According to Nyaya philosophy, which of the following statements are included in the inferential process to infer fire from the perception of smoke? Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

1.There is fire on the hill (Pratijna).

2.Because there is smoke in it (Hetu).

3.Wherever there is fire, there is smoke, as in the kitchen (Example).

4.The hill which is full of smoke must have fire in it (Upanaya).

5.Therefore, there is fire on the hill (Nigamana).

A1, 2, 3 only

B1, 2, 4, 5 only ✓ Correct

C3, 4, 5 only

D1, 2 only

Correct answer: (B) 1, 2, 4, 5 only

Explanation

The valid inference of fire from smoke rests on four correctly stated members here: thesis, reason, application and conclusion.

Statement 1 states the thesis (pratijna) that the hill has fire.

Statement 2 gives the reason (hetu), namely the presence of smoke.

Statement 4 applies the pervasion to the case (upanaya) and Statement 5 draws the conclusion (nigamana).

Statement 3 misstates the pervasion as "wherever there is fire there is smoke", reversing the true rule that where there is smoke there is fire.

Because its example carries the wrong direction of invariable concomitance, only Statements 1, 2, 4 and 5 belong to the sound inference.

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