Studies in Jayarasi Bhatta\'s Critique of Knowing From Words : Tattvopaplavasimha: Sabdapramanyasya Nirasah

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Jayarasi Bhatta’s philosophical position. 2. A critical exposition of the subject-matter of Jayarasi’s critique of the validity of knowing from words. 3. Critique of the theory which admits the validity of knowing from words on the ground of their being designators (Texts, English translation, notes and comments). 4. Critique of the theory which accepts the validity of knowing from words on the ground of its being spoken by the trustworthy persons (Texts, English translation, notes and comments). 5. Critique of the theorists who hold the authenticity of the Veda on the ground of its being not-authored by any person (text, English translation, notes and comments). 6. Critique of the theorists who admit the validity of knowing from words because of their being designators of the intention of the speaker (Text and English translation). 7. Critique of the Grammarian’s view that the cognition of the meant-object is designated only from those words which are grammatically well-formed (texts and English translation). 8. (Articles in Devanagari scripts). Bibliography.

“This book, the first English translation of and commentary on the last chapter titled Sabdapramanyasya nirasah of Jayarasibhatta’s Tattvopaplavasimha in philosophical terms, fulfils a long-felt need. It throws light on many subtle aspects of ancient Indian philosophy of language. Apart from containing the text in Roman as well as in Devanagari scripts, it includes an extensive critical investigation about Jayarasibhatta’s philosophical position, a critical exposition of the main arguments in clear terms with relevant notes and comments. An authentic version of the text has been prepared with meticulous care in order to avoid the corrupt reading of the text. Jayarasibhatta is an 8 century philosopher who, according to the author, represents a pure, unmixed and thorough-going form of cognitive skepticism. In this book a special form of argumentative tradition through dialectics is noticeable in Jayarasibhatta’s criticism of different claims made by different Indian philosophers in favour of Knowing From Words. It also focuses on how critically ancient Indian philosophers were engaged in debate regarding the problem of meaning.” (jacket)