Question

Which of the following statements accurately describe the Nyāya school of philosophy?

• A. It was founded by the sage Akṣapāda Gautama and emphasizes logic and reasoning as the path to valid knowledge.
• B. Nyāya, also called Tarka Śāstra or Anvīkṣikī, is primarily concerned with ritual practices and meditation techniques.
• C. Nyāya philosophy considers liberation (moksha) attainable through devotion alone, without reliance on logical methods.
• D. The system discourages analytical inquiry in favor of scriptural authority.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. It was founded by the sage Akṣapāda Gautama and emphasizes logic and reasoning as the path to valid knowledge.

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.