Nyaya Theory of Knowledge: A Critical Study of Some Problems of Logic and Metaphysics

The Nyaya philosophy is
primarily concerned with the conditions of valid thought and the means of
acquiring true knowledge of objects. Its ultimate end, like that of the other
systems of Indian philosophy, is liberation – a state of pure existence –
which is free from both pleasure and pain. For the attainment of this
liberation, a true knowledge of objects is the surest means. Hence the theory
of knowledge is the very foundation of the Nyaya system.The Nyaya Theory of
Knowledge is the first systematic, critical and comparative treatment of the
Nyãya epistemology. It reveals how, as a thorough-going realistic view of the
universe, the Nyãya philosophy supplies an important Eastern parallel to the
triumphant modern Realism of the West, and contains anticipations of as well
as possible alternatives to many contemporary realistic theories. This book
is important as much for the correct understanding of ancient Indian
philosophy, as for the evaluation of modern Western philosophy.