Anviksiki

Anviksiki (Sanskrit: आन्वीक्षिकी, Ānvīkṣikī) refers to the ancient Indian science of logical reasoning, critical inquiry, and epistemology. It is often translated as "the science of investigation," "the science of argument," or "the science of critical reflection." Anviksiki is considered one of the foundational Vidyas (branches of knowledge) in classical Indian thought, alongside Trayi (the three Vedas), Varta (economics and statecraft), and Dandaniti (the science of governance).

Its core principles involve the application of logic and reasoning to examine the validity of knowledge claims, regardless of their source. It emphasizes the importance of independent investigation and the questioning of established beliefs. Anviksiki is not solely concerned with formal logic but also with the methods of debate, the identification of fallacies, and the establishment of sound methods for acquiring knowledge.

Historical texts, such as the Arthashastra of Kautilya, highlight the significance of Anviksiki in the education of a ruler. A ruler trained in Anviksiki is better equipped to analyze situations critically, make informed decisions, and resist manipulation by others. The discipline fosters intellectual rigor and promotes a skeptical attitude toward unfounded claims.

While Anviksiki shares some similarities with Western philosophy, particularly logic and epistemology, it is deeply rooted in the Indian intellectual tradition and is often intertwined with other schools of thought, such as Nyaya (the school of logic) and Samkhya (the school of enumeration). It provides a framework for critical thinking and intellectual inquiry within a broader context of philosophical and spiritual exploration.