Book Recommendation: Language and Truth

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. Many books have been written on Advaita, but the combination of Advaita and language as tackled in this book may be unique.

The book seeks to demonstrate Sanskrit’s superior ability to encapsulate the principles of unity, sound, lawfulness, consciousness, reflectivity and stability. It does so by comparing the language with English (which is a distant relation of Sanskrit) and Mandarin.

Language and Truth is well worth the read. It will enthuse readers about the remarkable nature of an amazing language. Copies are available to at the school bookshop or online.

About the Author

Paul Douglas has been studying Advaita philosophy in the School of Economic Science since 1960s and took up Sanskrit shortly afterwards. He currently tutors on the Practical Philosophy course, and Sanskrit courses, has written a foundation course in Sanskrit for students in the School and for similar schools abroad, as well as a series of booklets on Paninian grammar. More recently he has also studied modern Western philosophy, which has led him to see connections between some recent views of language, Advaita philosophy and the ancient principles on which Sanskrit is formed. He retired a few years ago after a career in the Senior Civil Service in the UK.