Question

According to the Nyaya school, what is the primary factor in verbal comprehension?

• A. Bhavana
• B. Tatparya
• C. Sphota
• D. Anumana

Hint:

Nyāya theory of sentence meaning → Ākāṅkṣā + Yogyatā + Sannidhi + {Tātparya}

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Śābdabodha (verbal cognition or sentence comprehension) has been interpreted differently by various schools of Indian philosophy. The Nyāya school provides a systematic explanation of how the meaning of a sentence is understood.
Step 1:Understanding verbal comprehension in Nyāya.}}
According to Nyāya philosophers, the comprehension of sentence meaning depends on several factors such as:

• Ākāṅkṣā – Mutual expectancy between words
• Yogyatā – Semantic compatibility
• Sannidhi – Proximity of words
• Tātparya – Intention of the speaker

Step 2:Role of Tātparya.}}
Among these, Tātparya (the intended meaning or intention of the speaker) plays a crucial role in determining the correct interpretation of a sentence.
Step 3:Distinguishing from other theories.}}

• Bhāvanā – Emphasized in the Mīmāṃsā school
• Sphoṭa – Central concept in Bhartrhari's linguistic theory
• Anumāna – Refers to inference, not verbal comprehension

Conclusion:
Therefore, according to the Nyāya school, the primary factor in verbal comprehension is Tātparya (speaker's intention).