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 the main text of the Nyaya school of Indian logic?

  1. Nyaya Sutras

  2. Vaisheshika Sutras

  3. Yoga Sutras

  4. Samkhya Sutras
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A Correct answer
Explanation

The Nyaya Sutras, written by Akshapada Gautama, is the foundational text of the Nyaya school of Indian logic.

Multiple choice

What is the primary focus of the Nyaya school of Indian logic?

  1. Epistemology

  2. Ontology

  3. Ethics

  4. Metaphysics
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A Correct answer
Explanation

The Nyaya school primarily focuses on epistemology, which is the study of knowledge and how we acquire it.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a fundamental concept in Nyaya logic?

  1. Pramana

  2. Anumana

  3. Upamana

  4. Sabda
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Pramana, or means of knowledge, is a key concept in Nyaya logic and refers to the various ways in which we can acquire valid knowledge.

Multiple choice

What is the term for inference in Nyaya logic?

  1. Anumana

  2. Vyapti

  3. Paksha

  4. Sadhya
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Anumana is the term for inference in Nyaya logic and refers to the process of deriving a conclusion from evidence.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a type of Anumana in Nyaya logic?

  1. Purvavat

  2. Sheshavat

  3. Samanyatodrishta

  4. Asadharana
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Purvavat is a type of Anumana in Nyaya logic that involves inferring a conclusion based on a previous observation or experience.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the major premise in an Anumana?

  1. Vyapti

  2. Paksha

  3. Sadhya

  4. Dharmata
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Vyapti is the term for the major premise in an Anumana and refers to the general rule or connection between two things.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a type of Pramana in Nyaya logic that involves relying on the testimony of experts or authorities?

  1. Pratyaksha

  2. Anumana

  3. Upamana

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

Shabda is a type of Pramana in Nyaya logic that involves relying on the testimony of experts or authorities as a source of knowledge.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a type of Pramana in Nyaya logic that involves direct perception of an object?

  1. Pratyaksha

  2. Anumana

  3. Upamana

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

Pratyaksha is a type of Pramana in Nyaya logic that involves direct perception of an object through the senses.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a Padartha in Vaisheshika philosophy?

  1. Dravya (substance)

  2. Guna (quality)

  3. Karma (action)

  4. Samavaya (inherence)

  5. Abhava (absence)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Karma, or action, is not considered a Padartha in Vaisheshika philosophy. The six Padarthas are Dravya (substance), Guna (quality), Karma (action), Samavaya (inherence), Abhava (absence), and Vishesha (particularity).

Multiple choice

What is the primary characteristic of Dravya (substance) in Vaisheshika philosophy?

  1. It is capable of independent existence.

  2. It possesses qualities.

  3. It can undergo change.

  4. It is the cause of other things.

  5. It is eternal and unchanging.
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A Correct answer
Explanation

The primary characteristic of Dravya (substance) in Vaisheshika philosophy is its ability to exist independently. It does not rely on other entities for its existence.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of Guna (quality) in Vaisheshika philosophy?

  1. Color

  2. Taste

  3. Weight

  4. Temperature

  5. Motion
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Color is an example of Guna (quality) in Vaisheshika philosophy. Gunas are inherent properties of Dravya (substance) that cannot exist independently.

Multiple choice

How many Padarthas (categories) are there in Vaisheshika philosophy?

  1. 5

  2. 6

  3. 7

  4. 8

  5. 9
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

There are six Padarthas (categories) in Vaisheshika philosophy: Dravya (substance), Guna (quality), Karma (action), Samavaya (inherence), Abhava (absence), and Vishesha (particularity).

Multiple choice

Which Padartha (category) is considered the most fundamental in Vaisheshika philosophy?

  1. Dravya (substance)

  2. Guna (quality)

  3. Karma (action)

  4. Samavaya (inherence)

  5. Abhava (absence)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Dravya (substance) is considered the most fundamental Padartha (category) in Vaisheshika philosophy. It is the primary entity from which all other categories are derived.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of Samavaya (inherence) in Vaisheshika philosophy?

  1. The connection between a substance and its quality.

  2. The connection between a substance and its action.

  3. The connection between a quality and an action.

  4. The connection between a substance and its absence.

  5. The connection between a quality and its absence.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Samavaya (inherence) in Vaisheshika philosophy is the connection between a substance and its quality. It is the inherent relationship between a substance and its attributes.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a Padartha (category) in Vaisheshika philosophy?

  1. Dravya (substance)

  2. Guna (quality)

  3. Karma (action)

  4. Samavaya (inherence)

  5. Abhava (absence)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Karma, or action, is not considered a Padartha in Vaisheshika philosophy. The six Padarthas are Dravya (substance), Guna (quality), Karma (action), Samavaya (inherence), Abhava (absence), and Vishesha (particularity).