[Paper Review] The Theory Of Matter in Indian Physics

Rashmi Narayan|ArXiv.org|Feb 1, 2007

Quantum Mechanics and Applications7 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper explores the Nyaya-Vaisheshika school's theory of matter in ancient Indian physics, defining matter (padartha) as knowable entities within continuous, infinite space and time. It analyzes localization of objects and the concept of vacuum (abhava), offering a metaphysical framework where matter is defined by its attributes rather than physical substance, contributing a unique pre-modern perspective on ontology and epistemology in Indian philosophy of science.

ABSTRACT

This paper is the second in series of the Indian physics of the Nyaya-Vaisheshika school. It is significant that the school defines matter not in terms of something gross that is anchored to the commonsensical notion of an object, but rather in terms of something that has attributes associated with it. Matter, or padartha, is whatever is knowable within the overarching complex of space and time, each of which is taken to be continuous and infinite. The significant concepts discussed here include how to localize an object, and that of nothingness, that is, vacuum.

Motivation & Objective

• To analyze the conceptualization of matter in the Nyaya-Vaisheshika school of Indian philosophy.
• To clarify how matter is defined not by physical substance but by its attributes and knowability.
• To investigate the philosophical treatment of localization and the concept of nothingness (vacuum) as abhava.
• To position the Indian theory of matter within the broader context of pre-modern physics and metaphysics.

Proposed method

• The paper employs historical-philosophical analysis of classical Nyaya-Vaisheshika texts to reconstruct their theory of matter.
• It defines padartha (category of existence) as anything knowable within the framework of continuous, infinite space and time.
• The analysis focuses on the distinction between physical objects and their attributes, emphasizing epistemic criteria for matter.
• It examines the concept of abhava (non-existence or vacuum) as a distinct category of padartha, not merely absence but a knowable entity.
• The paper uses diagrams and a table to illustrate spatial localization and categorization of padarthas.
• It compares the Indian framework with Western notions of matter and vacuum, highlighting conceptual divergence.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 How does the Nyaya-Vaisheshika school define matter (padartha) in contrast to modern physical substance?
• RQ2 What role do attributes play in the identification and localization of material objects in this system?
• RQ3 How is the concept of vacuum (abhava) treated as a distinct category of knowledge rather than mere negation?
• RQ4 In what way does the infinite, continuous nature of space and time shape the ontology of matter in this tradition?
• RQ5 How does this theory of matter contribute to a non-materialist, attribute-based metaphysics of physical reality?

Key findings

• Matter in the Nyaya-Vaisheshika system is defined not by physical substance but by its knowability within the framework of infinite, continuous space and time.
• The theory treats localization as a process of identifying an object through its attributes, not through spatial extension alone.
• Vacuum (abhava) is not mere absence but a distinct category of padartha, representing non-existence as a knowable entity.
• The system posits that all knowable entities—regardless of physical form—belong to the category of padartha, including abstract qualities and relations.
• The framework presents a coherent, attribute-based ontology that predates and differs significantly from modern materialist conceptions of matter.
• The paper demonstrates that Indian philosophy developed a sophisticated, non-reductionist theory of matter rooted in epistemology and metaphysics.