Book Title: Jain Philosophy
Author(s): Virchand R Gandhi
Publisher: Agamoday Samiti

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Page 263
________________ 234 stated, out of the modifications of which all things consist. How the original simple substance converted itself in to complex substances no philosopher explains. The Jain position in this matter being peculiar, it will be necessary to take a more extended survey of philosophy. One of the functions of philosophy is to advance from the known to the unknown. The procedures adopted are two-induction and deduction. The inductive process is understood as that by which u general law is inferred from particular facts; the deductive process as that by which a, particular fact is inferred from a general law which is assumed to be universally true. Smith, Scott, Williams and others died in the past, therefore all men are mortal; this is induction. All men are mortal; Wilson is a man; therefore Wilson will die. This is deduction. Analyzing closely these two processes, we find that in neither is there any addition of knowledge. The results are only inferences. In some cases it is mere tautology. We are not under the present develop ment of our nature able to observe all facts; hence the induction is only a working hypothesis at the best. If we happen to meet a single exception, we have to modify the conclusion. In deduction, if the general law is found inapplicable to a particular case, we are obliged to grant that there is an additional factor in that case which does not come under Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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