Paksata : The Nature of the Inferential Locus (A Psycho-Epistemological Investigation of the Inferential Process)

Contents: Preface. Foreword. General introduction. 1. Paksata, the nature of the inferential locus. 2. Tattvacintamani on Paksata, definition of Paksata with modification. 3. Further modifications of the definition of Paksata. 4. Gangesa\'s criticism of the traditional definition of Paksata. 5. The final definition of Paksata. 6. Definition of the nature of the determinate cognition with modification. 7. Further modifications of the definition of the determinate cognition. 8. Optional modification of the definition of the determinate cognition. 9. A formula to express a possible obstructive relation of determinate cognition to inference. 10. The views of Upadhyaya and Misra regarding the natures of Paksata and inferential desire respectively, explained. 11. The modified account of the capacity of inferential desire according to Misra. 12. Qualification of the inferential desire. 13. Sarvabhauma\'s definition of Paksata and its defense. 14. Criticism of Sarvabhauma\'s definition and counter-proposals. 15. Objection to counter-proposals to the definition and their reply. 16. Further objections to the counter-proposals and their rejoinder. 17. Yajnapati Upadhyaya\'s definition of Paksata considered. 18. Glossary of Sanskrit technical terms and their meanings in English.

"The topic of Paksata is a unique contribution of Neo-Indian logicians to a psycho-epistemological analysis of the nature of the minor term in inference. Giving a technical twist to the commonly-accepted meaning of the term, Raghunatha Siromani, the greatest Indian logician, has construed this meaning in terms of the definition of what may broadly be called a psychological condition of inference. The simple commonsensical fact that a non-inferentially known fact can be sought to be known even inferentially if it is so desired, is the basis of the definition. Various combinations of inferential desires and non-inferential cognitions resulting in or preventing the relevant inferences are considered in the discussion of the definition to arrive at a perfect fit of these factors in the definition. Many important issues connected with causality which bear upon the subject are also considered in the course of the discussion." (jacket)