Indian Philosophy v2.c24.s5.63

v2.c24.s5.63

Neither the major by itself nor the minor by itself can warrant the conclusion. A synthesis of the two is necessary. Liṅgaparāmarśa or consideration of the sign, is the essential element of the inferential process. According to Gaṅgeśa, vyāpti by itself is the indirect cause of inferential knowledge, while liṅgaparāmarśa, or consideration of the sign, is the last cause (caramakāraṇa) or the chief cause (karaṇa).⁵ It is the synoptic view of the fact that the middle related to the major abides in the minor,¹ that leads to the conclusion. Inferential act is, however, an integral one.