معرفت فلسفی

Among Eastern philosophical traditions, one of the oldest systems in which the theory of mind–body dualism and the relationship between the two is explicitly articulated is Sankhya philosophy. In Sankhya, the mind is regarded as a fundamental component that draws upon both cognitive and active (motor) elements. Without the guidance of the mind, neither the cognitive faculties nor the organs of action are capable of performing their respective functions. In Sankhya philosophy, the fundamental principle underlying the body is prakṛti, which constitutes the metaphysical foundation of all worldly phenomena. Accordingly, the metaphysical basis of the mind is also rooted in prakṛti. The body, likewise, belongs to the domain of prakṛti. As a result, mind and body are understood to share a single metaphysical substance. Within this philosophical framework, one form of the relationship between mind and body involves the acceptance of causality and interaction between the two. The findings of this study indicate that Sankhya philosophy, within the broader landscape of Eastern philosophies, succeeds in addressing one of the central challenges of mind–body dualism. This is because, in Sankhya thought, the mind is considered a part of the world of prakṛti. Consequently, the mind is able to function as a direct cause of bodily actions. Therefore, the major shortcomings that have traditionally challenged substance dualism—namely, the explanation of the mode of interaction between mind and body and the possibility of reflecting the objective world within the mental realm—are addressed and analyzed in an effective and coherent manner within Sankhya philosophy.