न्यायनये शब्दशक्तिविमर्शः lecture Delivered by Dr. Manoranjan Das, Mugberiya Gangadhar College.

न्यायनये शब्दशक्तिविमर्शः lecture Delivered by Dr. Manoranjan Das, Mugberiya Gangadhar College.

by Dr. Manoranjan Das

Humanities, Social Sciences & Thought Philosophy & Ethics QDHPhilosophical traditions and schools of thoughtQDHCEast Asian and Indian philosophy
🎙 Dr. Manoranjan Das 👥 993 📅 April 21, 2026 ⏱ 49 min 👁 23 📄 lecture 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

shabdashaktinyayasanskritphilosophy

Summary

The lecture, delivered by Dr. Manoranjan Das, explores the concept of verbal power (shabda shakti) within the Nyaya school of Indian philosophy. It begins with an invocation and introduction, then delves into the nature of words as a means of valid knowledge (pramana). The speaker discusses the role of the Veda as an authoritative source, the concept of a trustworthy speaker (apta), and the process by which words convey meaning. He explains the three powers of words: abhidha (denotation), lakshana (indication), and vyanjana (suggestion), and examines the conditions for verbal understanding, such as expectancy (akanksha), compatibility (yogyata), and proximity (asatti). The lecture also touches on the debate about the eternality of words, referencing the grammarian view that words are eternal, and contrasts it with the Nyaya position. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding word power for correct interpretation of scriptures and philosophical texts.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The lecture provides a detailed and structured exposition of the Nyaya theory of verbal testimony, drawing on classical sources like the Tarka-sangraha and the Nyaya-sutras. The argumentation is logical and follows the traditional scholastic method, presenting definitions, classifications, and counterarguments. However, the value is limited to a descriptive account; there is no critical analysis or engagement with modern linguistic theories. The speaker’s reliance on traditional authorities without questioning their assumptions may reduce the scientific rigor.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The lecture is based on classical Sanskrit texts, and the speaker references several works, including the Mahabhashya, Tarka-sangraha, and Nyaya-muktavali. The sources are appropriate for the topic, but they are not cited with specific editions or page numbers, making verification difficult. The title accurately reflects the content, and the lecture adheres to the traditional format of a scholarly discourse. No comments were provided, so public reception cannot be assessed.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which is a lecture on the power of words in Nyaya philosophy.

Quality & Reliability

6/10

The lecture is a scholarly exposition of the Nyaya concept of verbal testimony (shabda pramana) and the power of words (shakti). It draws on classical Sanskrit sources and presents a coherent argument, but lacks critical engagement and empirical verification. The speaker is a professor of Sanskrit, indicating expertise, but the content is primarily exegetical and not subject to scientific scrutiny.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

Concurring Sources

Contribution & Novelties

The lecture offers a comprehensive overview of the Nyaya theory of verbal power, synthesizing classical sources and presenting a clear exposition. While it does not introduce new ideas, it serves as a valuable educational resource for students of Indian philosophy. The discussion of the three powers of words and the conditions for verbal understanding is particularly instructive.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Nyaya — Overview of the Nyaya school.
  • Shabda — Concept of verbal testimony.
  • Lakshana — Indication as a power of words.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows a balanced but moderate performance across all dimensions, with technical level slightly higher, indicating a lecture that is informative but not groundbreaking.

Reliability 6/10