Metaphysics

Nature of existence
 Charvaka’s Metaphysics
Metaphysics is the theory of reality.
Matter is the only reality because it alone is perceived.
The Carvaka theory of reality follows from the epistemological conclusion just dicussed.
Material objects are the only objects whose existence can be received and whose reality can be asserted.
The Cärvakas, thus, come to establish materialism or the theory that matter is the only reality.
The other metaphysical principles like: soul, God and afterlife are rejected by Charvakas.
Rejected the existence of all transcendental entities like soul, God, incarnation, law of karma, rebirth etc. ( as per
doctrine of sense perception)
He was opposed to the quest for spiritual salvation. He denied the existence of any divine or supernatural agency.
In this theory, the self is nothing else but the body and by means of direct experience one should come to the
conclusion that every person has only one life and there is no proof of afterlife or the law of karma
 The World is made of four elements
• Regarding the nature of the material world most other Indian
thinkers hold that it is composed of five kinds of elements
namely, ether (ãkãśa), air (vãyu), fire (Agni), water (ap) and
earth (Ksiti)

• But Cãrvakãs reject ether, because it’s existence can’t be

perceived; it has to be inferred.

• The material world is, therefore,held to be composed of the

four perceptible elements.

• Not only non-living material objects but also living organisms,

like plants and animal bodies, are composed of these four
elements, by the combination of which they are produced and
to which they are reduced on death.
 There is no soul
• Internal Perception: There's a concept of internal perception, suggesting an
awareness of our mental states or consciousness.
• Denial of the Immortal Soul: Charvaka rejects the notion of an eternal, non-
material soul or spirit (atma).
• Consciousness in the Living Body: They assert that consciousness is a quality of
the living body, not a separate entity.
• Identity with the Body: Charvaka argues that daily experiences, like "I am
fat" or "I am blind," reveal that the self is closely tied to the body.
• Emergence of Qualities: The philosophy uses examples to illustrate how
qualities can emerge when material elements combine.
• Epiphenomenon of Matter: Charvaka sees consciousness as a byproduct of the
material composition of the body.
• Implications for Immortality: Rejecting the existence of a separate soul
challenges the idea of the soul's immortality.
• Afterlife and Rebirth: Without a soul, ideas of previous life, afterlife, rebirth,
and consequences in heaven or hell become meaningless.
 There is no god
God and Soul Unperceived: Charvaka challenges the existence of God and soul, as both cannot be perceived.
Material Elements as World's Cause: They assert that the world is a product of material elements and that there's no
need for a creator.
Efficient vs. Material Cause: Critics question whether the material elements alone can create the world or if an efficient
cause, like God, is necessary.
Inherent Laws of Material Elements: Charvaka argues that material elements have fixed natures and laws that allow
them to combine to form the world without a divine creator.
No Proof of Design: They reject the idea that the world is the result of design and propose that it can be better explained
as a fortuitous outcome of elemental combinations.
Preference for Atheism: Charvaka's philosophy leans toward atheism, rejecting the need for a divine creator.
Naturalism and Mechanism: This worldview is often called naturalism or mechanism because it explains the world as
governed by inherent natural laws, devoid of conscious purpose.
Positivism: The Charvaka philosophy is akin to positivism, as it believes only in positive facts and observable
phenomena to explain the world.
Thankyou
-By Nabila Hussain