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UGC NET PAPER 1 · UNIT 06 · MODULE 6: INDIAN LOGIC: OTHER PRAMANAS AND THEORIES OF ERROR · TOPIC 18

Theories of Error (Khyativada)

The six theories of illusion (the shell mistaken for silver) matched to their schools, plus the Jaina doctrines asked most often.

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  1. 18.1The Six Theories of ErrorThese explain illusion, for example mistaking a shell for silver.
    • Anyathakhyati
    • Akhyati
    • Atmakhyati
    • Asatkhyati
    • Anirvachaniyakhyati
  2. 18.2Jaina Doctrines Frequently AskedJaina doctrines frequently asked: Anekantavada (many-sidedness of reality); Nayavada (partial standpoints); Syadvada / Saptabhangi (seven modes of predication: syad asti …
    • Anekantavada
    • Nayavada
    • Syadvada / Saptabhangi

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18.1The Six Theories of Error#

In brief

These explain illusion, for example mistaking a shell for silver.

  • Anyathakhyati
  • Akhyati
  • Atmakhyati
  • Asatkhyati
  • Anirvachaniyakhyati
  • indescribable (anirvachaniya)
  • Satkhyati

These explain illusion, for example mistaking a shell for silver.

Theory School Explanation
Anyathakhyati Nyaya (and Vaisheshika) Perceiving a thing as something other than it is; real silver elsewhere is wrongly attributed to the shell
Akhyati Prabhakara Mimamsa Non-apprehension of the distinction between two cognitions (perception and memory)
Atmakhyati Yogacara Buddhism Projection of an idea of consciousness onto the external object
Asatkhyati Madhyamika Buddhism The perception of a non-existent object
Anirvachaniyakhyati Advaita Vedanta The silver is indescribable (anirvachaniya) as real or unreal; produced by avidya
Satkhyati Ramanuja (Vishishtadvaita) Everything perceived is real (partial real elements exist in the object)

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18.2Jaina Doctrines Frequently Asked#

In brief

Jaina doctrines frequently asked: Anekantavada (many-sidedness of reality); Nayavada (partial standpoints); Syadvada / Saptabhangi (seven modes of predication: syad asti …

  • Anekantavada
  • Nayavada
  • Syadvada / Saptabhangi

Jaina doctrines frequently asked: Anekantavada (many-sidedness of reality); Nayavada (partial standpoints); Syadvada / Saptabhangi (seven modes of predication: syad asti, syad nasti, and so on).

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