Question

Differentiate between the views of a Fatalist and a Materialist in this source.

Hint:

The distinction between Fatalism and Materialism lies in their views on fate and the nature of human existence, with Fatalism emphasizing predestination and Materialism focusing on physical processes.

Answer 1

Makkhali Gosala, the Fatalist, espoused a doctrine of absolute predestination, positing that karma was immutable. Conversely, Ajita Kesakambalin, the Materialist, rejected both karma and the afterlife, contending that human existence was solely a composition of the four elements, which would disintegrate upon death. Consequently, the Fatalist perceives life as predetermined, whereas the Materialist interprets it as a purely natural, non-spiritual phenomenon.