Which of the five essential characteristics of the middle term (hetu) is violated when an inference involves a non-inferentially contradicted middle?

AThe middle term must be absent in all negative instances in which the major term is absent

BThe middle term must be non-incompatible with the minor term ✓ Correct

CThe middle term must be present in the minor term

DThe middle term must be present in all positive instances in which the major term is present

Correct answer: (B) The middle term must be non-incompatible with the minor term

Explanation

A contradicted middle violates the mark that the middle be non-incompatible with the minor term.

Among the five marks of a valid hetu, one requires the probandum not to be sublated by another means of knowledge.

When the sadhya is contradicted by perception or another proof, the middle proves something incompatible with the minor.

Such a badhita hetu fails this condition of non-incompatibility.

Hence the violated characteristic is that the middle be non-incompatible with the minor term.

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