Arthāpatti

Arthāpatti (अर्थापत्ति) is the pramāṇa of postulation or presumption — knowledge that arises when an observed fact cannot be explained by known causes and demands the postulation of an otherwise unknown explanatory factor. It is sometimes called “argument from coherence” or “abductive inference.” The classic example: Devadatta is seen eating during the day but is known not to eat at home; we postulate that he must be eating elsewhere, since the known facts require this explanation to cohere.

The Mīmāṃsā school, particularly under Prabhākara, elevates arthāpatti to the status of an independent pramāṇa. Prabhākara argues that arthāpatti is neither perception (which is direct) nor ordinary inference, but a distinct cognitive act that resolves apparent contradiction. When two known facts are incompatible, the mind postulates a mediating fact to restore coherence. This mode of reasoning is especially important in Mīmāṃsā for interpreting Vedic passages where the literal meaning appears contradictory.

Kumārila Bhaṭṭa likewise accepts arthāpatti as an independent pramāṇa, defending it against reduction to ordinary inference. It is the Nyāya school that rejects its independence, treating postulation as a form of inference. Śaṅkara’s Advaita Vedānta, following the Bhāṭṭa scheme of six pramāṇas, employs arthāpatti prominently — most notably in the argument that the individual self (jīva) must be identical with Brahman, since the experiences of the self appear to contradict the scriptural teaching of its nature of pure bliss. The Brahma Sūtra Bhāṣya uses this mode of reasoning to bridge the gap between scriptural teaching and philosophical conclusion.

Verification notes

• Prabhākara’s Laghvī (short commentary on Śabara’s Mīmāṃsā-bhāṣya) is a principal source for his defense of arthāpatti; the Ślokavārttika is Kumārila’s work, not Prabhākara’s.
• Per the Wikipedia Pramana article (ref extract), the Mīmāṃsā and Advaita Vedānta schools accept all six pramāṇas including arthāpatti; the Nyāya school reduces arthāpatti to inference.
• Śaṅkara’s use of arthāpatti in Advaita argumentation is well-attested; the specific verse citation was removed as unverifiable.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).