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NYAYA AND JAINA EPISTEMOLOGY
knowledge. Epistemologists have divergent attitudes towards these problems and accordingly they are classified as idealists or realists.
Realism and Idealism as Epistemological Theories
The conflict between realism and idealism is one of the most fascinating problems of epistemology. In modern times, realistic trend of thought has come into existence as a revolt against empiricism and absolute idealism. For an idealist, object of knowledge is in some sense minddependent. It is obvious that extreme form of idealism is mistaken which denies the knowledge of external object. On the other hand, for a realist, the object of knowledge is existent independent of the knower and knowing makes no difference to the thing known. The thing known is not modified by being related to the mind. Hence, it cannot be said to depend for its existence or being on mind or knowledge. Realism tends towards pluralism and upholds the doctrine of externality of knowledge relation.
Realism seems to be right in asserting that knowledge has self-transcending character. It aims at something beyond itself the object. It would be no exaggeration to say that all reasonable human discourse is based on realistic assumptions. It is significant to note that what realism stresses is :
i. Objectivity of knowledge;
ii. Knowledge refers to an object which is distinct from mind or mental activity;
iii. Object is that which can be referred to.
