Indian Logic in its Sources: On validity of inference

by Mrinal Kanti Gangopadhyay

This book endeavours to present the source-materials of Indian logic on an important topic-important passages and extracts from the original Sanskrit texts-in literal English translation followed by detailed notes explaining the cryptic expressions and peculiar terminology of the ancient and medieval Indian philosophers so that an inquisitive reader, even without the mastery of the Sanskrit language, may have a close acquaintance with the original sources. The Sanskrit originals too are given at the end for possible reference and comparison. The topic chosen is validity of inference or anumana-pramanya and extracts have been given from such masterly works as the Nyayamanjari of Jayanta Bhatta, the Khandanakhandakhadya of Sriharsa and others. The introduction which gives in clear and simple English a general idea about the various aspects of inference as a pramana tries to make easier the entry into the intricacies of the texts themselves. As the systems of Indian logic and philosophy have developed to a great extent through mutual confrontation, extracts arguing both for and against the validity of inference have been included.