The Theory Of Matter in Indian Physics

TL;DR

This paper explores the Nyaya-Vaisheshika school's unique Indian philosophical perspective on matter, emphasizing its attributes, localization, and the concept of vacuum within a continuous space-time framework.

Contribution

It advances understanding of Indian physics by analyzing how matter is defined through attributes and space-time, contrasting with Western notions.

Findings

Matter is defined by attributes, not just physical form.

Localization of objects is discussed within infinite space and time.

The concept of nothingness or vacuum is examined.

Abstract

This paper is the second in series of the Indian physics of the Nyaya-Vaisheshika school. It is significant that the school defines matter not in terms of something gross that is anchored to the commonsensical notion of an object, but rather in terms of something that has attributes associated with it. Matter, or padartha, is whatever is knowable within the overarching complex of space and time, each of which is taken to be continuous and infinite. The significant concepts discussed here include how to localize an object, and that of nothingness, that is, vacuum.