Nyaya Darshana: Tarka and Inferential Knowledge

An invalid reason, also known as Hetwabhasa in Nyaya philosophy.

An irrelevant reason given for a conclusion, similar to Hetwantara in Nyaya philosophy.

A statement with exceptions, creating doubt in its conclusion.

A type of Ahetu where the subject (paksa) itself is used as the reason.

A type of Ahetu where a doubtful reason is used to remove doubt.

A type of Ahetu where the conclusion (sadhya) itself is doubtful, even in cases supporting it.

The use of reasoning to understand and explain phenomena in Ayurveda.

A form of evidence in Ayurveda, used alongside direct observation (pratyaksha) to understand the past, present, and future of a disease.

A type of fallacy where another reason is presented that disproves the original conclusion (Sadhya) or the existence of the thing being argued for.

A fallacy where the argument relies on a reason that is not actually present in the subject being discussed (Paksha).

A type of Asiddha Hetwabhasa where the subject itself (Paksha) does not exist, making the argument invalid.

A type of Asiddha Hetwabhasa where the reason given (Hetu) doesn't apply to the subject (Paksha) because it lacks a specific quality.

A type of Asiddha Hetwabhasa where the reason (Hetu) doesn't always lead to the conclusion (Sadhya) due to a condition or limitation (Upadhi).

A fallacy where the conclusion (Sadhya) is already proven by another source of knowledge (pramana), making the argument unnecessary or redundant.

The thing or subject that the argument is about, like 'sound' in the example.

The conclusion that is being argued for, like 'sound is eternal' or 'sound is non-eternal' in the example.

Tarka is a crucial aspect of Nyaya philosophy, which is a school of Indian logic and epistemology. It helps to establish valid knowledge by providing a framework for reasoning and argumentation.

Tarka, by refining arguments and removing illusions, helps us distinguish between true and false knowledge.

Drstanta, also known as an example or illustration, provides a clear and relatable way to understand a concept. It ensures both learned and less-learned individuals grasp the meaning.

Drstanta effectively conveys knowledge by providing a familiar reference point for people with varying levels of understanding. It highlights the common understanding of a concept, ensuring clarity for everyone.

Hetu is a crucial element of inferential knowledge. It acts as the supporting reason or evidence that helps us draw conclusions.

Hetu is essential for deriving inferential knowledge. It allows us to reason and draw conclusions based on specific evidence or factors. Without Hetu, inferential knowledge remains incomplete.

In Charaka's medical theory, hetus like digestive power and exercise power are used to infer the state of the patient's jatharagni (digestive fire) and overall strength.

Tarka, Drstanta and Hetu are key concepts in Nyaya philosophy. They help establish valid knowledge by providing a clear path for reasoning, explanation and inference.

A relationship where two things, or 'padartha', always occur together inseparably. For example, smoke always exists with fire, and fire can exist without smoke.

A condition in which a relationship between two things is consistently true in all situations without exceptions. It is a key requirement for a valid inference in Nyaya philosophy.

The presence of one thing implies the presence of the other. This is a key element of 'Vyapti' and is also called 'positive implication'.

The absence of one thing implies the absence of the other. This is another key element of 'Vyapti' and is called 'negative implication'.

A factor that prevents a valid relationship of Vyapti from being formed. It is like an obstruction or a barrier that prevents the true relation from being established.

A process of logical thinking where we consider the hypothetical absence of something to understand its connection to another. It helps to understand the true relationship between things.

The goal of Tarka is to deduce the presence of a wider thing based on the hypothetical presence of a narrower thing. This process helps us understand the relationship between them.

A specific type of Tarka where we use hypothetical scenarios to understand the cause and effect relationship between things, which is essential to establish Vyapti.

Anumana is the process of inferring an unknown fact based on known information. It involves reasoning and observation of a relationship between the known (hetu) and the unknown (sadhya).

Linga (hetu) is the observable feature or characteristic we use to infer an unknown fact. It's the evidence or the 'clue'.

Sadhya is the unknown fact we are trying to infer. It's the conclusion or the 'thing we are trying to find'.

Vyapti is the universal relationship between the hetu (cause) and the sadhya (effect). It's the established rule that allows us to infer the sadhya from the hetu.

Paramarsha is a process of reflection and critical thinking that helps us understand the relationship between hetu and sadhya. It involves exploring the reasons, justifications, and implications of the inference.

Anumiti is the knowledge gained through Anumana. It's the understanding or insight that is reached by reasoning and observation.

Swarthanumana is inference made for personal knowledge or understanding. It focuses on the individual's own reasoning and exploration.

Anumana can help us understand past events (Ateeta Kala), present situations (Vartaman Kala), and even predict future occurrences (Bhavishya Kala).

Anumana is closely connected to Pratyaksha (direct perception). It often builds upon direct observations and uses them as a starting point for further reasoning.

Anumana is a powerful tool for gaining knowledge that goes beyond what we can directly perceive. It allows us to understand complex relationships and draw logical conclusions.

The power of digestion, responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

The ability to exercise and exert physical strength.

The ability to perceive knowledge through the senses, like sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

The ability to focus your attention and understand specific objects through your senses.

The understanding of a person's profession, activities, and overall nature.

A state of lacking knowledge, understanding, or clarity.

A state of sadness or sorrowful expression.

The ability to remember past events and information.