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Locating Psychology in
the Indian Context
Dr Neha Wadhwa

S. No. Theme Indian
1 Consciousne Non-duality – underlying
ss interconnectedness of
things. Consciousness
seen as a universal and
indivisible aspect of reality,
Consciousness
transcending individual
identities
2 Locus of Holistic and organic
behaviour worldview – humans as
part of the world consisting
of many beings
Coherence and natural
order across all life forms
3 Social Socially constituted and
Relations embedded. Relational
identities
2
Western
Mind and body dualism – have
broken down the interactions of
mind and body into sensations
and perceptions managed by the
human neural system
Acceptance of dichotomy
between subject and object
Anthropocentric and
individualistic world view -
Humans as the centre of all
activity
Belief in ability to exert control
over nature and creating order
and civil society
. Autonomous and bounded with
fixed and strong boundaries of
self
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S. No. Theme Indian Western

4 Nature of Contextualized De-contextualised, contractual

relationships relationships, embedded in and open-ended nature of
time, space and relationships
institutional norms

5 Understandin Temporal and Atemporal Linear perspective on time

g of Time existence of human beings

6 Development Non-linear growth in life, Belief in growth and progress –

continuity and connections connotes forward, linear
amongst all life forms movement

7 Nature of Self Belief in social Belief in freedom and

individualism - individualism

Emphasis on self-discipline Self-interest, pursuit of own wants

and preferences

Shared and relational Personalised nature of control

nature of control (exerted
by society)
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S. No. Theme Indian Western

8 Nature of Knowledge as moral and Knowledge as science – amoral,

Knowledge sacred value free and secular

9 Social Action Dharma (duty)-centred Moral code organized around the

moral code idea of right to self-fulfilment and
social-contract
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End of Unit 2

QUIZ!
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Q1
 Which branch on Indian  SAMAKHYA
Philosophy explores the
interaction between
physical and mental realms
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Q2
 The idea that individuals  INTERSECTIONALITY
possess multiple identities
(race, gender, class, etc.)
that interact simultaneously
to create their experiences
is called?
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Q3
 The Taoist concept which  ZIRAN
emphasizes living in
accordance with one's true
nature and the inherent
rhythm of life is called?
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Q4
 Which eastern  CONFUCIANISM
philosophical tradition
places a strong emphasis
on education and self-
cultivation
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Q5
 For Hindus in India, social  DHARMA
action is guided by the
philosophy of?
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Q6
 Increasing  GLOBALIZATION
interconnectedness and
interdependence among
countries, cultures,
economies, and societies is
called?
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Q7
 In Jain Philosophy,  Multiplicity of viewpoints
anekantavada refers to? and the limitations of
absolute truth
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Q8
 What does the concept of  The observance of
'Li' refer to in Confucianist traditional rituals, customs,
philosophy? and proper behavior
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Q9
 The _____________  BHAKTI
Movement explores the
psychology of devotion,
religious experience in the
Indian perspective
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Q9
 In the Eastern perpective,  MEDITATION
to achieve personal
transformation one can
practice ____________
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Case Study
Ms Preethi is a mathematics teacher for class 3rd standard. She has been
tasked with teaching basic multiplication to students for this semester. Some
students are excelling at learning tables. She has identified 7 students who are
having trouble with understanding the concept. To help these students, she has
decided to take a different approach in class. She is going to use materials like
playing blocks and apples to explain multiplication again.

 What is the field of psychology Ms Preethi is drawing on to come up with these

new techniques?
 Suggest any other methods/possible solutions of dealing with the present issue?

 What are the main features of this field?

 Comment on links between this field and Behavioural psychology

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Intersectionality
 Kimberle Crenshaw: The Ugency of
Intersectionality
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akOe5-UsQ2o