According to the classical Indian school of logic (Nyaya), which of the following statements commits the fallacy of viruddha?

ASound is eternal because it is produced ✓ Correct

BWherever there is fire, there is smoke

CThe hill has fire because it is knowable

DSound is eternal because it is audible

Correct answer: (A) Sound is eternal because it is produced

Explanation

Sound is eternal because it is produced offers a reason that establishes the very opposite.

In viruddha the reason (hetu) proves the contradictory of what is asserted.

The thesis to be proved is that sound is eternal.

Being produced or caused is invariably tied to non-eternality, not to eternality.

So the reason drives toward sound being non-eternal, contradicting the thesis.

A reason that proves the reverse of the claim is the viruddha fallacy.

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