State Of Arihant And Cybernetics

Author(s): Jayantilal Jain
Publisher: Jayantilal Jain

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The State of Arihant and Cybernetics
Dr Jayanti Lal Jain Mangalayatan University, Aligarh
Each concept in Jain Philosophy is subject to scrutiny in term of scientific analysis. In fact, all Jain principles are based on scientific understanding of working of all the substances in all times in the universe. What has been taught is not a theory or formulated/hypothesised principles but based on observing the actual working of substances. The concepts are not made by anyone but t only describes how the system is functioning. As such, it refers to eternal principles. We may have limitations in understanding them, since present day science is also in a developing/evolving stage and hence there are limitations of comparison. Some concepts use very high level of mathematics making concepts precise but complicate understanding. There is hardly any aspect of science that has not been touched upon in Jain Philosophy. Cybernetics is taken here as an illustration.
Cybernetics
It is a science that deals with the study of control processes in a complex system. It uses a systematic approach combining in itself several branches of knowledge for understanding a given phenomenon. A cybernetic system takes into account many interconnecting controllers and their response to variety of changes. Cybernetics is thus associated with models of systems in which a monitor compares what is happening in time t1, x1 with some standard of what should happen at t1, x2. The difference or error e1-x1-x2 is fed to a controller for action which can only be taken only at a later time t+k. So we get elements in control model as Yt+k = f(e1)= f(x1-x2). The error e1 continuously measures the difference between standard required and the current status.
The sequence of error terms e1, e2, e3, .... is analysed to reveal their inherent variety. The measure of variety is called entropy, a measure of degree of disorder in a given system. When the task is complex and achieving a final goal leads to changes in various systems setting out many intermediate goals. Cybernetic systems are often self-teaching mechanisms. Self-teaching is nothing but a type of self-development of control systems.
Control principles can be applied to any concrete situations. However, success depends on the development of measure for the scientific knowledge in a given field of application such as Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Biology, Communication, Neuroscience Econometrics, Social sciences, Philosophy, Computers and so on.
Cybernetic Model of Moksha
Jain Philosophy as described by Arihants and propagated by Ganadhars and Acharyas is cybernetics par excellence. The ultimate aim of Jain Philosophy is to facilitate achievement of Moksha, a state of complete control of self and purification of soul. The specification of the process of purification entails narration of several systems which hinder or help the