Language and Truth
A Study of the Sanskrit Language and Its Relationship with Principles of Truth
Published on 1. October 2010
Book
Hardback
124 pages
978-0-85683-271-0 (ISBN)
Description
This remarkable study explores how human language may be appreciated as a reflection of the natural laws of the universe. Describing how different philosophical premises lead to different views of language-including English and Mandarin-the book especially considers the close relationship between Advaita Vendanta philosophy and Sanskrit. Examining the nature of words, its various categories, and meanings, this record argues that speech is seen as having an innate and unique capacity to reflect the light of consciousness.
Reviews / Votes
"The glimpses of the Pani nian system which the book affords are fascinating; and the author's emphasis on the ontological importance of the Indian tradition is apposite and welcome." John Carey. Lead Reviewer of the Sunday Times 20111015 "This book explores the nature of human language, its relation to truth and to the natural laws of the universe. It focuses on truth according to Advaita (non-dualism), and concentrates mostly on the Sanskrit language. Language and truth are intimately connected in Advaita. One reason for this is the Sanskrit language, because the sound and structure of the language itself appear to reflect and convey that truth." Watkins Review. 20111115More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Paper over boards
With dust jacket
Dimensions
Height: 211 mm
Width: 155 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
318 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-85683-271-0 (9780856832710)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Paul Douglas began studying Advaita philosophy in the 1960s and took up Sanskrit shortly afterwards. He is a member of the School of Economic Science in London where he has tutored for many years, written a foundation course in Sanskrit for students in the School and for similar schools abroad, as well as a series of booklets on Paninian grammar. More recently he has also studied modern Western philosophy, which has led him to see connections between some recent views of language, Advaita philosophy and the ancient principles on which Sanskrit is formed. He retired a few years ago after a career in the Senior Civil Service in the UK.
Content
Pronunciation Guide Introduction 1. Different premises on which language may be founded 2. How many different languages relate to truth? 3. Basic elements of language as evident in Sanskrit 4. Words: their formation and classes 5. Sentences and relationships within them 6. Sound, word and meaning. What is meaning? 7. Paninian grammar: some special features 8. Laws of Sanskrit reflecting Natural Laws? Appendix 1. The credentials of Sanskrit Appendix 2. The extent of Sandhi Bibliography Index