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JAINISM AND DEMOCRACY
objects exist externally. But, all concepts of class, relation etc., are subjective. The Sankhya holds an opposite view. According to him universals are objective while particulars are subjective. The German Philosopher Kant also holds certain categories of interpretations as subjective while the thing-in-itself as objective. But according to Jainism both universals and particulars, the percepts and concepts, the categories of interpretation as well the thing-in-itself have an objective reality. No appearance without external existence, is the keyword of Jainism. Illusion
According to Jainism illusion does not mean false appearance. No appearance is false. The appearance of rope as a snake is as true as its appearance as a rope. The rope is not absolutely different from snake. It also possesses certain qualities common with the snake. In darkness, only those qualities are discovered while the distinguishing' ones are not realized. The common qualities assisted by the complex of fear, produce the appearance of a snake, which is not without objective basis. It is regarded false, because, in later stages the distinguishing qualities get prominance. The change occurs only in the attitude of the subject. Formerly, he was holding it as a snake and denying the existence of rope. Now, he holds the same object.as rope and denies the existence of snake. In reality the object is both, snake as well as a rope, in relation to their respective qualities. Both appearances are true. The common distinction of true and false depends upon the pragmatic consideration of serving the useful purpose. The illusive
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