Which of the following steps of inference state(s) the reason for the establishment of the proposition according to the Classical Indian School of Logic?
A. The hill has fire.

B. Because it has smoke.

C. Whatever has smoke has fire, e.g., oven.

D. This hill has smoke which is invariably associated with fire.

E. Therefore, this hill has fire.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

In the Classical Indian School of Logic (Nyaya), B (Because it has smoke) provides the reason (Hetu) for the proposition that "The hill has fire." The step B refers to the observation of smoke on the hill, which is the cause or ground for inferring the presence of fire. In the Nyaya system, inference is made by identifying a general rule (vyapti) and applying it to a specific instance. While the other steps are part of the reasoning process, B explicitly states the reason (Hetu), which is the key factor for inference.
Information Booster: 1. Hetu (reason) is a critical part of Nyaya inference, where a specific observation (e.g., smoke) is the basis for a conclusion (e.g., fire).
2. Anumana (inference) in Nyaya consists of five steps: Pratijña (proposition), Hetu (reason), Udaharana (example), Upanaya (application), and Nigamana (conclusion).
3. The observation of smoke is crucial in Nyaya logic because it serves as the basis of inference for concluding the presence of fire.
4. Vyapti refers to the invariable association between smoke and fire, which supports the reasoning process.
5. Nyaya logic focuses on structured reasoning to make valid inferences based on empirical observations and logical relations.