Which ancient Indian philosopher founded the Nyaya school of logic?

Akshapada Gautama founded the Nyaya school of logic in ancient Indian philosophy.

He is traditionally identified as the author of the Nyaya Sutras, the foundational text of the school. Gautama is also known as Gotama, Aksapada, and Dirghatapas, so different books may list the founder under one of those names.

Nyaya developed a rigorous system for acquiring reliable knowledge. It examined perception, inference, comparison, and testimony, and it set out methods for debate and reasoning. Its goal was not merely winning arguments: correct knowledge was considered a path toward overcoming ignorance and suffering.

A common mix-up is Kanada, who is associated with the Vaisheshika school and its atomistic philosophy. Patanjali is linked with the Yoga tradition, while Jaimini is associated with the Mimamsa school. Later thinkers, including Vatsyayana and Udayana, expanded Nyaya through influential commentaries.