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76.
cloth is inherent in it; so that when the element of negation (i. e., non-existence as a pitcher )a real element after all is introduced into it, we have practically the contradictory elements of existence and non-existence in the nature of the cloth. The supposed contradiction in predicating affirmation and negation of a thing is not removed but is only shifted by the Nyaya thinkers from the pitcher to the cloth. With the Jainas, however, as shown already, the difficulty is not real. Even with Nyaya thinkers, the contradictory predications should have appeared 88 not only not impossible but as necessary. An attribute or feature is applied to an object e. g., a pitcher not as absolute thing but as an object definitely determined i. e., as a definite object having a peculiar nature etc etc., This definite and determinate characterisation involves the process of distinguishing it from other definite things. The characteristion of a pitcher as a pitcher is impossible without distinguishing it from things which are not pitohers and this involves negative considerations. Thus it is that affirmation necessarily involves some amount of negation.
Although definite determination logically involves the consideration of negation and negative
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