ABSTRACT
What was then genuinely Jaina in the anekânta-vâda? Their undeniable contribution was the introduction of the historical fourth figure of ‘inexpressible’ (avaktavya) to the triad of the first three figures based on the tripartite pattern: P, non−P, P & non−P, and the subsequent permutation of these four figures to yield seven predications. The Jainas also ‘invented’, though at a later date, the sentential functor syât which transformed the seven assertoric predications into modal propositions. Undeniably, the Jainas also had their own viewpoints (naya), but it is impossible to judge whether they were in any way dependent on Âjîvikan ideas or if they developed their nayas independently. Interestingly, at least one account (vide supra, p. 203 ff.) may suggest that originally Âjîvikan viewpoints were slightly larger in number that the Jainas’ nayas, of which only six were reported at the time (vide supra, p. 203 ff.).
