ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts a total circumspection of the structure of Indian thought, in the hope that it will not only make differences between Indian and Western philosophies evident, but also recognize affinities between the two. Metaphysics is the philosophical investigation of the ultimate nature of reality. Epistemology, derived from the Greek epistēmē ("knowledge") and logos ("reason") is the philosophical study of the nature, scope, and limits of knowledge. Ethics or moral philosophy is the study of moral principles; it systematizes, defends, and attempts to establish rational grounds for good conduct. The chapter discusses three presuppositions, which are: karma and rebirth, mokṣa, and dharma. Karma is an absolute presupposition of Indian philosophy. Mokṣa is the next absolute presupposition, held by every school with the exception of the Cārvāka school. Dharma, a very complex concept, has been used in a variety of senses.
