Any object if thrown upwards starts to come downward after reaching a…
2022
Any object if thrown upwards starts to come downward after reaching a particular height. Therefore there must be some force that must be pulling that object towards the Earth’s surface. This argument is based on which of the following means of knowledge?
Answer: A. Postulation (Arthapatti) — ConceptA pramāṇa is a recognized means by which valid knowledge arises. Arthāpatti, or postulation, supplies an unobserved fact that is required to make…
- A.
Postulation (Arthapatti)
- B.
Comparison (Upamana)
- C.
Verbal Testimony (Sabda)
- D.
Perception (Pratyaksa)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
A pramāṇa is a recognized means by which valid knowledge arises. Arthāpatti, or postulation, supplies an unobserved fact that is required to make observed facts intelligible when they otherwise appear unexplained or inconsistent.
Application
The object’s upward motion and later downward motion are observed. The argument then posits an unseen force pulling the object toward Earth to account for that change; this is knowledge obtained by postulating a necessary explanatory fact.
Contrast
Arthāpatti introduces a necessary unobserved explanation for an observed situation.
Upamāna establishes knowledge through similarity between a familiar comparator and an unfamiliar object.
Śabda establishes knowledge through the statement of a reliable speaker or authoritative text.
Pratyakṣa establishes knowledge through direct sensory contact with an object or event.
Result
Therefore, the means of knowledge used in the argument is Postulation (Arthāpatti).