Which of the following are admitted by the Naiyayikas (Indian Logicians) as kinds of Inferences?
(A) Inference of the effect from the cause
(B) Inference of the cause from the effect
(C) Inference from knowledge of similarity between two kinds of objects
(D) Inference from observation for general inseparability
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

The Naiyāyikas (Indian Logicians) in the Nyāya school of philosophy recognize the following kinds of inferences:
· (A) Inference of the effect from the cause: This is based on understanding the relationship where a cause leads to an effect. For example, the presence of clouds is inferred to result in rain.
· (B) Inference of the cause from the effect: This involves inferring a cause from its observed effect. For example, seeing water on the ground and inferring it has rained.
· (D) Inference from observation for general inseparability: Known as vyāpti in Nyāya logic, this inference relies on the observed invariable concomitance or inseparability between two entities. For example, wherever there is smoke, there is fire.
Information Booster 1. Naiyāyikas classify inference ( anumāna) into three types:
· Pūrvavat (From cause to effect): Inferring rain from clouds.
· Śeṣavat (From effect to cause): Inferring fire from smoke.
· Sāmānyato dṛṣṭa (General inseparability): Based on repeated observation of a relation, like fire and smoke.
2. Their logical framework relies on vyāpti, the universal relation between the inferential sign ( hetu) and the object inferred.
3. Naiyāyikas do not prioritize analogical reasoning (similarity) in their inferences.
4. Observation ( pratyakṣa) and testimony ( śabda) are other key pramāṇas (means of knowledge) in Nyāya philosophy.
Additional Knowledge:
(C) is incorrect because the Naiyāyikas do not base inferences on mere similarity between objects. They emphasize invariable relations (cause-effect, general inseparability) rather than analogical reasoning.