Prof Balcerowicz: Jaina Logic and Epistemology. Is This How it All Began? SOAS, University of London

13th Annual Jaina Lecture of the Centre of Jaina Studies, SOAS, University of London by Professor Piotr Balcerowicz (University of Warsaw) was given on 21 March 2013 Abstract: Despite its importance for the history and development of Indian religions and philosophical thought, the beginnings of Jainism, not to mention the movement of the Ājīvikas once apparently closely allied to the Jainas, still remain shrouded in mystery. The lecture will provide a fresh attempt to better understand the reasons how, why and when Jainism developed its strikingly unique logic and epistemology and what historical and doctrinal factors could have prompted the ideas which later led to the formulation of the doctrine of multiplexity of reality (anekānta-vāda). It seems that some additional insight may be gained by taking a closer look at the early relation between the founders of Jainism and the movement of the Ājīvikas. Further details: http://goo.gl/b7RPv For more information on studying Jainism and the Centre of Jaina Studies at SOAS, University of London visit http://www.soas.ac.uk/jainastudies/