Dishonoured by Philosophers : Upamana in Indian Epistemology

Contents: Preface. Introduction: setting the debate. I. Classical versions of Nyaya and Mimamsa Theories of Upamana: 1. Nyaya Theory of Upamana: classical version. 2. Mimamsa Theory of Upamana: classical version. II. Critical development of the Mimamsa Theory of Upamana: 3. Bauddha and Vaisesika objections against the Classical Mimamsa view of Upamana. 4. Mimamsa Theory of Upamana: medieval and modern versions. III. Critical development of the Nyaya Theory of Upamana: 5. Bauddha and Vaisesika objections against the Nyaya Theory of Upamana. 6. Development of the Nyaya Theory of Upamana. IV. Some more objections from internal and external critics: 7. Nyayaikadesi (Bhasarvajna\'s) view on Upamana. 8. Upamana serves no purpose in Darsana. V. Positive views of two Naiyayikas: 9. Jayanatabhatta\'s Views on Upamana. 10. Udayanacarya\'s Views on Upamana. Conclusion: Dishonoured by Philosophers? Bibliography. Index.

"The volume is a study of the importance of Upamana (Knowledge by Analogy) in Indian Epistemology. The two Stalwart Schools of Nyaya and Mimamsa admit the relevance of Upamana but differ with regard to many things including the object of knowledge by Upamana.

This book explores the way Naiyayikas and the Mimamsakas differ on some major points with reference to Upamana--in their very definition of Upamana, for instance. The focus is on the Nyaya position on Upamana and the usefulness of Upamana as stressed by the Naiyayikas. The analytic study by the dialectical method explains the Classical Nyaya view of Upamana of Gautama and his followers and then the classical Mimamsa views. It considers the views of Naiyayikas Jayanta Bhatta and Udayanacarya to show how much the Naiyayikas were logical in accepting a particular view on Upamana. It gives the views of some other schools including the Bauddha and Vaisesika Schools against Upamana as such and against Nyaya and Mimamsa views of Upamana in particular. Throughout, a number of philosophical scholars and their original texts spread over many centuries are examined.

The book will interest scholars and students of Indian philosophy." (jacket)