Which of the following is/are true regarding the relation between the middle and major terms according to Nyāya philosophy?
A. It has to be a necessary relation.
B. It can be either necessary or contingent relation.
C. It can be causal relation.
D. It can be species­genus relation.
E. It can be member­class relation.

Correct option is C

In Nyāya philosophy, the relationship between the middle term ( Hetu) and the major term ( Sadhya) is crucial for a valid inference ( Anumāna). The following relations are considered valid:
A. It has to be a necessary relation:
· Correct. The relation between the middle term and the major term must be logically necessary to ensure validity in the inference. Without this, the inference would lack certainty.
C. It can be a causal relation:
· Correct. The relationship can be causal, as in cases where the middle term is the cause or effect of the major term. For example, "There is fire on the hill because there is smoke."
D. It can be species-genus relation:
· Correct. This is valid when the middle term is a species of the genus represented by the major term. For example, "All cows (species) are animals (genus)."
E. It can be member-class relation:
· Correct. This is valid when the middle term is a member of a class represented by the major term. For example, "This object is gold because it is shiny and heavy, which are properties of the class of gold objects."
Information Booster: 1. Nyāya syllogism consists of five parts: Proposition (Pratijñā), Reason (Hetu), Example (Udāharaṇa), Application (Upanaya), and Conclusion (Nigamana).
2. The Hetu (middle term) establishes a valid link between the Pakṣa (minor term) and the Sādhya (major term).
3. Types of valid relations: Necessary, causal, species-genus, member-class, and attribute-subject.
4. Invalid relations (e.g., contingent or accidental) result in fallacies ( Hetvābhāsa).
Additional Knowledge:
B. It can be either necessary or contingent relation:
· Incorrect. Nyāya philosophy does not permit contingent (non-necessary) relations for valid inference. The relation must always be necessary to ensure logical validity.