Given below are two statements:
Statement I : According to Naiyāyikas (Indian Logicians), in inference for others, five steps are required.
Statement II : According to Naiyāyikas, in inference for oneself, only three steps are required. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is A

Statement I is true: The Naiyāyikas distinguish between inference for others ( parārthānumāna) and inference for oneself ( svārthānumāna). In inference for others, the reasoning process is presented explicitly in five steps, known as the pañcāvayava (five-membered syllogism):
· Pratijñā (Proposition): The statement to be proven.
· Hetu (Reason): The reason supporting the proposition.
· Udāharaṇa (Example): A universal relation with an example.
· Upanaya (Application): Application of the general rule to the specific case.
· Nigamana (Conclusion): The conclusion derived.
These five steps ensure clarity and logical rigor when presenting an argument to others.
Statement II is true: For inference for oneself ( svārthānumāna), the Naiyāyikas argue that the process involves only three implicit steps:
· Recognizing the proposition ( pratijñā).
· Identifying the reason ( hetu).
· Establishing the universal relation ( vyāpti).
Information Booster 1. Naiyāyikas developed a systematic approach to inference, emphasizing logical rigor.
2. Pañcāvayava ensures step-by-step reasoning for convincing others.
3. Svārthānumāna relies on the thinker's internalized knowledge, requiring fewer steps.
4. This distinction highlights the practical and communicative aspects of logic in Nyāya philosophy.
5. Nyāya logic is influential in Indian philosophical and epistemological traditions.