Significance of Perplexity
Perplexity, as described in both the Purana and Theravada contexts, signifies a state of confusion and uncertainty. In Purana, it reflects Jaimini's doubts about philosophical questions. In Theravada, it encompasses uncertainty about beliefs and the confusion experienced by four brothers who fail to perceive the true nature of the Judas tree. Additionally, it represents a mental state in consciousness that, combined with dullness, affects other cognitive properties. Overall, perplexity captures a profound sense of doubt and lack of clarity.
Synonyms: Confusion, Bewilderment, Ambiguity, Complexity, Bafflement, Mystification
In Dutch: Verwarring; In Finnish: Hämmennys; In Spanish: Perplejidad
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Perplexity'
Perplexity in Buddhism describes a mental state intertwined with dullness, causing confusion and doubt. It highlights the struggle to grasp reality, as seen in the four brothers' misunderstanding of the Judas tree's true nature.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The confusion arising from the four brothers' inability to comprehend the true nature of the Judas tree due to their lack of distinction in observation.[1]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The state of doubt or uncertainty regarding what ought to be believed.[2]
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) A mental state that arises in consciousness conjoined with dullness and affects other mental properties.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Perplexity'
In Hinduism, Perplexity signifies Jaimini's state of confusion and uncertainty surrounding profound philosophical inquiries, illustrating the challenges in understanding complex spiritual concepts and the quest for clarity in one's beliefs.
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The state of confusion or uncertainty that envelops Jaimini regarding deeper philosophical questions.[4]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) This, along with grief, does not affect the person who perceives oneness, as it is a product of ignorance and a seed of desire and Karma.[5]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A fault that tends to destroy creatures, and its freedom is a good quality.[6]
The concept of Perplexity in local and regional sources
Perplexity, as described in the text, is a feeling Manohar experienced. This "strange feeling" reflects his internal confusion and uncertainty about his current situation. It suggests a state of mental bewilderment or the inability to fully understand something.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Perplexity was a strange feeling Manohar experienced within himself regarding his situation.[7]
The concept of Perplexity in scientific sources
Perplexity, in this context, is a concept from information theory used to evaluate the optimal number (K) in a model. It measures the ambiguity or uncertainty of predictions.
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) This is a commonly used measure in information theory. It determines the optimal number of topics as well as represents how well a model describes a dataset.[8] (2) A measure for judging probabilistic models, which generally shows a decreasing law with the increase of the number of the potential topics.[9] (3) "Perplexity" levels are lower with a larger sample of papers, which makes the results more robust, and it is clear that the larger the k, the lower the perplexity in the present case.[10] (4) It is a concept used to check if the fixed K is an optimal number and is the degree of ambiguity a prediction has in information theory.[11]