Charvaka is the Materialist school of Indian philosophy. It denies everything that cannot be perceived by the senses.
Charvaka holds that Perception (Pratyaksha) is the only valid source of knowledge. They reject Inference (Anumana) because it relies on universal relations (Vyapti) which cannot be sensory perceived.
"Live happily as long as you live; borrow money and drink ghee."
Unlike Charvaka, Jainism is highly spiritual. Anekantavada is their metaphysical theory of the "Many-sidedness of Reality."
It states that reality is complex and has infinite aspects. Ordinary humans can only see one side at a time. To claim one's partial view is the whole truth is the root of all conflict.
Syadvada is the logical application of Anekantavada. It is the "Theory of Conditioned Predication." Since knowledge is partial, every judgment should be preceded by the word "Syat" (Maybe / In some respect).
Jainism emphasizes extreme self-discipline to liberate the soul (Jiva) from matter (Ajiva).
1. Ahimsa (Non-violence), 2. Satya (Truth), 3. Asteya (Non-stealing), 4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy), 5. Aparigraha (Non-attachment).
Q: Why does Charvaka reject Inference?
A: They argue that inference relies on a universal middle term (Vyapti), but we can never observe all cases in the universe to prove a universal law.
Q: What is the difference between Jiva and Ajiva?
A: Jiva is the conscious soul which is infinite in number. Ajiva is non-conscious matter that "sticks" to the soul due to passions, causing bondage.
In Jainism, Ahimsa is the most important vow. Remember the phrase: "Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah" (Non-violence is the highest duty).