Question

Differentiate between the views of a Fatalist and a Materialist in this source.

Hint:

The distinction between Fatalism and Materialism lies in their views on fate and the nature of human existence, with Fatalism emphasizing predestination and Materialism focusing on physical processes.

Answer 1

The Fatalist, represented by Makkhali Gosala, believed that everything was predestined, and karma could not be altered. In contrast, the Materialist, represented by Ajita Kesakambalin, denied the existence of karma and afterlife, asserting that humans were merely composed of the four elements, and upon death, they dissolved back into these elements. Thus, the Fatalist sees life’s events as preordained, while the Materialist views life as a natural process with no spiritual dimensions.