Hetu-Vidya Three-Part Inference
Updated 2026-08-22
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
The three-part inference of Hetu-vidya, inherited from the Indian logicians Dignaga and Dharmakirti, proceeds in three parts: the thesis to be proved, the reason that supports it, and the example that illustrates the underlying rule. The reason must satisfy the three modes, and a fixed catalog of fallacies marks which inferences fail. It is the standardized reasoning format of the Eastern logical tradition.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Structure the argument: state the thesis, give the reason, then produce an example - Test the reason: check it against the three modes before accepting the warrant - Judge other arguments: locate the exact point where a disputed inference breaks down
Anchor fast decisions
A thesis alone asserts, and a reason alone also asserts. The example supplies the bridge by showing that the reason already carries the thesis in an uncontested case, so the listener grants the same connection in the contested one. The three modes then test whether that bridge is well formed, and the catalog of fallacies names the places it breaks.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%9B%86%E9%87%8F%E8%AE%BAverified
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