Quotation
Last reviewed:
There are only two means of valid knowledge, perception and inference, because there are only two kinds of object, the particular and the general.
Dharmakīrti · Buddhist epistemology (pramāṇa) · Medieval · 7th century
What does it mean?
What we see and what we reason out are different kinds of knowing with different tests.
Did Dharmakīrti really say this?
The library’s label is Summary. Restates his and Dignāga's position. Not a direct quotation.
Where it comes from
Pramāṇavārttika and Nyāyabindu, summary
Approximate date: 7th century.
How to use it
A dashcam shows the particular crash; working out who was at fault is inference.
A mindset reading
Keep separate what you saw and what you concluded.
Understand the philosophy
Nyāya replied that comparison and testimony are distinct; the debate ran for centuries.
- knowledge
- mind
FAQ
What does it mean?
What we see and what we reason out are different kinds of knowing with different tests.
Did Dharmakīrti really say this?
Summary. Restates his and Dignāga's position. Not a direct quotation.
Which work is it in?
Pramāṇavārttika and Nyāyabindu, summary Approximate date: 7th century.