Which of the five essential characteristics of the middle term (hetu) is violated when an inference involves a non-inferentially contradicted middle?
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

Middle term must be non-incompatible with the minor term. In an inference, if the middle term (hetu) is incompatible with the minor term, it is said to be violated. This happens when the middle term contradicts the minor term, leading to a faulty inference. For example, asserting "This object is fire because it is cold" would involve a contradiction, as fire and cold are incompatible properties.
Information Booster:
The middle term connects the major and minor terms in logical reasoning. For valid inference, the middle term must fulfill certain conditions:
1. It must be present in the minor term (i.e., apply to the subject of the argument).
2. It must not contradict the minor term.
When the middle term is incompatible with the minor term, the inference becomes logically flawed, leading to invalid conclusions.
Additional Knowledge: (a) Middle term must be absent in all negative instances in which the major term is absent: This refers to the rule of negative instances, but it is unrelated to non-inferential contradictions.
(c) Middle term must be present in the minor term: This is a necessary condition, but it is not directly relevant to the issue of contradiction.
(d) Middle term must be present in all positive instances in which the major term is present: This deals with the universal applicability of the middle term but is not the key issue here.