Svartha and Parartha Inference – UGC NET Question

Nyāya differentiates inference by its audience. Svārthānumāna is the inner inferential process by which an individual arrives at a conclusion for themselves, without needing to articulate each step. Parārthānumāna is the outward, usually five-membered, presentation of an inference intended to lead another person to the same conclusion. The difference is communicative, not structural.

Option A:
Option A reverses the usual pattern; parārthānumāna is typically the fully verbalised form for others, whereas svārthānumāna can remain unexpressed.

Option B:
Option B correctly states that svārthānumāna is for oneself and parārthānumāna is for another, which is the standard Nyāya distinction.

Option C:
Option C incorrectly ties the distinction to different pramāṇas (perception vs testimony); both forms rely on the same inferential pramāṇa.

Option D:
Option D absurdly links the distinction to truth and falsity; both forms can be valid or invalid depending on the hetu and vyāpti.