Question Details

When inference is based not on Causation but on Uniformity of co-existence as in the case of inferring cloven hoofs of an animal by it’s horns; it is called

Options

A

Purvavat Anumnana

B

Sesavat Anumana

C

Samanyatodrsta

D

Paksadharmata

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option C

Samanyatodrsta

Solution :

The correct option is Samanyatodrsta.

In Classical Indian Philosophy (specifically the Nyaya school of logic), Anumana (inference) is classified into three types based on the nature of the relation (vyapti) between the middle term (hetu) and the major term (sadhya):
1. Purvavat Anumana: Inference of an unperceived effect from a perceived cause (e.g., inferring future rain from dark, heavy clouds in the sky).
2. Sesavat Anumana: Inference of an unperceived cause from a perceived effect (e.g., inferring past rain upstream from a muddy, rising river).
3. Samanyatodrsta Anumana: Inference based not on causal relation (cause-effect) but on the uniformity of co-existence. Here, we infer one thing from another because they have been observed to occur together in our common experience, even though there is no direct causal link between them.

In the given question, we infer that an animal has cloven hoofs by observing its horns. Having horns does not cause cloven hoofs, nor do cloven hoofs cause horns. Instead, they are two characteristics that uniformly co-exist in certain classes of animals. Therefore, this type of inference is known as Samanyatodrsta.

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