Q1. What do you understand with the statement, “world as mind independent reality”? How does Nyaya prove its realism? Mention some of the possible objections against Nyaya's realism.
Key Points:
- Mind-independent reality means objects exist objectively, irrespective of being perceived by a conscious mind.
- Nyaya realism asserts the external world's objective existence, not as an illusion or mental construct.
- Nyaya proves realism primarily through *Pratyaksha* (perception) involving direct sense-object contact.
- *Anumana* (inference) also supports Nyaya realism, as valid inference relies on real, external referents.
Answer: The statement “world as mind-independent reality” posits that objects, properties, and events in the external world exist objectively, regardless of whether a conscious mind perceives them or not. This view is central to realism, which asserts that reality is not a mere construction of our minds. It implies that the existence and nature of things are external to, and unaffected by, our thoughts, perceptions, or consciousness. This perspective contrasts sharply with various forms of idealism, w...