Theories of Knowledge in Indian Philosophy

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the various theories of knowledge in Indian philosophy. It covers topics such as the nature of knowledge, the sources of knowledge, and the criteria for valid knowledge.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian philosophy philosophy of knowledge theories of knowledge
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Which school of Indian philosophy emphasizes the role of perception as the primary source of knowledge?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Mimamsa

  4. Advaita Vedanta


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Nyaya school of Indian philosophy, founded by Gautama, places great importance on perception as a means of acquiring knowledge. According to Nyaya, perception is the direct and immediate apprehension of an object through the senses.

In Indian philosophy, the term 'pramana' refers to:

  1. Proof

  2. Evidence

  3. Inference

  4. Testimony


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Indian philosophy, 'pramana' is a Sanskrit term that means 'proof' or 'means of knowledge'. It refers to the various methods or sources through which valid knowledge can be acquired.

Which school of Indian philosophy advocates the theory of 'anvaya-vyatireka' as a method of establishing causal relationships?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Mimamsa

  4. Advaita Vedanta


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Nyaya school of Indian philosophy, founded by Gautama, employs the method of 'anvaya-vyatireka' to establish causal relationships. This method involves observing the presence or absence of a cause and its effect in different instances.

According to the Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy, the primary source of knowledge is:

  1. Perception

  2. Inference

  3. Testimony

  4. Vedas


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy, founded by Jaimini, considers the Vedas as the primary source of knowledge. The Vedas are regarded as sacred texts that contain revealed knowledge about various aspects of life and the universe.

In Indian philosophy, the term 'sruti' refers to:

  1. Revealed knowledge

  2. Empirical knowledge

  3. Rational knowledge

  4. Intuitive knowledge


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Indian philosophy, 'sruti' is a Sanskrit term that means 'heard' or 'revealed'. It refers to the knowledge that is believed to have been revealed by divine sources, such as the Vedas.

Which school of Indian philosophy emphasizes the role of intuition and direct experience as a source of knowledge?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Mimamsa

  4. Advaita Vedanta


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Advaita Vedanta, a school of Indian philosophy founded by Adi Shankara, emphasizes the role of intuition and direct experience as a means of acquiring knowledge. According to Advaita Vedanta, the ultimate reality is Brahman, which can be directly experienced through meditation and self-inquiry.

In Indian philosophy, the term 'smriti' refers to:

  1. Revealed knowledge

  2. Empirical knowledge

  3. Rational knowledge

  4. Remembered knowledge


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In Indian philosophy, 'smriti' is a Sanskrit term that means 'remembered' or 'tradition'. It refers to the knowledge that is derived from memory, experience, or oral tradition, as opposed to revealed knowledge (sruti).

Which school of Indian philosophy advocates the theory of 'apoha' or 'negation' as a means of defining concepts?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Mimamsa

  4. Advaita Vedanta


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Nyaya school of Indian philosophy, founded by Gautama, employs the theory of 'apoha' or 'negation' as a means of defining concepts. According to this theory, a concept is defined by negating its opposite qualities.

In Indian philosophy, the term 'tarka' refers to:

  1. Logical reasoning

  2. Dialectical reasoning

  3. Meditation

  4. Self-inquiry


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Indian philosophy, 'tarka' is a Sanskrit term that means 'logical reasoning' or 'argumentation'. It refers to the process of using logical principles and arguments to establish the validity of a claim or proposition.

Which school of Indian philosophy emphasizes the role of language and grammar in the acquisition of knowledge?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Mimamsa

  4. Advaita Vedanta


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy, founded by Jaimini, places great importance on language and grammar in the acquisition of knowledge. According to Mimamsa, the Vedas are composed in perfect language, and their interpretation requires a deep understanding of grammar and linguistics.

In Indian philosophy, the term 'anumana' refers to:

  1. Perception

  2. Inference

  3. Testimony

  4. Intuition


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Indian philosophy, 'anumana' is a Sanskrit term that means 'inference' or 'deduction'. It refers to the process of deriving new knowledge from existing knowledge through logical reasoning.

Which school of Indian philosophy advocates the theory of 'satkaryavada' or 'the effect exists in the cause'?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Mimamsa

  4. Advaita Vedanta


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Vaisheshika school of Indian philosophy, founded by Kanada, propounds the theory of 'satkaryavada' or 'the effect exists in the cause'. According to this theory, the effect is pre-existent in the cause in a subtle form and is manifested under appropriate conditions.

In Indian philosophy, the term 'abhava' refers to:

  1. Existence

  2. Non-existence

  3. Negation

  4. Absence


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Indian philosophy, 'abhava' is a Sanskrit term that means 'non-existence' or 'absence'. It refers to the state of something not existing or being absent.

Which school of Indian philosophy emphasizes the role of doubt and critical inquiry in the pursuit of knowledge?

  1. Nyaya

  2. Vaisheshika

  3. Mimamsa

  4. Advaita Vedanta


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Nyaya school of Indian philosophy, founded by Gautama, places great importance on doubt and critical inquiry in the pursuit of knowledge. According to Nyaya, knowledge should be subjected to rigorous examination and scrutiny to ensure its validity.

In Indian philosophy, the term 'samaya' refers to:

  1. Agreement

  2. Convention

  3. Tradition

  4. Testimony


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Indian philosophy, 'samaya' is a Sanskrit term that means 'convention' or 'agreement'. It refers to the knowledge that is derived from social conventions, customs, or traditions.

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