Question

Which of the following best describes the significance of testimony (śabda) in Nyāya philosophy?

• A. It is considered an unreliable source of knowledge and is always questioned.
• B. It is a means of acquiring knowledge from reliable sources, such as sacred texts or authoritative figures.
• C. It refers to personal intuition or internal experiences as a valid source of knowledge.
• D. It is only used for acquiring knowledge related to rituals and ceremonies.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. It is a means of acquiring knowledge from reliable sources, such as sacred texts or authoritative figures.

Nyaya Philosophy Founded by the sage Gautama, also known as Akṣapāda, the Nyāya school of Vedic philosophy is sometimes referred to as the Akṣapāda system. Nyāya centers on identifying valid knowledge and the means of acquiring it, placing a strong emphasis on logic and reasoning. Often called Nyāya Vidyā or Tarka Śāstra—both meaning “the science of logic and reasoning”—this system forms a foundational approach to critical thinking. It is also known as Anvīkṣikī, which translates to “the science of analytical inquiry.” The Nyāya school uses structured reasoning to distinguish between true and false knowledge. According to Nyāya philosophy, liberation (moksha) can be achieved through the pursuit of true knowledge, which is verified through methods such as inference, testimony, and analogy.