Carvaka (philosophy)

Carvaka is an ancient Indian philosophy that emphasizes direct perception as the primary source of knowledge, rejecting supernatural beliefs and spiritual ideas like karma and rebirth. It advocates for a materialistic view, asserting that only the physical world exists and that pleasures and material well-being are the ultimate goals of life. Carvaka critics emphasize skepticism about religious doctrines and promote living ethically based on tangible experiences. While largely considered a skeptical, secularist viewpoint, it contributed to debates about knowledge and existence in Indian philosophy, emphasizing empirical observation over faith or metaphysical speculation.