Often mistranslated as "theist," Astika actually means one who accepts the authority of the Vedas as a valid source of knowledge (Shabda Pramana).
This pair focuses on understanding the physical world and the instruments of knowledge. They provide the logical and scientific foundation for the other schools.
Founder: Akshapada Gautama Focus: How do we know what we know? (Pramanas) Nyaya is the school of logic, debate, and epistemology.
Founder: Kanada Focus: What is the world made of? (Metaphysics/Ontology) Vaisheshika is the school of particularity (vishesha).
The six orthodox schools (Shad Darshanas) of Indian philosophy explained: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta—what each teaches.