Which of the following means of knowledge involves positing something to make…
2022
Which of the following means of knowledge involves positing something to make a unit of cognition self-complete?
Answer: B. Postulation (Arthapatti) — ConceptA pramāṇa is a distinct means by which valid cognition arises. Each pramāṇa is identified by the specific way in which it supplies knowledge.…
- A.
Comparison (Upamana)
- B.
Postulation (Arthapatti)
- C.
Non-Cognition (Anupalabdhi)
- D.
Verbal Testimony (Sabda)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
A pramāṇa is a distinct means by which valid cognition arises. Each pramāṇa is identified by the specific way in which it supplies knowledge.
Postulation is used when accepted facts would otherwise remain incompatible or incomplete: an unexpressed fact is posited to reconcile them into a self-complete cognition.
Application
The stem describes supplying an unstated fact so that a unit of cognition becomes self-complete. That operation is postulation (Arthāpatti).
Contrast
Comparison (Upamāna) produces knowledge of an unfamiliar object through its similarity to something already known.
Non-cognition (Anupalabdhi) produces knowledge of absence when something is not perceived under suitable conditions for perception.
Verbal testimony (Śabda) produces knowledge from the words of a reliable speaker or authoritative source.
Result
Therefore, the means of knowledge described is Postulation (Arthāpatti).