Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001180
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mohanlal Mehta
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 328
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 15 MB

Page 174

KNOWLEDGE
161
as fire is present in this place.
Subjective inference has been defined. Now, we propose to give the definition of syllogistic inference. Syllogistic Inference :
'Syllogistic inference is definite cognition resulting from a statement of a probans having the characteristic of necessary concomitance with the probandum." The definite authentic cognition of a fact that arises from a statement of a person having the sole and solitary characteristic of necessary concomitance with probandum, is designated as syllogistic inference. In other words, it is the knowledge of the probandum derived from the communication made by another person.
The syllogistic statement has two different types. The first type is due to the consideration of the logical possibility on the necessary occurrence of the probandum. In other words, when the possibility of the probans is understood to be necessarily dependent on the occurrence of the probandum, the first type is there. The second type arises from the consideration of the impossibility of the probans in the absence of the probandum. Take some concrete example : The hill is on fire, because the logical possibility of its being possessed of smoke is intelligible only on that condition; or, because the fact of its possession of smoke would become logically impossible in the absence of fire. The difference of syllogistic inference is conditioned merely by this difference of form and not a real difference. In other words, the difference between the two is not in respect of ultimate intention but is merely formal. For this very reason, the statement of both the propositions is not necessary. Parts of Syllogism :
Philosophers of different schools hold different views with regard to the constitution of syllogism. For instance, the
1. Yathoktasādhanabhidhānajah parartham -- Pramāna-mīmāṁsā,
11. 1. 1.