Language and Truth

Overview

This remarkable study explores how human language may be appreciated as a reflection of the natural laws of the universe. Describing how different philosophical premises lead to different views of language—including English and Mandarin—the book especially considers the close relationship between Advaita Vendanta philosophy and Sanskrit. Examining the nature of words, its various categories, and meanings, this record argues that speech is seen as having an innate and unique capacity to reflect the light of consciousness.

Reviews

"This book presents a radically different view of language from that found in most modern Western philosophy. Human language is seen as having an innate capacity to reflect the light of consciousness, the primary element of the universe, and evidence is provided to show the extraordinary reflective capacity of the Sanskrit language." —Advaita Academy (March 2011)

"The glimpses of the Pani?nian system which the book affords are fascinating; and the author's emphasis on the ontological importance of the Indian tradition is apposite and welcome." —John Carey, Temenos Academy Review 14 (October 2011)

"This book explores the nature of human language, its relation to truth and to the natural laws of the universe. It focuses on truth according to Advaita (non-dualism), and concentrates mostly on the Sanskrit language. Language and truth are intimately connected in Advaita. One reason for this is the Sanskrit language, because the sound and structure of the language itself appear to reflect and convey that truth." —Watkins Book Review (November 2011)

Author Biography

Paul Douglas is a student and practitioner of Advaita Vedanta Hindu philosophy. He is a tutor of Advaita Vedanta and Sanskrit at the School of Economic Science in London, having retired as a senior civil servant in the British Government from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.