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India's Education Policy 2020 Revives Ancient Reasoning Traditions

Discover the power of ancient Indian reasoning. Revive critical thinking in classrooms today.

There is an open book on which something is written.
There is an open book on which something is written.

India's Education Policy 2020 Revives Ancient Reasoning Traditions

The National Education Policy, 2020 is encouraging educational institutions to integrate Indian knowledge systems into their curricula. This move aims to foster critical thinking rooted in both Indian and global perspectives.

The policy suggests introducing reasoning tasks from Classes 6 to 12 and training teachers in Indian argumentation frameworks. This follows a rich history of reasoning and logical thinking in India, with various schools of thought promoting critical thinking and debate.

Vedanta, for instance, advocated rational reflection and disciplined questioning to remove confusion and sharpen understanding. Similarly, Buddhist philosophers taught rigorous inquiry based on scepticism, encouraging students to test claims through experience and reflection. The Nyaya school developed a formal system of logic with a five-step method for examining claims and avoiding errors in reasoning. Jain philosophy argued for a many-sided view of truth, teaching intellectual humility and reducing bias.

To reclaim these Indian reasoning traditions, schools and colleges should run vada-style debate clubs and offer electives studying Indian epistemology as part of global philosophy. This move aims to prevent the disconnect of Indian students from their intellectual heritage, which often leads to passive learning and struggles with analysing arguments and evaluating evidence.

By integrating Indian knowledge systems into the curriculum, the National Education Policy, 2020 seeks to foster critical thinking and promote a deeper understanding of both Indian and global philosophical traditions. This move aims to empower students with the tools to navigate complex arguments and evaluate evidence effectively.

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