Hetvabhasa Fallacies of Inference in Detail: UGC NET Paper 1 Notes

A term based on Indian logic, especially the Nyaya system, often called fallacies of inference, in Indian philosophy, Hetvabhasa is generally known to refer to mistakes in reasoning related to all sorts of errors in the inference derived from a set of premises. It is always important to identify and know about Hetvabhasa while doing sound logical reasoning and avoiding incorrect conclusions. For knowing about Hetvabhasa, studying about anumana, upamana, vyapti, non-apprehension, arthapatti, etc. is to be studied properly. The term "fallacy" for UGC NET is significant, as it assists students in identifying incorrect reasoning or deceptive arguments in scholarly writings.

Hetvabhasa fallacies of inference NTA NET is a very interesting topic and is widely asked these days in competitive exams such as the UGC-NET Paper 1 examinations.

In this article, the learners will be able to know about the following:

• Introduction to Hetvabhasa Fallacies of Inference
• Explanation of Hetvabhasa Fallacies of Inference
• Hetvabhasa Fallacies of Inference-Examples

Download UGC NET Paper 1 Important Questions PDF

Introduction to Hetvabhasa Fallacies of Inference

Hetvabhasa refers to "false reasoning" or "wrong arguments." It occurs due to a mistake in thought. These mistakes make the arguments correct-looking but actually wrong. In logic, one uses proper reasoning for truth-finding. However, in certain times, people commit logical errors unknowingly, which creates wrong conclusions. Hetvabhasa confused people and led to misunderstanding. One should identify the thinking error. Learning about them helps us think clearly. It also helps us find the truth in arguments. Understanding Hetvabhasa makes us better thinkers and decision-makers. The term "Indian logic fallacy" describes faults in reasoning addressed in classical Indian philosophical texts to assist students with various types of fallacious arguments.

Download Notes on Evaluation System

Explanation of Hetvabhasa Fallacies of Inference

Hetvabhasa means false reasoning or wrong arguments. It happens when people make mistakes in thinking and come to the wrong conclusion. Understanding Hetvabhasa helps us avoid mistakes and think correctly.

Savyabhichara (Irrelevant Reasoning)

Savyabhichara means the reason given is not always valid to conclude the statement. Like that, if someone says, "All the animals with four legs can climb trees because monkeys can," then it is wrong because all animals that possess four legs cannot climb trees. The reason does not fit into every case. This type of error confuses people. We need to check if a reason is true in every situation before believing it.

Viruddha (Contradictory Reasoning) 

Viruddha is a reason that exactly opposes the conclusion. For example, "Fire is cold because it burns" is incorrect. Fire burns so it is hot and not cold. The reason does not meet the conclusion. This is an extreme mistake in thought. Our reason should serve to support our conclusion.

Satpratipaksha (Opposing Reasoning)

Satpratipaksha occurs when two opposite reasons cancel each other out. For instance, one person says, "This plant is useful because it is green," and another says, "This plant is harmful because it is green." The same reason, being green, is used for both good and bad conclusions. This creates confusion and makes the argument weak. We must be careful when two opposite arguments use the same reason. A strong argument should not have reasons that cancel each other. 

Asiddha (Unproven Reasoning)

Asiddha occurs when the reason provided does not exist or is not established. For instance, if I say, "Unicorns are the fastest animals because they have wings", then this statement is wrong because unicorns don't exist and therefore the reason is not established. If a reason itself doesn't exist then the argument does not stand valid. We need to always ascertain whether a reason is valid before believing an argument. A valid reason must depend on actual facts.

Badhita (Contradicted Reasoning)

Badhita is where a reason goes against proven facts. An example would be when one says, "The sun does not give light because it is round," which is untrue. We know that the sun gives light. The fact that it is round does not take away its function. Such errors are due to ignoring the facts. Arguments must not be opposite to science and reality. It is by fact-checking that we can be safe from errors like Badhita.

Hetvabhasa Fallacies of Inference-Examples

Hetvabhasa fallacies occur when someone wrongly associates ideas. These involve the wrong use of weak or wrong reasons to explain something. They mix cause and effect and reach conclusions quickly. Knowing about these fallacies helps people think better and make smarter choices. Fallacies are generally of 2 types:

• Formal Fallacy refers to arguments that have an invalid structure or form,
• Informal fallacy refers to the arguments that have incorrect or irrelevant premises.

Five kinds of formal fallacies are recognised:

Conclusion

Hetvabhasa is the study on how one infers where some common mistakes in terms of inference may lead him towards wrong conclusions. On its own, it keeps man alert with fallacies. The critical thinking powers, therefore, are bolstered and rigorous and sharp ways of reasoning are done on more precise communication. Research into Hetvabhasa improves the logical prowess with which a person develops critical thinking abilities and in effect contributes to a culture of clear precision communication. Awareness of Hetvabhasa in itself will prove to be of much value in facilitating argumentation that is sound as well as effective and crossing all cultural and philosophical frontiers.

Hetvabhasa fallacies of inference is available in Testbook, so download theTestbook App now with other related topics.