Question

Which school of Hindu philosophy is primarily associated with the 'Sphota' theory of linguistics?

• A. Nyaya
• B. Mimamsa
• C. Vyakarana
• D. Vedanta

Hint:

{Sphota Theory → Bhartrihari → Vyakarana School}.
It explains how meaning emerges from spoken language.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Sphota theory is a significant concept in Indian philosophy of language. It explains how meaning is understood when speech is heard. According to this theory, meaning is grasped as a single indivisible unit rather than as separate individual sounds or words.
Step 1:Origin of the Sphota theory.
The Sphota theory was elaborated by the philosopher and grammarian Bhartrihari in his famous work {Vakyapadiya}. It belongs to the tradition of Sanskrit grammatical philosophy.
Step 2:Association with a philosophical school.
This theory is mainly associated with the Vyakarana (grammatical) school of Hindu philosophy, which focuses on the analysis of language, grammar, and meaning.
Step 3:Meaning of Sphota.
The term {Sphota} refers to the instantaneous revelation of meaning that occurs when linguistic sounds are perceived. Thus, the philosophical school associated with the Sphota theory is Vyakarana.