Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s7.t9.11

v1.c7.s7.t9.11

system. The so-called *padārtha* refers to reality. In discussing and debating issues, Nyaya put forward 16 basic concepts or categories, eg means of valid knowledge, objects of valid knowledge, doubt, purpose, example, conclusion, the constituents of a syllogism, argumentation, ascertainment, debate, disputations, destructive criticism, fallacy, quibble, refutations, and points of the opponent's defeat. This 16 *padārthas* form the basic theoretical frame of this school. In explaining these *padārthas*, *Nyaya* put forward theories such as categories of four pramāṇas, basic syllogism for five step method, reflection and reasons for reasoning and debating failure, etc. *Nyaya* regards the intelligence of 16 categories (*padārtha*) as the basic way for liberation.