No 2 (2008)

Based on the studies of the Bengal Renaissance's thought sources (XIX - early XX centuries) the article represents the reconstruction of humanist socio-cultural modernization and development project for India. It was oriented for intellectual, mental, social, political and cultural renaissance of the country.

The main topic of the paper is the views of modern Indian historian of philosophy, Surendranath Dasgupta, on the typological relations between philosophy of ancient India and modern Western idealism, namely Buddhism and neo-Hegelianism of B. Croce. The point of the paper is Dasgupta's interpretation of Buddhism as a reaction on the Vedic and Upanishadic ritualism, and the philosophy of Croce as a reaction on the idealism of Hegel, on the one hand, and on the growth of influence of positivism in the European philosophical culture, on the other. The interpretation of the essence of philosophy as a form of rational activity, being realized in all cultures and in every epoch in the same way and according to the same principles, which makes possible comparative investigation of philosophical views, formulated in different cultures, is specific for Dasgupta and is one of the most important topics of the article. Dasgupta interprets philosophy as an idea, which is realized more or less fully by different philosophers and in different cultures and the example of which are points of similitude between Buddhism and the philosophy of Croce.

The founder of ancient sceptical trend is considered greek philosopher Pyrrho from Elith (about III c. B.C.), but sceptical elements had also circulation in Greek philosophy before Pyrrho. These elements are analysed by the author of the article.