Remarks on the Pramiina Theory

Abstract

Abstract A philosophical theory or darśana not only elaborates a view about the nature of things, but also backs up this account with a theory of evidence, rational justification, and critical appraisal. It not only uses such evidence, rational justifications, and critical appraisals, but also has a theory of these theoretical practices—that is to say, a theory of rationality. We may want to look in it for generalized answers to such questions as: When is a cognitive claim valid? What sorts of justificati1on of beliefs are acceptable? In critically appraising rival claims, what criteria are admissible? Where there are conflicting criteria, what are their relative strengths and weaknesses? These are the tasks to which the pramii7Ja theory addresses itself. It is a singular sign of the high level of intellectual sophistication of the darśanas that they all, at some time or other in course of their development, came up with their theories of pramānas.