Question

The Cārvāka system rejects inference (anumāna) as a pramāṇa because it does not accept:

• A. Invariable concomitance (vyāpti)
• B. Comparison (upamāna) as a pramāṇa
• C. The theory of pramāṇa altogether
• D. Śabda as a pramāṇa

Hint:

In Cārvāka philosophy, inference is rejected because it cannot establish a consistent and reliable link (vyāpti) between cause and effect.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Cārvāka system's rejection of inference.
The Cārvāka system, also known as the materialist school of Indian philosophy, rejects inference (anumāna) as a valid means of knowledge (pramāṇa). One of the reasons for this rejection is the inability to establish invariable concomitance (vyāpti), which is the essential condition for drawing conclusions through inference. Cārvāka philosophers argued that the connection between premises and conclusions in inference is not always reliably established. Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Invariable concomitance (vyāpti): This is correct because the Cārvāka system rejects inference due to the lack of invariable concomitance.
- (B) Comparison (upamāna) as a pramāṇa: This is not the reason for rejecting inference. The Cārvāka system does not deny comparison as a valid means of knowledge.
- (C) The theory of pramāṇa altogether: This is incorrect, as the Cārvāka system accepts perception as a valid pramāṇa, but rejects inference due to the lack of invariable concomitance.
- (D) Śabda as a pramāṇa: The Cārvāka system does not reject Śabda (verbal testimony) entirely, but does not rely on it as a primary source of knowledge.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) Invariable concomitance (vyāpti), as this is the reason why the Cārvāka system rejects inference as a valid pramāṇa.