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Environment and Anekānta
Rajmal Jain
Perhaps it would be profitable to begin the subject with the definition of the concepts involved. Environment has been defined as, "All of the external physical and biological factors that directly influence the survival, growth, development and reproductions of organisms. “This definition is not exhaustive for purpose. It does not include the so important factor which is moral and which exercises profound influence on the survival etc. of all the organisms no matter very low. Yet there is one more definition relevant to our study. It is Ecology which has been defined as, "Scientific study of the relationship between organisms and their environment."
Anekānta is a logico-philosophical concept. It has been variously translated into English. To some, it is “Confluence of opposites" or "Logic of relativity” and to others, it is the doctrine of manifold aspects? Well, the literal rendering of the term Anekānta agrees with the last expression. As its logical corollary, it does encompass the notion of confluence of opposites and relative aspects. As it implies that two conflicting aspects may be present at the same time of which may be evident and other latent as the occasion demands. A man may be said to be rich and poor at the same time. As compared to the people below him, he is rich. But considered in comparison to the richer people, he is poor. Thus it is possible to have multi view of things and there does not seem any contradiction.
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