A Comparative Study of the Jaina Theories of Reality and Knowledge

Author: Y J PadmarajiahPublisher: Motilal BanarsidassYear: 2004Language: EnglishPages: 423ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120800362 DescriptionThe book is divided into two parts (bound in one Volume). Part I is related to the nature of reality. The author formulates five types of approach to the problem of Reality, and discovers flaws in the four: The only approach which he finds flawless is the Jaina view, namely of identity in difference in which identity is co-ordinate with difference. The author proceeds to discuss how aspects of reality, viz. the relational structure and causal efficiency and shows that the two can exist and function only within the framework of a co-ordinate identity in difference, accepted by the Jaina thinkers. This is followed by a search for the meaning and content of the notion of substance and an attempt is made to distinguish between the concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes.Part 2 presents an analytical account of the methods of knowledge recognized by the Jaina thinkers under the characteristic doctrines of standpoints and the conditional predication by an investigation into the nature and the logical evolution of the theory of manifoldness (Anekantavada).ContentsFOREWORDINTRODUCTIONEDITOR’S NOTEPART I: ONTOLOGY (THE NATURE OF REALITY)CHAPTER IA Preliminary Statement of an Important Vedantic and Buddhistic Objection against the Jaina view of RealityCHAPTER IIA Study in ContrastsCHAPTER IIIThe Schools of Philosophy in which Identity Subordinates DifferenceCHAPTER IVThe Schools of Philosophy in which Difference Subordinates IdentityCHAPTER VThe Jaina Philosophy of Identity-in-Difference in which Identity is Co-ordinate with DifferenceCHAPTER VIThe Externalistic Doctrine of Identity-in-Difference versus the Doctrine of a Unique and Integral Synthesis of Identity-in-DifferenceCHAPTER VIIIs Relation an EntityCHAPTER VIIIA Consideration of Two controversies Concerning Dravya and Guna with a view to clarifying the Nature of BothPART II: EPISTEMOLOGYCHAPTER IXAnekantavada or the theory of manifoldnessCHAPTER XNayavada or the theory of StandpointsCHAPTER XISyadvada or the dialectic of conditional PredicationCONCLUSIONBIBLIOGRAPHYINDEXES