Paper 1 · Logical Reasoning
Which of the following illustrate the fallacy of the unproved middle (asiddha hetu)?
- The reason (hetu) itself is not established in the locus
- The locus of the inference does not really exist
- The reason is not actually present in the subject of inference
- The reason is invariably present wherever the probandum is
- The reason is contradicted by another equally strong reason
A1, 2 and 3 only ✓ Correct
B2, 3 and 5 only
C1, 4 and 5 only
D1, 2 and 4 only
Correct answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only — Statements 1, 2 and 3 illustrate the unproved middle, so that is the answer.
Explanation
★Statements 1, 2 and 3 illustrate the unproved middle, so that is the answer.
★The asiddha (unproved) fallacy arises when the hetu itself is not established.
★It occurs when the locus does not exist, so the mark has nowhere to reside.
★It also occurs when the reason is not actually present in the subject of inference.
★Statement 4 describes a valid mark, and statement 5 describes a different fallacy.
★So the answer is 1, 2 and 3 only.
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