The title of the blog today is a take off on the famous assertion by Descartes, the famous French philosopher, who argued,"I think, therefore I am." My submission, on the contrary, as reflected in the title, is something that Amartya Sen hopefully would accept, given the title of his famous treatise.
"Wade, Ware, jayate Sat," says our ancient tradition which means that the truth would emerge through deliberations. True it is indeed. Discussion, deliberations determine aspects of truth, at least partially.
What should be the nature of such debates? This afternoon was listening to a discussion , wherein the learned scholar quoted the Nyaya typology of debates, namely, vad, vivad, and vitanda. The vad would consist of students asking questions to teachers. Vivad would be two scholars arguing a moot point,while vitanda is a sophisticated name for Oral fracas.
Samvada, in my opinion, is the need of the hour. Samvad is, however, more spoken about, than actually practised. It requires active, total, empathetic listening.It makes a person negotiate in a sensitive and sensible way. That should be the signature style. Thus would end many a trouble indeed!
Pratima@ be like the custard apple, rough n tough outside, sweeter than the sweetest within!
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