UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Vishesha is introduced to account for how fundamentally similar entities, such as atoms of the same element or individual selves, remain numerically distinct. It is an ultimate, non-shareable particularity that marks each entity as this one rather than that one. Without vishesha, the theory fears a collapse of multiplicity into undifferentiated sameness. Therefore the individuating factor mentioned in the stem is vishesha.

Option A:
Option A, samanya, is the universal that unites many individuals into a class and so performs the opposite function of highlighting sameness rather than difference.

Option B:
Option B, samavaya, is the relation of inseparable inherence and does not serve as a principle of individuation among qualitatively similar entities.

Option C:
Option C, abhava, denotes types of non-existence and cannot furnish a positive differentiator that grounds individuality.

Option D:
Option D is correct because vishesha literally means "particularity" and is proposed precisely to secure numerical diversity at the atomic and spiritual levels in Nyaya-Vaisheshika ontology.

Vishesha is the category postulated to secure individuality among entities that are otherwise qualitatively indistinguishable, such as atoms of the same element or separate selves. It is an ultimate, non-shareable particularity that makes each entity this one rather than that one. Without vishesha, Nyaya-Vaisheshika fears that multiplicity would collapse into undifferentiated sameness. Hence the individuating factor mentioned in the stem is vishesha.

Option A:
Option A, samanya, is the universal that unites many individuals into a class and therefore performs the opposite function of highlighting commonality rather than difference.

Option B:
Option B, samavaya, is the relation of inherence and cannot by itself account for numerical distinction among qualitatively similar entities.

Option C:
Option C, abhava, denotes types of non-existence and is not a positive differentiator that grounds identity and difference.

Option D:
Option D is correct because vishesha literally means "particularity" and is explicitly introduced in Nyaya-Vaisheshika ontology to explain how there can be many numerically distinct but qualitatively identical atoms or selves.