No. That’s a misconception often used to stir up emotions. Early Vedic Tradition has roots dating back to around 1100 to 700 BCE, which is indeed ancient, but it’s not accurate to claim Indian philosophy is older than Western or European philosophy. Philosophy is as old as human speech, possibly dating back 700,000 years with the evolution of the hyoid bone, and perhaps to about 1.2 million years ago.

The early Vedic tradition (1100-700 BCE) differs from later Vedic tradition (500 BCE – 200 CE), which in turn differs from Hindu philosophy (400 BCE – 600 CE). Early Western philosophers like Thales lived around 600 BCE, and there were others before him whose works are less known.

Philosophical traditions from Mesopotamia, such as King Shurappak around 2600 BCE, and Chinese traditions, such as those attributed to the Yellow Emperor, are also ancient and rich in history. Philosophical inquiry has deep roots across many cultures, highlighting the diversity and interconnectedness of human thought. Explore what we know about early philosophy, take the deep dive: The Great Philosophers Timeline.

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Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher

Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.