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Scientific Thought Evident in the Labdhisāra : 141
E. Sign and Symbol (Samdṛşti)
In considering cognitive processes and communication processes, which are linked reciprocal and interlocked, as well as semiotics, the role of signs has been given importance. In the Digambara Jaina School, symbolism is seen developed as numerical (anka), algebrical (artha) and geometrical (ākāra).29 Abbreviations have also been used. These are classified under samdṛṣṭi or sahanānī. Altough these appear in their full from, developed in the period after 15th century A.D., traces of their existence appear in earlier works. It is a problem of history of science to see as to when these were developed, because the earlier source material is so deep and complex in its Dhavalā and Jayadhavalā commentaries that it does not appear possible that their teaching in the centuries after Vardhamana Mahāvīra could have been without use of signs. The problem regarding earlier script, prior to them also remains to be solved for its invention.
F. Cybernetic Contents
Norbert Wiener30 appears to have started a unique study of control and communication in the animal and machine, published in the name of 'Cybernetics' (1948). The names of his predecessors, A.M. Ampere, Pascal, Leibnitz, Gauss, Faraday, Darwin, may be associated with the concept. Mathematical apparatus is associated with names of Cantor, Russell, Whilehead, Hilbert and Weyl. Then Shannon, Turing, Pitts, Rashevsky, Rosen blueth, Bush, Von Neumann, Goldstine, Mc Culloch, Lorentz, Weaver and so on, along with Wiener may also be associated with the endeavour.31
31
Cybernetics has turned to the study of self-regulating systems and to self-organizing systems for its insights. We wish to see how far the Karma theory contains these insights.
1. Algorithm
The Labdhisāra gives the solution to the problem of rising above the first-control-station (guṇasthāna) for bios. The mathematical apparatus useful in this adventure is given in the following form:
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