6 Types of Pramanas | Logical Reasoning for UGC NET PDF Download

Introduction

In Hindu philosophy, the concept of Pramana holds significant importance, offering a framework for understanding the acquisition and validation of knowledge. The six categories of Pramanas encompass:

1. Pratyaksha (Perception)
2. Anumana (Inference)
3. Upamana (Comparison or Analogy)
4. Shabda (Verbal Testimony)
5. Arthapatti (Presumption or Postulation)
6. Anupalabdhi (Non-Perception)

Pratyaksha Pramana (Perception)

Pratyaksha Pramana pertains to direct knowledge acquired through perception, serving as the foundational Pramana for all others. It encompasses two subtypes:

• Laukika (Ordinary Perception): Involves perceiving objects through the senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste, or smell.
• Alaukika (Extraordinary Perception): Encompasses perception beyond ordinary senses, such as telepathy or clairvoyance.

Direct perception occurs when sensory organs directly interact with stimuli, leading to immediate knowledge or experience (anubhava). Indirect perception, on the other hand, relies on memory (smriti), where prior knowledge informs current understanding.

Anumana Pramana (Inference)

Anumana, or inference, relies on reasoning to draw conclusions from known premises. It encompasses two forms:

• Svārthānumāna: Inference concerning one's own existence.
• Parārthānumāna: Inference concerning the existence of entities beyond oneself.

Anumana operates independent of sensory perception, allowing individuals to infer unseen phenomena from observed evidence.

Upamana Pramana (Comparison)

Upamana, or comparison, involves identifying similarities between objects to comprehend the nature of an unfamiliar entity by likening it to a known one. It facilitates learning and knowledge acquisition through comparative analysis.

Arthapatti Pramana (Presumption or Implication)

Arthapatti, or presumption, relies on assumption to accept a proposition as true, essential for explaining specific phenomena. It entails understanding implications and relations between concepts, often based on a combination of observation and inference.

Anupalabdhi Pramana (Non-Apprehension)

Anupalabdhi, or non-perception, acknowledges the absence of knowledge, accepting a proposition as true due to the inability to prove its falsehood. It involves apprehending the non-existence of something based on the absence of perceptible evidence.

Shabda Pramana (Verbal Testimony)

Shabda, or verbal testimony, relies on the word of an authoritative source to validate propositions. It encompasses information conveyed through verbal statements, texts, or symbols, with reliability attributed to the credibility of the source. While traditionally associated with Vedas, modern reliance extends to various forms of communication, including books, media, and expert opinions.