The argument 'Sound is eternal, because it is produced' is fallacious because

AThe middle term is contradicted by another pramana

BThe middle term is too narrow

CThe middle term itself disproves the original proposition and proves its contradictory ✓ Correct

DThe minor term is the locus of the middle term

Correct answer: (C) The middle term itself disproves the original proposition and proves its contradictory

Explanation

The reason because it is produced actually establishes non-eternality, the opposite of the stated thesis.

The thesis claims sound is eternal, yet whatever is produced is invariably non-eternal.

So the very middle term contradicts the proposition it was meant to support.

A reason that proves the contradictory of the intended conclusion is a self-defeating mark.

This is the contradictory reason (viruddha hetvabhasa), where the middle disproves the thesis and proves its opposite.

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