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Gautama: The Father of Nyaya Philosophy

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your knowledge about Gautama, the father of Nyaya philosophy. Gautama, also known as Akshapada Gautama, was an ancient Indian philosopher who is considered the founder of the Nyaya school of philosophy. Nyaya is one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy and is known for its emphasis on logic and reasoning. This quiz will cover various aspects of Gautama's life, philosophy, and contributions to Indian thought.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian philosophy nyaya philosophy gautama akshapada gautama logic reasoning
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What is the name of the text that is considered to be the foundational work of the Nyaya school of philosophy?

  1. Nyaya Sutras

  2. Vaisheshika Sutras

  3. Yoga Sutras

  4. Samkhya Sutras


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Nyaya Sutras is a collection of aphorisms or short statements that outline the basic principles and concepts of the Nyaya school of philosophy. It is attributed to Gautama and is considered to be the foundational text of the Nyaya tradition.

What is the central theme of the Nyaya philosophy?

  1. Ethics and morality

  2. Metaphysics and ontology

  3. Logic and reasoning

  4. Epistemology and knowledge


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Nyaya school of philosophy is primarily concerned with logic and reasoning. It emphasizes the importance of using logical arguments and evidence to arrive at valid conclusions. Nyaya philosophers developed various logical tools and techniques to analyze and evaluate arguments.

Which of the following is a key concept in Nyaya philosophy?

  1. Anumana (inference)

  2. Pratyaksha (perception)

  3. Sabda (verbal testimony)

  4. Upamana (comparison)


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Anumana (inference) is a central concept in Nyaya philosophy. It refers to the process of deriving new knowledge or conclusions from existing knowledge or evidence. Nyaya philosophers developed various types of inferences and formulated rules for valid reasoning.

What is the term used in Nyaya philosophy to refer to the means of valid knowledge?

  1. Pramana

  2. Anumana

  3. Pratyaksha

  4. Sabda


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Pramana is the term used in Nyaya philosophy to refer to the means of valid knowledge. It encompasses various sources and methods through which reliable knowledge can be acquired. Nyaya philosophers identified four Pramanas: Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), Sabda (verbal testimony), and Upamana (comparison).

Which of the following is not considered a valid means of knowledge according to Nyaya philosophy?

  1. Pratyaksha (perception)

  2. Anumana (inference)

  3. Sabda (verbal testimony)

  4. Arthapatti (postulation)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Arthapatti (postulation) is not considered a valid means of knowledge according to Nyaya philosophy. Nyaya philosophers recognized four Pramanas: Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), Sabda (verbal testimony), and Upamana (comparison). Arthapatti, which involves inferring a proposition based on its necessity or plausibility, is not included among the valid Pramanas in Nyaya.

What is the term used in Nyaya philosophy to refer to the logical fallacies or errors in reasoning?

  1. Hetvabhasa

  2. Anumana

  3. Pratyaksha

  4. Sabda


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Hetvabhasa is the term used in Nyaya philosophy to refer to the logical fallacies or errors in reasoning. Nyaya philosophers identified various types of Hetvabhasas, which include fallacies related to the misuse of evidence, invalid inferences, and faulty reasoning.

Which of the following is an example of a Hetvabhasa (logical fallacy) in Nyaya philosophy?

  1. Affirming the consequent

  2. Denying the antecedent

  3. Appeal to ignorance

  4. Ad hominem


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Affirming the consequent is an example of a Hetvabhasa (logical fallacy) in Nyaya philosophy. It occurs when someone assumes that because the consequent of a conditional statement is true, the antecedent must also be true. This is a logical fallacy because the truth of the consequent does not necessarily imply the truth of the antecedent.

What is the term used in Nyaya philosophy to refer to the process of arriving at a valid conclusion based on evidence and logical reasoning?

  1. Yukti

  2. Anumana

  3. Pratyaksha

  4. Sabda


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Yukti is the term used in Nyaya philosophy to refer to the process of arriving at a valid conclusion based on evidence and logical reasoning. It involves using logical arguments and evidence to support a claim or proposition. Yukti is considered an essential aspect of Nyaya philosophy's emphasis on logic and reasoning.

Which of the following is a key concept in Nyaya philosophy related to the theory of causation?

  1. Asatkarya

  2. Satkaryavada

  3. Vivartavada

  4. Advaita


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Asatkarya is a key concept in Nyaya philosophy related to the theory of causation. It refers to the idea that an effect cannot be produced from a non-existent cause. Nyaya philosophers argued that an effect must pre-exist in its cause in some form, either as a potential or actual entity.

What is the term used in Nyaya philosophy to refer to the theory that the soul is eternal and distinct from the body?

  1. Atman

  2. Brahman

  3. Maya

  4. Moksha


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Atman is the term used in Nyaya philosophy to refer to the theory that the soul is eternal and distinct from the body. Nyaya philosophers argued that the Atman is a conscious, immaterial entity that is the true self of an individual. They believed that the Atman is not affected by the changes and transformations of the physical body.

Which of the following is a key concept in Nyaya philosophy related to the theory of knowledge?

  1. Svaprakasha

  2. Nirvikalpaka

  3. Savikalpaka

  4. Anupalabdhi


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Svaprakasha is a key concept in Nyaya philosophy related to the theory of knowledge. It refers to the idea that consciousness is self-illuminating and does not require an external source of light to be known. Nyaya philosophers argued that consciousness is inherently luminous and reveals itself to itself without the need for any external objects or mental constructs.

What is the term used in Nyaya philosophy to refer to the process of liberation or release from the cycle of rebirth?

  1. Moksha

  2. Nirvana

  3. Samadhi

  4. Kaivalya


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Moksha is the term used in Nyaya philosophy to refer to the process of liberation or release from the cycle of rebirth. Nyaya philosophers believed that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve Moksha, which involves breaking free from the limitations of the physical world and attaining a state of pure consciousness and bliss.

Which of the following is a key concept in Nyaya philosophy related to the theory of action?

  1. Karma

  2. Dharma

  3. Artha

  4. Kama


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Karma is a key concept in Nyaya philosophy related to the theory of action. It refers to the idea that every action has consequences, both positive and negative. Nyaya philosophers believed that individuals are responsible for their actions and that their actions determine their future destiny. They emphasized the importance of performing righteous actions and avoiding unrighteous ones in order to achieve a good life.

What is the term used in Nyaya philosophy to refer to the four stages of life?

  1. Ashramas

  2. Varnas

  3. Gunas

  4. Doshas


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ashramas are the four stages of life in Nyaya philosophy. They are Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (forest dweller), and Sannyasa (renunciate). Nyaya philosophers believed that individuals should progress through these stages in order to achieve spiritual fulfillment and liberation.

Which of the following is a key concept in Nyaya philosophy related to the theory of language?

  1. Sphota

  2. Vakya

  3. Pada

  4. Varna


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sphota is a key concept in Nyaya philosophy related to the theory of language. It refers to the idea that a word or sentence has a single, indivisible meaning that is revealed when it is uttered or heard. Nyaya philosophers argued that the meaning of a word or sentence is not simply the sum of its parts but rather a holistic entity that is apprehended as a whole.

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