Hetvabhasa (Fallacies): Understanding Inference in Indian Logic

by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023

Hetvabhasa (Fallacies) – Understanding Inference in Indian Logic

Logic is a universal phenomena, it is a tool for rational thinking. Indian logic, as compared to Western logic, is rather unique and different. Indian logic is mainly defined by Hetvabhasa, or fallacies, which refer to false or invalid inference.

Hetvabhasa is the Sanskrit expression for fallacies. It consists of ‘hetu’, which translates as cause, and ‘abhasa’, or illusory appearance. As such, Hetvabhasa is an illusory understanding of cause and effect that leads to false conclusions.

What is Hetvabhasa?

Hetvabhasa is the term used by Indian philosophers to describe fallacies that are made in the study of logic. It refers to situations in which, based on false or illusory evidence, a conclusion is drawn that is not true.

Hetvabhasa is a form of invalid inference. It occurs when the evidence used to arrive at a conclusion is actually false or illusory. In other words, an inference drawn from false evidence.

Hetvabhasa is seen as a form of logical error, as it results in invalid or false conclusions. It is closely related to Tarkabhasa, or false analogy.

Types of Hetvabhasa

Indian logic is characterized by a number of different types of fallacies, and some of these are listed below:

Duryogabhasa (Circular Reasoning)

Duryogabhasa (दुर्योगाभास) is a form of fallacious reasoning in which the conclusion which one arrives at is based on a premise which is stated within the conclusion itself.

For example, assuming that “All dogs have four legs” is true. This can be stated as: “All dogs have four legs, since all dogs have four legs”.

Hastabuddhi Abhasa (False Understanding)

Hastabuddhi Abhasa (हस्तबुद्धि अभास) is a form of fallacious thinking where the conclusion is based on false or ill-conceived evidence.

For example, if one were to state “the sky is blue, because it is daytime”, they would be making a false understanding of the evidence at hand. The time of day does not determine the colour of the sky, thus the inference is false.

Mitabuddhi Abhasa (Misunderstanding)

Mitabuddhi Abhasa (मिताबुद्धि अभास) is an instance where one draws an inference from evidence which has not been properly understood.

For example, if one were to state “water boils at a temperature of 1000 degrees”, they would be making a false inference as water boils at 100 degrees Celsius, not 1000 degrees.

Jati Abhasa (Mis-Application)

Jati Abhasa (जाति अभास) is a form of fallacious thinking where a conclusion is drawn from evidence which has been misapplied or overly generalised.

For example, if one were to state “all swans are white, thus no swans are black”, they would be making a mis-application of the evidence at hand. Just because all the swans one has seen are white, this does not necessarily mean all swans are white, some may be black.

Conclusion

Hetvabhasa is a term used by Indian philosophers to describe fallacies that are made in the study of logic. It is an invalid form of inference where the evidence used is false or illusory. Indian logic is characterized by a variety of types of fallacies, including Duryogabhasa (circular reasoning), Hastabuddhi Abhasa (false understanding), Mitabuddhi Abhasa (misunderstanding), and Jati Abhasa (mis-application).

Thus, understanding Hetvabhasa is essential for engaging in rational thinking and argument. Only by understanding the kinds of invalid inferences that are present can one arrive at accurate conclusions in their studies.