International Seminar "Logic and Belief in Indian Philosophy"

_{International Seminar}

_{Warsaw
University,

Poland}

_{30
April

-

5
May,

2006}

_{Warsaw - Bialowieza
(Poland)}

Programme & Abstracts

© Page designed by

Piotr Balcerowicz

The International Seminar "Logic and Belief in Indian Philosophy", was held at Bialowieza / Warsaw University, Poland, 30 April - 5 May, 2006.

_{Programme
& Abstracts}

Thanks

We wish to extend our thanks to:

UNESCO ,

the Polish National Commission for UNESCO as well as to

the Rector of Warsaw University

for their much appreciated financial help.

Inauguration session, 1st May, 2006.

Participants of the seminar, 5th May, 2006.

_{First
Circular}

The International Seminar "Logic and Belief in Indian Philosophy", will be held at Bialowieza / Warsaw University, Poland, 30 April - 5 May, 2006.

SUBJECT

The Seminar will focus on various aspects of Indian thought, and Indian logic in particular, with special emphasis on the relationship between logic and belief in Indian philosophical tradition.

Thus, we hope that the subject, which highlights the yukti-āgama dimension, will stimulate the enquiry into a broad spectrum of problems such as the nature and status of reason and faith in India, their rational, or otherwise, grounding or the extent to which their correlation is bipolar or interdependent. Can we speak of the symbiosis or tension between philosophy, logic in particular, and religion in Indian context? How do sound proof and irrefutable evidence relate to the bequeathed body of dogmas? In what degree did the Indian thinkers consider logical means of enquiry independent of belief? How can logic itself be rationally validated without a recourse to assumptions sanctioned by tradition? What is the place of scepticism or mystic experience vis-à-vis rational method and logical tools? How did Indian logician try to accommodate the idea of irrationality and belief in the scheme of pramāņa?

We hope that the seminar will become a forum for a fruitful discussion of a range of concepts that such and similar questions entail.

PAPERS

As a rule, 30 minutes are allotted for each paper and an accompanying discussion. However, if you think you might need more time for your presentation, the time can be extended (depending on the overall number of submitted papers). There will be enough time at your disposal to hold a panel discussion on one of the afternoons as well. There will also be sufficient time for unrestricted discussion and personal contact as well as for relaxation and - thanks to a unique location of the venue - recreation and excursions: our intention is to avoid a hasty and tiresome and endless succession of papers.

The seminar room will be furnished with standard technical equipment (overhead projector, screen, multimedia projector, etc.). In case some additional equipment is needed, the organisers will do their best to provide it, if notified beforehand.

VOLUME OF PROCEEDINGS

This forthcoming seminar "Logic and Belief in Indian Philosophy" follows another conference devoted to Indian logic, likewise organised by the undersigned, which was held between 20–24 June, 2001 in Kazimierz Dolny (Poland): the International Seminar "Argument and Reason in Indian Logic" (for details see: http://www.orient.uw.edu.pl/pl/indologia/nyaya.html). The Proceedings of that seminar were published as a Special Volume of "Journal of Indian Philosophy" in 2003 (Volume 31, Nos. 1-3).

All contributions will published in a proceedings volume that should be brought out within 12-18 months after the seminar (colour plates and photographs can be included).

VENUE

Excluding the day of registration (the Warsaw University hotel in Warsaw), the Seminar will be held in one of the most beautiful and picturesque spots in Poland, in the heart of the great Bialowieza Forest, supposedly the largest primeval forest in Europe (1,250 square km). This national park, featuring a wide range of flora, provides shelter for the only surviving herds of wisent (or European bison) and tarpan (European wild horse), as well as a large number of deer, wild boar, elk (moose), bear, lynx, wolves, eagle owls, black storks etc.

A very particular type of aromatic grass, found only in this region and favoured by the wisent (in Polish: żubr - pronounced: "zhoobr"), has given a name to a famous variety of vodka called Żubrówka (pronounced: "zhoobroovkah"), also known under its English name "Grasovka".

Białowieża (pronounced: byah-woh-vye-zhah), where the Seminar hotel is located, will be an ideal place to stroll during your breaks and after sessions. It will also be a perfect place to go sightseeing etc. Sightseeing tours and other attractions will be organised.

The Seminar hotel will be equipped with steam and dry sauna, Jacuzzi, pool (billiards), table tennis, fitness club etc.

On Białowieża National Park see: http://www.bpn.internetdsl.pl/index_en.htm

On Tourism in Bialowieza Forest see: http://www.park.bialowieza.com

On wisent see: http://www.zubry.com/

Some photographs from the region: http://www.naturjan.home.pl/bialowieza/

TENTATIVE PROGRAMME

30.04: registration in Warsaw / overnight stay in Warsaw

1.05: bus transfer to Bialowieza + session

2-4.05: sessions + additional programme (excursions, narrow-gauge trip across the forest, music events, bon-fires etc.)

5.05: return to Warsaw

CONFERENCE FEE

The conference fee of 350.00 EURO covers practically everything: all lodging and all meals during the seminar (5 days / 5 nights):

- overnight stay in Warsaw on 30.04 and

- four nights in Bialowieza (seminar venue proper).

Additionally, the fee covers transportation to seminar venues, conference materials, all attractions as well as one excursion.

Additional accommodation at the Warsaw University hotel (if you prefer to extend your stay) before and after the Seminar (viz. before 30.04.2006 and after 5.05.2006) can be arranged at your cost.

ABSTRACTS

Short abstracts will be expected by 1 December, 2005.

Please note that the presentation of the paper by those for whom this is the first occasion to participate in an international conference on Indian logic will be decided on the basis of the submitted abstract.

Participation without presenting a paper is also possible.

If you wish to participate, please register now or contact the organisers via email or post.