Mīmāṃsā Philosophy and Its Applications to Legal Issues

Abstract

Mīmāṃsā is an ancient school of Indian philosophy that primarily focuses on the interpretation and analysis of sacred texts, particularly the Vedas. However, its doctrines have far-reaching implications, especially in the realm of legal reasoning and application. This paper explores the ways in which Mīmāṃsā philosophy addresses key aspects of legal theory, including textual interpretation, doctrines of dharma, rules of precedent, traditions, the principle of Purvapaksha, authority of texts, the role of reasoning (yukti), legal presumptions, moral duties, social welfare, and the rule of Niyama in contemporary legal frameworks.