Social Science

Indian Philosophy

4,499 Questions

This segment explores core concepts and major schools of Indian philosophy. It features questions on Vedanta, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, and theories of knowledge and causality. These topics are essential for philosophy optional and general studies papers.

Philosophical schoolsVedanta conceptsTheory of knowledgeCausality and rebirth

Indian Philosophy Questions

Multiple choice

Which Buddhist school of thought holds that universals are mere conceptual constructs and do not have an independent existence?

  1. Madhyamaka

  2. Yogacara

  3. Sautrantika

  4. Theravada
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Madhyamaka school of Buddhism asserts that universals are merely conceptual constructs and do not possess an independent existence.

Multiple choice

In the Nyaya-Vaisheshika tradition, what is the term for the universal that is present in only some particulars of a given category?

  1. jati

  2. dravya

  3. guna

  4. karma
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In Nyaya-Vaisheshika philosophy, guna refers to the universal that is present in only some particulars of a given category.

Multiple choice

Which Buddhist school of thought asserts that universals are real entities that exist independently of particulars?

  1. Madhyamaka

  2. Yogacara

  3. Sautrantika

  4. Theravada
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Sautrantika school of Buddhism posits that universals are real entities that exist independently of particulars.

Multiple choice

In Advaita Vedanta, what is the term for the illusory appearance of the world of particulars?

  1. maya

  2. avidya

  3. brahman

  4. atman
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In Advaita Vedanta, maya refers to the illusory appearance of the world of particulars.

Multiple choice

In the Nyaya-Vaisheshika tradition, what is the term for the universal that is present in all particulars?

  1. jati

  2. dravya

  3. guna

  4. karma
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In Nyaya-Vaisheshika philosophy, dravya refers to the universal that is present in all particulars.

Multiple choice

Which Buddhist school of thought asserts that universals are neither real entities nor mere conceptual constructs, but rather have a provisional and conventional existence?

  1. Madhyamaka

  2. Yogacara

  3. Sautrantika

  4. Theravada
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Yogacara school of Buddhism posits that universals are neither real entities nor mere conceptual constructs, but rather have a provisional and conventional existence.

Multiple choice

In Advaita Vedanta, what is the term for the ultimate reality that transcends the world of particulars?

  1. maya

  2. avidya

  3. brahman

  4. atman
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In Advaita Vedanta, brahman refers to the ultimate reality that transcends the world of particulars.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of Ayurveda?

  1. Balance of the three doshas

  2. Humoral theory

  3. Vitalism

  4. Germ theory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Ayurveda emphasizes the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) as the key to maintaining health and preventing diseases.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Ayurveda to describe the three primary qualities or attributes of matter?

  1. Doshas

  2. Chakras

  3. Gunas

  4. Srotas
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In Ayurveda, the three gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) are believed to govern the physical and mental characteristics of individuals.

Multiple choice

What is the main focus of Indian philosophy of science?

  1. The nature of reality

  2. The relationship between science and religion

  3. The role of technology in society

  4. The methods of scientific inquiry
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Indian philosophy of science is primarily concerned with the nature of reality and how it can be understood through scientific inquiry.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a key concept in Indian philosophy of science?

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Dharma

  4. Moksha
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Maya is a key concept in Indian philosophy of science because it refers to the illusion of the world that is created by our senses.

Multiple choice

In Buddhism, what is the name of the state of meditative concentration and absorption, often associated with deep insight and understanding?

  1. Dhyana

  2. Samadhi

  3. Vipassana

  4. Metta
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Samadhi is a state of meditative concentration and absorption in Buddhism, where the mind becomes focused and unified, leading to deep insight and understanding.

Multiple choice

In Jainism, what is the name of the principle that emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and honesty in speech and action?

  1. Ahimsa

  2. Satya

  3. Aparigraha

  4. Asteya
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Satya is the principle in Jainism that emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and honesty in speech and action, promoting ethical conduct and integrity.

Multiple choice

Which Indian philosophical school emphasizes the importance of non-violence and compassion towards all living beings?

  1. Vedanta

  2. Nyaya

  3. Yoga

  4. Jainism
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Jainism is known for its strict adherence to non-violence (ahimsa) and its emphasis on compassion for all living beings.

Multiple choice

Which Indian philosophical text emphasizes the importance of detachment and renunciation in the pursuit of spiritual liberation?

  1. Bhagavad Gita

  2. Upanishads

  3. Yoga Sutras

  4. Dhammapada
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata epic, teaches the importance of detachment and renunciation in the pursuit of spiritual liberation.