________________
Theory of Relativity
[ 135
of our daily experience that the same object which gives pleasure to us under certain circumstances, becomes boring under different circumstances. Scientific truths, are, therefore, relative in the sense that they do not give complete and exhaustive knowledge of the objects under study and contain elements that may be changed with further advance in knowledge. Nonetheless, relative truth is undoubtedly useful as it is a stepping stone to the ultimate truth.
Importance of a Negative
Again, it is important to bear in mind that when we make a positive assertion about a thing, there is an implied negative which, if not taken properly into account, may create confusion in understanding that thing. For instance, a man is a father to his sons but not to his own father, or to many other persons. He has different relations with different persons in the society. So when his parenthood is referred to, it is true only in relation to his children but untrue in his relations with his wife or friends. Both these positive and negative aspects are necessary for the correct identification of the relationship with other persons. Syadvada states the positive aspect by saying 'Syad Asti', i. e, 'it is true from a particular aspect'; it states the negative aspect by saying 'Syad Nosti', i. e., 'it is not true, if viewed from some other aspect'. In order to identify an object correctly both positive and negative aspects are necessary to show what that object is and what it is not. The Jaina logic also admits a third kind of judgement, that of indescribability called 'Avaktavya'. It is at this stage important to note that the word 'Syād' is not used to express 'doubt' but is used to avoid a absolute assertion in view of the fact that our knowledge about the manifold aspects of a thing is limited. Acārya Hemacandral equates Syadvada with Anekantavada (non-absolutism ). "The word 'Syāt' is an adverb, it conveys the relativity of a statement, which is based
1. FAIT 5775774aula
', Siddhahema.
www.jainelibrary.org
For Private & Personal Use Only
Jain Education International
