Jayarasi Bhatta

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Jayarasi Bhatta (or Jayaraasi Bhatta, fl. 7th c.) was an Indian philosopher who belonged to the Carvaka School (also known as the Lokayata or Materialist school). His notable work, the Tattvopaplavasimha ("The Lion that Devours All Categories"/"The Upsetting of All Principles") is the only extant authentic text from that school.

His main work examines epistemology, where he considers the pramana (sources of knowledge) accepted in establishing conclusions (perception, inference, and testimony), and proves that none of them are sufficient for establishing knowledge. Inference relies on inductive reasoning, which cannot be shown to be universal premises. Testimony requires the reliability of the witness, which must be established by another of the pramana. Even direct perception cannot establish truth, because it requires that the perception not be erroneous or illusory, which also cannot be established. Therefore, Jayarasi argues that none of the sources of knowledge are valid, and nothing can be known for certain.

Jayarasi challenged the astika establishment's belief in supernatural beings by attacking their epistemology. Since none of the sources of knowledge are valid, how can anything be said about these beings? Therefore, he argued for the reasonability of atheism, and that happiness in one's life is the most reasonable goal. Jayarasi represented extreme skepticism of the Carvaka school, claiming no school of philosophy can claim its view of reality as knowledge, including the Carvaka itself; however, because Carvaka philosophy represents common sense, it could be used as a guide.

[edit] Reference

• Narayan Campawat, "Jayarasi Bhatta", in Great Thinkers of the Eastern World, Ian McGready, ed., New York: Harper Collins, 1995, pp. 202-206. ISBN 0062700855