Nyaya And Jaina Epistemology

Author(s): Kokila H Shah
Publisher: Sharadaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre

Page 25

NYAYA AND JAINA EPISTEMOLOGY
its own peculiarities as well. It is evident in the end that Nyāya system of thought while clearly containing realistic elements is not purely realistic. It falls short of complete realism in spite of its adherence to basic realistic principle of knowledge. Jainism, on the other hand, has a unique virtue of being a purely realistic system of thought. An analysis of Jaina epistemology quite clearly reveals that it is the most consistent and significant form of epistemological realism. Lastly, it may be pointed out that Jainism with the help of its Anekānta logic and with its unique methods of Nayavāda and Syādvāda has succeeded in evolving the most reasonable form of realism; advocating an advanced type of theory of knowledge which has no exact parallel in any thought Indian or Western. As against absolutist theory of knowledge the relativistic epistemology to which Jainism is committed can only give realism an adequate logical basis.
Annotations : 1. Dasguptā, S. N. : Indian idealism. p. 26 2. Ibid.