One clear example is the Advaita Vedanta debate led by Shankara, who argued for non-duality—the view that the true self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one. His work sparked discussions on the nature of reality and the means to attain liberation.

Another example is found in Buddhist philosophy. Nagarjuna’s Madhyamaka school, through texts like the Mulamadhyamakakarika, critically examined the notion of inherent existence, arguing that all phenomena are empty of an independent self. This debate on emptiness and dependent origination influenced later Buddhist thought, including the Yogācāra school’s exploration of consciousness and perception.

These examples illustrate how debates in India addressed core questions about self, reality, and the path to liberation, enriching the broader philosophical landscape.