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The works of Kāvyaśāstra, Kāmaśāstras and other such śástras also show dialectical trends and thus nourish a coherent methodology in their delineations.
Chaprer XVI deals thoroughly and explicitely with the methodology of Navya-Nyāya. For those who find it difficult to grasp the purpot of this branch of Indian logic, this chapter will help a lot to proceed delightfully in the fresh avenues of philosophical language.
The last chapter unfolds before us a very fascinating picture of actual Šāstrārthas recorded in scriptures and other literary works of India. Of course, the word 'actual' need not be taken in its strict sense, as historical proofs for such debates are not available. However, these debates do reflect the dialectical drama that was played with great zeal on the vast platform of Indian thought.
Resume, given in the end, helps us to recapitulate and relish all that is said before. Dr. Solomon has displayed unbiased and open mind - a rare quality of a true scholar, throughout the book. Look at her broad minded observation at the conclusion of this book - "As a matter of fact, dialectics is rooted in man's very being, for reasoning and discussion are natural to him..whether he seems God-like or Satan-like, he is trying to find out the truth." (877). : However it is not always for seeking the truth that a man argues. It may be for the foundation of his own view, or to get victory, or to sharpen the intellect or sometimes even to get wealth and fame. All these motives
are alluded to in the Introducton, but they are of secondary importance · and so Dr. Solomon is justified in laying the stress on truth-finding as a sole purpose of dialectics.
A very valuable contribution of this book is writer's translations of a number of texts. It is really an onerous task to render faithful and lucid translation of certain Sanskirit and Prakrit texts loaded with technical subtlsties. Dr. Solomon has shown a wonderful mastery in this great art that should be a source of inspiration for future translators.
In the end, while closing this book, we are apt to feel that reason if stretched beyond its limits, can also play havoc, and instead of bringing out truth, it may expose the abberations of the polemic discourse. It is, perhaps, therefore Buddha, Mahāvira and other saints have warned against the excessive use or abuse of dialectics.
Indian Dialectics' presents not only the dialectital principles, but it also covers all the important currents of Indian philosophy. Scholars and students owe to a great extent to Dr. Solomon for such a valuable gift.
-- Yasant Parikh
Indian phuch a valuable in
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