Definition: In the Kathāvatthu, niggamana is the fourth step in the formal five-step logical refutation. It is the "conclusion" or "deduction" that officially declares the opponent's thesis to be refuted based on the preceding evidence and logical application.
Canonical usage
The Kathāvatthu uses niggamana to seal the logical refutation.
Kv 1.1 (kv1.1:14.11)
Niggamanacatukkaṁ.
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"The fourfold conclusion."
By reaching niggamana, the proponent has formally demonstrated that the opponent's initial thesis was logically flawed. This leads directly to the formal acknowledgement of defeat (niggaha). (Kv 1.1)
Nuances and translation notes
- Niggamana literally means "going out" or "leading out", from ni- (out) + √gam (to go).
- In Indian logic, it is the fifth member of the syllogism, stating the final result of the reasoning process.
Related concepts
- upanayana — the application that leads to the conclusion
- niggaha — the final refutation or defeat
- anuloma — the initial affirmation that was concluded to be false
Related pages
- kathavatthu — where it serves as the formal closing of a logical argument
- method matrix nayamatika