Compare Asatakaryavada and Satkaryavada.

Asatkaryavada and Satkaryavada are two philosophical concepts within Indian philosophy, particularly associated with the Nyaya-Vaisheshika and Samkhya schools. These concepts pertain to the nature of causation and the relationship between cause and effect.

Asatkaryavada:

1. Non-Existence of Effect: Asatkaryavada posits that the effect (karya) does not exist prior to its manifestation. In other words, the effect comes into existence only at the moment of its production and did not preexist in any form.

2. Momentariness: Asatkaryavada is often associated with the doctrine of momentariness (Kshanikavada), suggesting that entities exist only for a moment, and the effect is a new entity that comes into existence at each moment.

3. Reduction of Causation: According to Asatkaryavada, causation involves the transformation of non-existent or unmanifested entities into manifested entities at each moment of time. The cause-effect relationship is reduced to a momentary transition.

Satkaryavada:

1. Existence of Unmanifested Effect: Satkaryavada, on the other hand, asserts that the effect preexists in a potential or unmanifested form within the cause. The effect is considered as existent in an unmanifested state even before its actual manifestation.

2. Substance and Transformation: Satkaryavada maintains that the cause undergoes a transformation to produce the effect, and this transformation is not a creation of something entirely new but an actualization of the preexisting potential within the cause.

3. Continuity in Existence: Unlike Asatkaryavada, Satkaryavada implies a continuity in existence. The effect is not created ex nihilo but is a result of the unfolding of the inherent potential within the cause.

In summary, the key distinction lies in the existence or non-existence of the effect before its manifestation. Asatkaryavada advocates the non-existence of the effect prior to its production, emphasizing momentariness, while Satkaryavada maintains the preexistence of the effect in a potential state within the cause, emphasizing continuity and transformation. These concepts contribute to discussions on causation, temporality, and the nature of reality within the respective philosophical traditions.