Refuting Piotr Balcerowicz for his conclusions on Ajivikas
The speaker, Piotr Balcerowicz, provides a historical analysis of the origins of Jaina logic and epistemology, emphasizing the significant influence of the Ajivika tradition. Though I completely disagree with his analysis as a cheap attempt to smear Mahavira just to make his own research relevant, I appreciate his attempt to study history deeply. I'd like to refute his key assertions including: Early Jaina texts demonstrate a surprising lack of interest in formal logic and epistemology compared to later periods. → Prof. Balcerowicz's conclusions seem to be based on only a few ancient texts and he appears to have excluded others. The Ajivika tradition, particularly its founder Makkhali Gosala, played a crucial role in shaping early Jaina practices and doctrines. → Prof. Balcerowicz contradicts himself by overstating Gosala's influence on Jain practices. While it is true that Gosala was part of Mahavira's Sangha and was defended by Mahavira on several occasions, it is a q...