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NYAYA AND JAINA EPISTEMOLOGY
category of knowledge in Jaina logic predicates the existence of indetermination which we may perhaps interpret, in modern language as the assertion of the existence of a probability field. The sixth category denies the existence of a probability field; while the seventh category covers the whole range of possibilities mentioned in the other six categories......It is the explicit recognition of the concept of numerical frequency ratios which distinguishes modern statistical theory from the Jaina theory of Syādvāda”.
In conclusion, we can say that Anekānta logic examines the very foundation of knowledge and tries to avoid one-sided-ness in knowledge. The dialectic of sevenfold predication takes into account material conditions for the validity of knowledge and does not allow a single element given in experience to be rejected as false on the basis of formal logic as it is not only against the verdict of experience but also logically erroneous. Thus, it succeeds in giving a fairly reliable picture of an object having multiple facets. It is therefore, a remarkable method designed to attain truth in knowledge. Again, it is not inconsistent with its own philosophy as all that it intends to convey is because of inexhaustible diversity of reality we cannot but recognize the limitations of our knowledge and realize its relativity. It means intellectual toleration, catholicity of outlook and respect for the view points of others. Reality can become the object of our judgement only in so far as it is abstracted in relevant context. Jaina logicians seek to establish the view that infinitely complex nature of reality baffles all attempts to describe or know it precisely unless we make seven predications about it and do not commit ourselves to any exclusive predication.
