What enables canonical literature to function as “true”? The case of the Hindu Puranas

Abstract

"Why do the devout believe in the canonical literature of their tradition? What enables great normative texts to function as “true discourse”? The idea of “true discourse” is premised on the understanding that truth is ultimately contingent and is socially constructed. We are in the realm of localized “truths,” rather than that of some Absolute Truth which functions as a universally accepted, recognized, and applicable yardstick. Local “truth” is the currency of a given epistemic community, that is, a community with a shared set of understandings and beliefs as to what constitutes true knowledge. Each community also has defined procedures and processes by which true knowledge is produced, legitimated, and disseminated..." Show more