Mādhva Virtue Ethics and the Āptaguru, or ‘Reliable Teacher

Abstract

The article "Mādhva Virtue Ethics and the Āptaguru, or ‘Reliable Teacher’" by Deepak Sarma explores the intersection of virtue ethics with Mādhva Vedānta philosophy, particularly focusing on the concept of the āptaguru—a reliable or virtuous teacher. The article argues that Mādhva definitions of a trustworthy teacher parallel classical frameworks in virtue ethics by identifying ideal qualities that are epistemologically and pedagogically significant. By examining texts such as Anuvyākhyāna and Nyāya Sudhā, Sarma demonstrates how these character traits legitimize canon formation and knowledge transmission within the Dvaita tradition.