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PREFACE
The concept of omniscience has been a matter of great significance for both Indian philosophy and culture. It is one of the most central topics which figure in Jaina philosophy and religion. My aim, however, in this work is neither to support nor to refute the Jaina theory. I am interested primarily in presenting a philosophical account of the ways in which this concept functions and to examine the arguments and counter-arguments for the plausibility of the belief in the existence of an omniscient being. I do not wish to assert or deny whether or not there has actually been any omniscient being because this is a purely historical question. I have concerned myself with making conceptual analysis, classification and categorisation of the basic issues involved and with examining the foundations of the Jaina theory of omniscience within the context of Jaina metaphysics and epistemology. I have considered the various arguments for and against omniscience, but it seems to me, as I have suggested in the conclusion, that the utmost one can do for omniscience is to attempt its vindication; to attempt its validation will not be successful. But I do feel that the concept of omniscience poses many really philosophical problems and that is why I have given a purely philosophical treatment to it.
To the best of my knowledge no independent work has been done on the concept of omniscience in any modern language. Therefore, though the present work contains mainly what has been written by the ancient masters and hence cannot claim any originality in the literal sense of the term, yet it is hoped to fulfil a hitherto unsatisfied need. This is also perhaps the first systematic attempt on the subject in an independent and non-theological way. I hope, therefore, that it would be able to exhibit necessary independent judgement and critical attitude.
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