Dharma, Imperatives, and Tradition: Toward an Indian Theory of Moral Action

There are two connected parts to this chapter: dharma and imperatives; dharma and moksa (freedom), as discussed in classical Indian thought, with a view to exploring the possibility of a Theory of Action (karmavāda) in Indian Moral Philosophy. The argument is critically examined in the light of cognate theorizing in European Philosophy as exemplified, in particular, in Hegel and kant. Before we discuss some general definitions of dharma and their implications for ought-decisions and action, let me say something about the concept of action.