ABSTRACT
In the last chapter we have found that, according to the Neo-Naiyāyikas, there are not only different kinds of ordinary intercourse between the sense-organs and their objects, but also there are three kinds of extraordinary intercourse. For instance, the visual perception of fragrant sandal is explained by the Neo-Naiyāyikas as due to an extraordinary intercourse through the knowledge of fragrance, though it is not the proper object of the visual organ. In western psychology such a perception is generally regarded as an acquired perception. And this acquired perception has been analysed by the different schools of Indian philosophers and explained in slightly different ways. According to the Jaina, the so-called acquired perception is a complex psychosis made up of presentative and representative processes mechanically associated with each other and involving judgment and inference. According to the Vedāntist also, it is a psychic compound made up of presentative and representative elements integrated together into a compound perception. But, according to the Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika, an acquired perception is a single integral pulse of consciousness which is presentative or perceptual in character, though it is preceded by recollection. The Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika does not admit the possibility of a composite consciousness or a psychic compound of distinct psychic entities. Let us now discuss these different views about acquired perception.
