Which of the following Pramanas (means of knowledge) is differentiated into Svartha (for oneself) and Parartha (for others) types?
Correct Answer :
Anumana (inference)
Solution :
The correct option is Anumana (inference).
In Indian philosophy, particularly in the Nyaya school of logic, Anumana (inference) is the cognitive process where we arrive at new knowledge based on previous observation. It is systematically classified into two types based on the target of the reasoning process:
1. Svarthanumana (Inference for oneself): This refers to the psychological, internal process of inference. It occurs when an individual observes a sign (hetu or linga) and draws a conclusion purely for their own understanding, without any need to explain it to someone else.
2. Pararthanumana (Inference for others): This is the logical and linguistic demonstration of an inference. When a person wants to prove or explain the inferred truth to another person, they present the argument formally. In the Nyaya system, this is done using a structured five-membered syllogism (panchavayava) to convince the listener.
Other Pramanas (means of knowledge) like Pratyaksa (perception), Upamana (comparison), and Sabda (verbal testimony) are not categorized into these Svartha (self) and Parartha (others) divisions.
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