceptualization, judging, reasoning, and so on.

Introduction

Perception refers to the way sensory information is organized, interpreted, consciously experienced and processed by the nervous system. Perception includes psychological processes that take place in the mind based on external sensory inputs and/or internal experiences and thoughts. Sensory systems provide important information about our surroundings. This information used to successfully navigate and interact with our environment so that we can find nourishment, seek shelter, maintain social relationships, and avoid potentially dangerous situations.