Definition: In the Abhidhamma, paccanīka refers to the "reverse order" or the negative application of a logical rule. It is the structural opposite of anuloma. In the Kathāvatthu, it names the logical step where the negation of a thesis is tested. In the Yamaka, it refers to the second half of a bidirectional question set.
Canonical usage
The Kathāvatthu pairs paccanīka with anuloma to complete the first phase of a refutation.
Kv 1.1 (kv1.1:1.0.1)
1. Anulomapaccanīka
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"1. Affirmation and Negation"
In the Yamaka, paccanīka questions test the inverse relationship:
- Anuloma: "Is all X, Y?"
- Paccanīka: "Is all not-X, not-Y?" (Yam 1.1)
Nuances and translation notes
- Paccanīka literally means "against the army" or "adverse", signifying that which stands in opposition or moves in the opposite direction.
- In logic, it functions as the "method of difference", testing whether the absence of one factor necessitates the absence of another.
Related concepts
- anuloma — the forward order or affirmation
- niggaha — the refutation or defeat
- patikamma — the rebuttal
Related pages
- kathavatthu — where it completes the initial logical testing
- yamaka — where it provides the second half of every structural pair
- method matrix nayamatika