Dialectics in Kant and in the Nyāya-Sūtra

Abstract

It is far from being a fact of no contention that the modern dialectical method was founded by Kant. Most ascribe this honour to Hegel. True, Kant just found the method of dialectics, no more. He simply indicated the importance of dialectical logic and presented it as a form of intellectual activity which becomes specific for philosophical thinking when it undertakes the task of synthesis. He certainly did not demonstrate how the problems of synthesis can be solved. He also failed to point out the principles of dialectical logic, to say nothing about deducing the synthetic categories on the basis of that logic. Kant merely signalled the inadequacy of the analytical method in philosophy — and despite that fact he is still considered by many as the protagonist of all modern analysts!