Language and Truth

Paul Douglas began studying Advaita philosophy in the 1960s and took up Sanskrit shortly afterwards. He is a member of the School of Economic Science in London where he has tutored for many years, written a foundation course in Sanskrit for students in the School and for similar schools abroad, as well as a series of booklets on Paninian grammar. More recently he has also studied modern Western philosophy, which has led him to see connections between some recent views of language, Advaita philosophy and the ancient principles on which Sanskrit is formed. He retired a few years ago after a career in the Senior Civil Service in the UK.

• Pronunciation Guide Introduction 1. Different premises on which language may be founded 2. How many different languages relate to truth? 3. Basic elements of language as evident in Sanskrit 4. Words: their formation and classes 5. Sentences and relationships within them 6. Sound, word and meaning. What is meaning? 7. Paninian grammar: some special features 8. Laws of Sanskrit reflecting Natural Laws? Appendix 1. The credentials of Sanskrit Appendix 2. The extent of Sandhi Bibliography Index

"The glimpses of the Pani nian system which the book affords are fascinating; and the author's emphasis on the ontological importance of the Indian tradition is apposite and welcome." John Carey. Lead Reviewer of the Sunday Times 20111015 "This book explores the nature of human language, its relation to truth and to the natural laws of the universe. It focuses on truth according to Advaita (non-dualism), and concentrates mostly on the Sanskrit language. Language and truth are intimately connected in Advaita. One reason for this is the Sanskrit language, because the sound and structure of the language itself appear to reflect and convey that truth." Watkins Review. 20111115