"The world is an effect and hence it must have an efficient and intelligent cause. That efficient and intelligent cause is God." Which means of knowledge is used in this argument as per classical Indian School of Logic (Nyaya)?

Correct option is B

Introduction:

This question identifies the Nyaya means of knowledge used in the argument for God's existence from the world being an effect.

Information Booster:The argument "The world is an effect and hence it must have an efficient and intelligent cause. That efficient and intelligent cause is God" uses Inference (Anumana).

• Inference (Anumana): Knowledge derived indirectly through reasoning. It relies on an invariable relationship (Vyapti) between a perceived sign (hetu) and an unperceived object (sadhya).

  • Sign (Hetu): The world being an effect.

  • Object to be inferred (Sadhya): An efficient and intelligent cause (God).

  • Underlying Logic: Just as an effect like a pot implies a potter (intelligent cause), the world, being an effect, implies an intelligent cause (God).

Additional Knowledge:

• Perception (Pratyaksha): Direct sensory knowledge.

• Analogy (Upamana): Knowledge by comparison.

• Verbal Authority (Shabda): Knowledge from trustworthy statements.

• The argument is a classic cosmological argument from causality.