Social Science
Indian Philosophy
4,615 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
Which of the following is a key concept in the Vedanta Sutras?
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Brahman is a central concept in the Vedanta Sutras. It refers to the ultimate reality, the ground of all existence, and the source of all consciousness.
Which of the following is a prominent school of Vedanta philosophy that emerged in the 8th century CE?
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Advaita Vedanta
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Dvaita Vedanta
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Vishishtadvaita Vedanta
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Bhedabheda Vedanta
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Advaita Vedanta, founded by Adi Shankara, is a prominent school of Vedanta philosophy that emerged in the 8th century CE. It emphasizes the non-duality of Brahman and Atman.
Which school of Vedanta philosophy was founded by Ramanuja?
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Advaita Vedanta
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Dvaita Vedanta
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Vishishtadvaita Vedanta
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Bhedabheda Vedanta
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Ramanuja founded Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, a school of Vedanta philosophy that emphasizes the qualified non-duality of Brahman and Atman.
Who is considered to be the main commentator on the Vedanta Sutras in the Dvaita tradition?
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Adi Shankara
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Ramanuja
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Madhvacharya
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Nimbarka
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Madhvacharya is considered to be the main commentator on the Vedanta Sutras in the Dvaita tradition.
According to the Nyaya school of Indian philosophy, what is the primary means of acquiring knowledge?
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Perception
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Inference
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Testimony
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Analogy
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Nyaya school emphasizes the role of perception as the primary means of acquiring knowledge. They believe that knowledge is derived directly from sensory experience and that other sources of knowledge, such as inference and testimony, are secondary.
Which Indian philosopher argued that language is a conventional tool used for communication and does not reflect the true nature of reality?
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Bhartrihari
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Kumarila Bhatta
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Adi Shankara
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Nagarjuna
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Nagarjuna, a prominent Buddhist philosopher, argued that language is a conventional tool used for communication and does not reflect the true nature of reality. He believed that language is ultimately empty of inherent meaning and that clinging to linguistic concepts leads to suffering.
In Indian philosophy, the concept of apoha refers to:
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The theory of negation
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The method of elimination
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The principle of non-contradiction
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The law of excluded middle
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Apoha is a theory of negation in Indian philosophy, particularly in the Nyaya school. It suggests that negation is not simply the absence of something but rather a positive entity that excludes or negates the existence of something else.
Which Indian philosopher proposed the theory of sabda-brahman?
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Bhartrihari
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Kumarila Bhatta
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Adi Shankara
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Nagarjuna
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bhartrihari, a renowned Indian philosopher, proposed the theory of sabda-brahman, which suggests that the ultimate reality is linguistic in nature. He believed that the entire universe is a manifestation of the divine word or sabda.
In Indian philosophy, the concept of vakya refers to:
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A single word
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A phrase
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A sentence
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A paragraph
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Vakya in Indian philosophy, particularly in the Nyaya school, refers to a sentence or a complete proposition that expresses a meaningful thought. It is considered the basic unit of linguistic analysis and the primary carrier of meaning.
Which Indian philosopher argued that language is a self-referential system that creates its own reality?
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Bhartrihari
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Kumarila Bhatta
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Adi Shankara
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Nagarjuna
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bhartrihari, a renowned Indian philosopher, argued that language is a self-referential system that creates its own reality. He believed that language is not merely a tool for communication but rather a creative force that shapes our understanding of the world.
In Indian philosophy, the concept of laksana refers to:
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The literal meaning of a word
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The figurative meaning of a word
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The implied meaning of a word
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The emotional meaning of a word
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Lakshana in Indian philosophy, particularly in the Nyaya school, refers to the figurative or secondary meaning of a word. It is the meaning that is derived from the literal meaning through various linguistic devices such as metaphor, simile, and personification.
Which Indian philosopher argued that language is a creative force that can transform the world?
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Bhartrihari
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Kumarila Bhatta
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Adi Shankara
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Nagarjuna
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bhartrihari, a renowned Indian philosopher, argued that language is a creative force that can transform the world. He believed that language is not merely a tool for communication but rather a powerful medium through which we can shape our reality and create new possibilities.
Which Indian philosophical school is most closely associated with the concept of eschatological history?
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Vedanta
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Vedanta, particularly the Advaita Vedanta school, is closely associated with the concept of eschatological history, as it emphasizes the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation and the attainment of Brahman, the ultimate reality.
What is the term used in Indian philosophy to refer to the final goal or end of history?
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Moksha
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Nirvana
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Brahman
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Atman
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Moksha is the term used in Indian philosophy to refer to the final goal or end of history, representing spiritual liberation, release from the cycle of rebirth, and the attainment of ultimate bliss.
Which concept in Indian philosophy is closely related to the idea of eschatological history?
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Karma
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Dharma
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Samsara
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Maya
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Karma, the law of cause and effect, is closely related to the idea of eschatological history, as it suggests that the actions of individuals in the present have consequences that shape their future and contribute to the overall course of history.