Indian Logic Forum

Bhadrakara

Using Formulas for the Interpretation of Ancient Indian Logic
by Klaus Glashoff, Lugano

Introduction

It is almost impossible for us to talk about Indian Logic without referring to western logic, be it only metaphorically. This begins with the notion вЂњIndian SyllogismвЂќ which some scholars name вЂњfive-membered syllogismвЂќ, and it continues with the usual comparison of vyapti with material implication. One also employs genuine western concepts like вЂњdeductionвЂќ and вЂњinductionвЂќ in order to be able to use a classification system which one is accustomed to.

In this paper I will go into the details of some of these in-built limits of modern formal logic. This logic has its own history, its special preconditions and its problematic features which one should know in advance in order not to commit gross errors in its applications. Modern western logic is not the вЂњnatural instrumentвЂќ, suitable for the understanding of any logical matter whatsoever. While employing it, one always is in danger of making mistakes and producing unwanted side effects.

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