"When I closed my eyes the cat was sitting on the table when I opened my eyes. I found it sitting on the chair therefore I can conclude that the cat must have moved from the table to the chair while my eyes were closed". According to classical Indian Philosophy which of the following means of knowledge is used in the above argument?

The correct option is Arthāpatti (Postulation).

Important Points 

In the given argument, the person is making a comparison between the cat's location when their eyes were closed (on the table) and when their eyes were opened (on the chair) and using that comparison to conclude that the cat must have moved from the table to the chair while their eyes were closed. Therefore, the means of knowledge used in the argument is Arthāpatti (Postulation).

Arthāpatti (Postulation):

This is the means of knowledge by postulating something, which is not directly perceived, to explain certain facts. It is the knowledge that is inferred by inferring something that is required to explain the given facts.

Key Points 

In classical Indian philosophy, there are several means of knowledge (pramanas) that are used to acquire knowledge and understand the world. These include:

• Pratyaksa (Perception): This is the direct perception of an object through the senses. It is considered the most basic and reliable means of knowledge. It is the direct observation of an object.
• Anumana (Inference): This is the process of inferring the properties of an object through logical reasoning. It is used to understand objects that cannot be directly perceived. It is the reasoning process that helps one to arrive at a conclusion based on certain observations or facts.
• Upamāna (Comparison): This is the process of inferring the properties of an object through comparison with another object. It is used to understand new objects based on similarities with known objects.
• Sabda (Testimony): This is the acceptance of knowledge on the authority of a reliable source. It is used to acquire knowledge that cannot be directly perceived or inferred. It is the knowledge that comes from the testimony of trustworthy people, like the knowledge about historical events and religious texts
• Arthāpatti (Postulation): This is the means of knowledge by postulating something, which is not directly perceived, to explain certain facts. It is the knowledge that is inferred by inferring something that is required to explain the given facts.
• Anupalabdhi (Non-apprehension): This is the means of knowledge by negation. It is the knowledge that is inferred by the absence of something. It is the knowledge by elimination of the impossible.
• All these pramanas (means of knowledge) are considered valid in Indian Philosophy, and one can choose the best-suited pramana for a given situation.