Final answer:
The principal epistemological tool in the Nyaya school of philosophy is Option B - perception (Pratyaksha), emphasizing direct observation and empirical evidence as a path to enlightenment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principal epistemological tool found in the Nyaya school of philosophy is perception (Pratyaksha). In the tradition of Nyaya, epistemology is primarily concerned with the means of acquiring valid knowledge, known as pramanas. The Nyaya school recognizes four pramanas as reliable means of knowledge which are perception, inference, comparison, and testimony. Among these, perception stands out as a principal means since it involves directly observing reality through the senses, and it is fundamental for obtaining accurate knowledge. Perception is considered a dependable epistemological tool because it deals with direct and immediate knowledge, that which is experienced without any intermediate analysis or interpretation.
The Nyaya philosophy, therefore, places great emphasis on empirical evidence and the systematic examination of observations of the natural world. This closely aligns with the empirical approach of the scientific method, which also emphasizes evidence and the importance of observation. In the context of Nyaya, right knowledge through correct perception is seen as a path to liberation from suffering, emphasizing the pivotal role of pratyaksha in achieving enlightenment.