0

The Legacy of Indian Thought: Its Influence on Western Philosophical Discourse

Description: This quiz explores the profound impact of Indian thought on Western philosophical discourse. Test your knowledge of the key concepts, ideas, and thinkers that shaped this intellectual exchange.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: indian philosophy western philosophy comparative philosophy intellectual history
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which ancient Indian text is considered the foundation of Hindu philosophy and contains insights into metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics?

  1. Bhagavad Gita

  2. Upanishads

  3. Rigveda

  4. Arthashastra


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Upanishads are a collection of philosophical texts that form the core of Hindu philosophy. They explore fundamental questions of existence, reality, and the nature of the self.

Who is widely regarded as the father of Indian logic and the founder of the Nyaya school of philosophy?

  1. Gautama Buddha

  2. Mahavira

  3. Kapila

  4. Gautama Akshapada


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Gautama Akshapada, also known as Gotama, is credited with developing the Nyaya system of logic and epistemology, which significantly influenced Indian and Buddhist thought.

The concept of anatta or anatman, which emphasizes the absence of a permanent self, is a central tenet of which Indian philosophical school?

  1. Vaisheshika

  2. Nyaya

  3. Samkhya

  4. Buddhism


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The concept of anatta or anatman is a fundamental teaching in Buddhism, asserting that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul.

Which Indian philosopher proposed the theory of gunas, or three fundamental qualities that govern the universe: sattva, rajas, and tamas?

  1. Kapila

  2. Patanjali

  3. Shankara

  4. Ramanuja


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Kapila, the founder of the Samkhya school of philosophy, introduced the concept of gunas to explain the nature of reality and the interactions between matter and consciousness.

The concept of ahimsa, or non-violence, is a core principle in which Indian philosophical tradition?

  1. Jainism

  2. Buddhism

  3. Hinduism

  4. Sikhism


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ahimsa is a fundamental tenet of Jainism, emphasizing the avoidance of violence and harm to all living beings.

Which Indian philosopher developed the theory of maya, or illusion, and argued that the world we perceive is ultimately unreal?

  1. Shankara

  2. Ramanuja

  3. Madhva

  4. Nimbarka


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Shankara, the founder of the Advaita Vedanta school, propounded the concept of maya, asserting that the phenomenal world is an illusion and only Brahman, the ultimate reality, is true.

The concept of karma, or action and its consequences, is a central belief in which Indian philosophical tradition?

  1. Hinduism

  2. Buddhism

  3. Jainism

  4. Sikhism


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The concept of karma is deeply ingrained in Hindu philosophy, emphasizing the moral consequences of one's actions and the cycle of rebirth.

Which Indian philosopher argued for the existence of a personal God and criticized the concept of maya?

  1. Ramanuja

  2. Madhva

  3. Nimbarka

  4. Vallabha


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ramanuja, a prominent philosopher in the Vaishnava tradition, rejected the concept of maya and asserted the existence of a personal God, Vishnu, as the ultimate reality.

The concept of moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth, is a central goal in which Indian philosophical tradition?

  1. Hinduism

  2. Buddhism

  3. Jainism

  4. Sikhism


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The concept of moksha is a fundamental aspiration in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, representing the ultimate goal of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Which Indian philosopher developed the theory of anekantavada, or the doctrine of multiple viewpoints, emphasizing the relativity of truth?

  1. Mahavira

  2. Parshvanatha

  3. Gautama Buddha

  4. Jina


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, propounded the theory of anekantavada, asserting that truth is multifaceted and can be viewed from different perspectives.

The concept of dharma, or righteous conduct, is a central principle in which Indian philosophical tradition?

  1. Hinduism

  2. Buddhism

  3. Jainism

  4. Sikhism


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The concept of dharma is a fundamental ethical principle in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, emphasizing the importance of righteous conduct, moral duty, and social harmony.

Which Indian philosopher developed the theory of svadharma, or one's own duty, and emphasized the importance of fulfilling one's social and spiritual obligations?

  1. Krishna

  2. Arjuna

  3. Vyasa

  4. Bhishma


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, expounded the concept of svadharma, urging individuals to fulfill their duties and obligations according to their social and spiritual roles.

The concept of nirvana, or the state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth, is a central goal in which Indian philosophical tradition?

  1. Buddhism

  2. Jainism

  3. Hinduism

  4. Sikhism


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The concept of nirvana is a fundamental goal in Buddhism, representing the ultimate state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Which Indian philosopher developed the theory of sunyata, or emptiness, and argued that all phenomena are devoid of inherent existence?

  1. Nagarjuna

  2. Aryadeva

  3. Vasubandhu

  4. Asanga


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Nagarjuna, a prominent philosopher in the Madhyamaka school of Buddhism, propounded the theory of sunyata, asserting that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence.

The concept of brahman, or the ultimate reality, is a central principle in which Indian philosophical tradition?

  1. Hinduism

  2. Buddhism

  3. Jainism

  4. Sikhism


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The concept of brahman is a fundamental metaphysical principle in Hinduism, representing the ultimate reality, the source of all existence, and the ground of all being.

- Hide questions