________________
ARHAT VACANA
Kundakunda
JäLapitba,
Indore
Vol. 19, No. 3, July-Sep. 07, 65-72
Research Methodology and Nature of Proof: A Visit to Jainism and Patanjali
P.N. Mishra
Pooja Jain**
Abstract
Exploring mind, matter and nature is a perpetual human question. Philosphers, Scientists and Social scientists do this exploration in their own way. This paper basically deasl with database research in social sciences. In this paper, how errors creep in, through the media of data, statistical tools and researchers mindset has been discussed. Two important Jaina concepts. Anekantaväda and syädvåda has been examined for reaching conclusions.
Patanjali's assertaioin on progressive importance of proof such as direct cognition, inference and testimony has been analysed in the context of modern scientific development. It has been asserted that a researcher in social sciences should also take imputs from ancient Indian wisdom such as Jainism, Buddhism Upanisadas and yoga. sutra to comprehend the truth better.
Jain Education International
Introduction
Exploring the mysteries of nature is one of the human tendencies. People have always been curious about nature. They have tried to understand matter, mind and behavior in their own way. Philosophers and scientists developed methods and methodologies to explore and understand the nature. Scientists approach the problems from one direction and philosophers from the other. Sometimes they merge and sometimes they remain at divergence. However, the journey of exploration has been progressing all along. Search and research create many milestones in this journey.
When scientists approach a problem, they rely on experiments and observations. Observations are always performed with the help of senses. Senses have their own limitations. Hence, whether a scientist will reach the absolute truth remains a matter of debate. Contrary to this philosophers approach a problem applying, thinking, reasoning and analysis. For philosophers, the processes are basically cognitive in nature. They might depend on certain experiments and observations also; but by and large, philosophers' investigations are largely mental. Philosophers' approach could be constrained on account of their own pre-disposition and mental makeup. Therefore, even a philosopher will arrive at the absolute truth is also debatable. Nevertheless, philosophers
Senior Professor and Director of Institute of Management Studies, DAVV, Indore 452 017 INDIA ** Lecturer, International Institute of Professional Studies, DAVV, Indore 452 017 INDIA
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