The concept of perception: a comparative study based on perception of john Locke and Samkya philosophy

Abstract

This research is a comparative study of Western Philosopher John Locker’s doctrine of Perception and the perception indicated in the Samkya Philosophy. In the modern period, the study of human knowledge in western philosophy started with an Essay Concerning Human Understanding of John Locke. Locke insisted that the doctrine of perception as the main source of the human knowledge. Further, he also noted that this perception is being derived through two ways, such as sensation and reflection. The perception take place, how is it that first senses get the sense data from outside world, then mind makes it as a perceptual knowledge by means of reflection. Hence, he insisted that senses and mind are essential for perception. Similarity, Indian philosophical school of Smakya Philosophy also accepted that the doctrine of perception is the basic for gaining knowledge. According to perception of Samkya philosophy, although perception is determined by sense and mind, the intellect (Buddhi) is another stage for the gaining knowledge. Therefore, the main objective of this study that comparative analysis of Locke’s doctrine of perception and perception of Samkya Philosophy in order to bring out the similarities and differences between them. For this study, Comparative and Analytical methods are utilized and also the data is collected from primary and secondary sources.