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 of the following is an example of an analogy in Vaisheshika philosophy?

  1. Comparing the mind to a mirror that reflects objects

  2. Inferring the existence of God from the design of the universe

  3. Using the testimony of a reliable witness to establish the truth of a claim

  4. Observing the behavior of animals to understand human psychology
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A Correct answer
Explanation

An example of an analogy in Vaisheshika philosophy is comparing the mind to a mirror that reflects objects. This analogy helps to illustrate the concept of the mind as a passive receptacle of knowledge.

Multiple choice

Which Vaisheshika philosopher is primarily associated with the development of the Theory of Pramana?

  1. Kanada

  2. Gautama

  3. Patanjali

  4. Kapila
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Kanada, also known as Kashyapa, is the primary Vaisheshika philosopher associated with the development of the Theory of Pramana. He is considered the founder of the Vaisheshika school of thought.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a central concept in the Nyaya-Vaisheshika school of Indian philosophy?

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Anitya

  4. Satkaryavada
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D Correct answer
Explanation

Satkaryavada is the theory of causality that states that the effect is pre-existent in the cause.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Indian philosophy to refer to the law of karma?

  1. Maya

  2. Anitya

  3. Dukkha

  4. Rta
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D Correct answer
Explanation

Rta is the cosmic order or law that governs the universe, including the law of karma.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a key concept in the Advaita Vedanta school of Indian philosophy?

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Anitya

  4. Satkaryavada
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Maya is the illusion or ignorance that veils the true nature of reality.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Indian philosophy to refer to the idea that the world is constantly changing and impermanent?

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Anitya

  4. Dukkha
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C Correct answer
Explanation

Anitya is the concept of impermanence or change, which is a fundamental aspect of reality in Indian philosophy.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a central concept in the Buddhist philosophy of causality?

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Anitya

  4. Pratītyasamutpāda
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D Correct answer
Explanation

Pratītyasamutpāda is the theory of dependent origination, which states that all phenomena arise in dependence on other phenomena.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Indian philosophy to refer to the idea that the universe is ultimately real and not an illusion?

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Sat

  4. Anitya
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C Correct answer
Explanation

Sat is the concept of being or reality, which is contrasted with maya or illusion.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Dharma

  4. Anitya
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C Correct answer
Explanation

Dharma is the concept of duty or righteousness, which is a central concern of the Mīmāṃsā school.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Indian philosophy to refer to the idea that the universe is ultimately unreal or illusory?

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Anitya

  4. Dukkha
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Maya is the concept of illusion or ignorance, which is often contrasted with sat or reality.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a central concept in the Jain philosophy of causality?

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Ahiṃsā

  4. Anekantavada
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D Correct answer
Explanation

Anekantavada is the theory of multiple perspectives, which states that reality can be viewed from different and often contradictory perspectives.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Indian philosophy to refer to the idea that the universe is ultimately a unity or oneness?

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Brahman

  4. Anitya
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C Correct answer
Explanation

Brahman is the concept of the ultimate reality or ground of being, which is often described as a unity or oneness.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Prakṛti

  4. Purusha
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C Correct answer
Explanation

Prakṛti is the concept of the material or phenomenal world, which is contrasted with purusha or consciousness.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Indian philosophy to refer to the idea that the universe is ultimately a duality or multiplicity?

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Dvaita

  4. Advaita
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C Correct answer
Explanation

Dvaita is the concept of duality or multiplicity, which is often contrasted with advaita or non-duality.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a central concept in the Yoga school of Indian philosophy?

  1. Maya

  2. Karma

  3. Samkhya

  4. Yoga
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D Correct answer
Explanation

Yoga is the concept of union or connection, which is often used to refer to the practice of meditation and spiritual discipline.