Epistemology and language in Indian astronomy and mathematics (Q935696)

A discussion of various underlying assumptions of classical Indian mathematicians and astronomers, with special emphasis on the epistemological pronouncements of the Kerala astronomer-mathematician Nīlakaṇṭha Somayāji (1444--1545 CE). The discussion is centered around (i) the absence of formal deductions from a given set of axioms in this epistemology, conclusions being derived from observation and calculation, and (ii) equations as an artificial language.