Significance of Deliberation

Deliberation, as outlined in various ancient texts, highlights the importance of careful consideration and thoughtful discussion before making decisions. In the Purana, it emphasizes reflecting on actions and the process taken by characters like Dhritarashtra in decision-making. The Natyashastra adds the necessity of constructing arguments carefully to avoid errors. Meanwhile, the Dharmashastra underscores the significance of weighing options, particularly for kings. Overall, Deliberation signifies a crucial element for success across these philosophical texts.1
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Synonyms: Discussion, Consideration, Consultation, Reflection, Contemplation, Debate, Thoughtfulness, Review, Analysis

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Deliberation'
Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, deliberation signifies the importance of careful consideration before action, particularly in decision-making by leaders, reflecting on options, and constructing sound arguments, epitomized by Dhritarashtra’s thoughtful decisions regarding the Pandavas.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Discussions and considerations that Yudhishthira, Kunti, and Dhrishtadyumna were to have, before making a final decision.[1] (2) The careful consideration Dhritarashtra undertakes before deciding to send Sanjaya to the Pandavas.[2] (3) Careful consideration and thought before acting, emphasized as important for success.[3]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The process of careful consideration or discussion among advisors before making decisions.[4]

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

From: Natyashastra (English)

(1) Deliberation is caused by determinants such as doubt, cogitation, and perplexity, and it is represented by various discussions and settling the definition, as described in the text.[5] (2) The thoughtful construction of arguments or ideas that incorporate eliminating potential errors.[6]

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The careful consideration and weighing of options before taking action, particularly important for a king in making decisions.[7]

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana

(1) Deliberation is an attribute of an organic individual, indicating the process of careful consideration and thought before making decisions.[8]

The concept of Deliberation in local and regional sources
History Books

Deliberation, in this context, humorously describes a situation where someone requested permission to smoke, quipping that the "deliberation" would end in smoke, based on regional sources.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) It refers to something that the subject humorously said was going to end in smoke when an officer asked for permission to smoke.[9]

The concept of Deliberation in scientific sources
Science Books

Deliberation, as defined by regional sources, encompasses collective societal organization, institutional design, moral judgment development, and institutional redesign. It focuses on collaborative processes to improve society.

Significance in Environmental Sciences:
Environmental Sciences Books

From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)

(1) Discussions or formal debates aimed at understanding complex systems, which can be effectively engaged through rapid games designing.[10] (2) A process of careful consideration and discussion among participants, aimed at reaching a consensus and making informed decisions, central to collaborative governance.[11] (3) Careful consideration and discussion of issues, essential for effective teamwork and decision-making.[12]

From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)

(1) The process of carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages associated with using electronic cigarettes before making a decision about engaging in vaping behavior.[13] (2) Deliberation, a facet of conscientiousness, involves being cautious and considerate, and higher scores may be associated with lower odds for being employed.[14]

Significance in Religious Studies:
Religion Books

From: Religions Journal (MDPI)

(1) The process of evaluating a situation and considering various options before making a decision, which is brought to an end by the act of deciding.[15]

Classical concept of 'Deliberation'
Various literature Books

Meaning of Deliberation in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.

From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle

(1) Deliberation is a process that some incontinent individuals engage in but fail to abide by the conclusions of, while excitable individuals do not deliberate at all.[16] (2) Deliberation is related to understanding, which deals with things that may become subjects of questioning and deliberation, rather than things that are always unchangeable.[17] (3) Deliberation is a specific type of inquiry, involving the process of investigating a particular subject to arrive at a well-reasoned conclusion or decision, and deliberation involves inquiry into a particular kind of thing.[18] (4) It involves potential error, either about the universal or the particular. It requires experience and maturity, which young individuals often lack, highlighting the importance of time.[19] (5) According to the passage, deliberation is a key factor in distinguishing between acts done by choice and those done without choice, impacting the determination of justice.[20]

From: The History of Herodotus

(1) The Persians deliberate about important affairs while drinking, and the decisions made are then reviewed the next day when they are sober to ensure sound judgment.[21]