Sabda Pramana : An Epistemological Analysis

Contents: Introduction. 1. What is knowledge? 2. Prama as knowledge (I). 3. Prama as Knowledge (II). 4. What is Pramana ? 5. Indpendence of a Pramana. 6. Sabda-Pramana 74-80. 7. Vaidika Sabda. 8. Independence of Sabda Pramana. 9. Vaidika Sabda, revelation, and reason. 10. Vaidika Sabda and criteria of truth (I). 11. Vaidika Sabda and Criteria of truth (II). 12. Conclusion. Addendum : scriptural testimony . Bibliography. Sanskrit index. English index.

"The present book is an attempt at interpreting the traditional concept of sabda-pramana (testimony) in contemporary epistemological terms. In the tradition of Indian thought scriptural testimony has always occupied an important position. Some times, the importance attached to it is so great that all other forms of knowledge are subordinated to it, and it is given a position which is in harmony with the other forms of knowledge based on our experience and reason. But it remains a baffling problem how scriptural testimony as a source of knowledge can retain its independence and yet remain in harmony with other sources of knowledge. However this baffling problem has hardly invited a probing inquiry either from modern Indian thinkers or from traditional ones. It is his this situation that has prompted the author to take up this problem for investigation. It is his aim to make precise the questions especially concerning scriptural testimony and examine the answers that have been traditionally given to them and also the views of modern thinkers on these traditional answers." (jacket)