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The Ethics of Carvaka Philosophy

Description: Carvaka philosophy is a school of ancient Indian materialism that flourished between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. It is one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy and is known for its rejection of the Vedas, the authority of the priestly class, and the concept of an afterlife.
Number of Questions: 10
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Tags: carvaka philosophy ethics indian philosophy
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What is the central tenet of Carvaka philosophy?

  1. The Vedas are the ultimate authority.

  2. The soul is immortal.

  3. There is no afterlife.

  4. Pleasure is the highest good.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Carvaka philosophers believe that pleasure is the only good and that pain is the only evil. They argue that all other values, such as morality, justice, and religion, are simply means to achieving pleasure and avoiding pain.

What is the Carvaka view of the soul?

  1. The soul is immortal.

  2. The soul is mortal.

  3. The soul is a product of the brain.

  4. The soul does not exist.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Carvaka philosophers believe that the soul is a product of the brain and that it does not exist independently of the body. They argue that when the body dies, the soul also dies.

What is the Carvaka view of the afterlife?

  1. There is an afterlife.

  2. There is no afterlife.

  3. The afterlife is a place of pleasure.

  4. The afterlife is a place of pain.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Carvaka philosophers believe that there is no afterlife and that death is the end of existence. They argue that the idea of an afterlife is simply a way for priests to control people.

What is the Carvaka view of morality?

  1. Morality is based on the Vedas.

  2. Morality is based on pleasure and pain.

  3. Morality is based on social customs.

  4. Morality is based on personal preferences.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Carvaka philosophers believe that morality is based on pleasure and pain. They argue that actions that produce pleasure are good and actions that produce pain are bad.

What is the Carvaka view of justice?

  1. Justice is based on the Vedas.

  2. Justice is based on pleasure and pain.

  3. Justice is based on social customs.

  4. Justice is based on personal preferences.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Carvaka philosophers believe that justice is based on pleasure and pain. They argue that a just society is one in which pleasure is maximized and pain is minimized.

What is the Carvaka view of religion?

  1. Religion is based on the Vedas.

  2. Religion is based on pleasure and pain.

  3. Religion is based on social customs.

  4. Religion is a product of the priestly class.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Carvaka philosophers believe that religion is a product of the priestly class and that it is used to control people. They argue that the Vedas are not a source of divine knowledge, but rather a collection of myths and legends.

What is the Carvaka view of the good life?

  1. The good life is a life of pleasure.

  2. The good life is a life of virtue.

  3. The good life is a life of knowledge.

  4. The good life is a life of liberation.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Carvaka philosophers believe that the good life is a life of pleasure. They argue that the only thing that is truly good is pleasure and that the only thing that is truly bad is pain.

What is the Carvaka view of the meaning of life?

  1. The meaning of life is to achieve pleasure.

  2. The meaning of life is to achieve virtue.

  3. The meaning of life is to achieve knowledge.

  4. The meaning of life is to achieve liberation.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Carvaka philosophers believe that the meaning of life is to achieve pleasure. They argue that the only thing that is truly good is pleasure and that the only thing that is truly bad is pain.

What are the main criticisms of Carvaka philosophy?

  1. It is too materialistic.

  2. It is too hedonistic.

  3. It is too pessimistic.

  4. It is too nihilistic.


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Carvaka philosophy has been criticized for being too materialistic, too hedonistic, too pessimistic, and too nihilistic. Critics argue that it is a shallow and superficial philosophy that does not offer a meaningful account of the human condition.

Despite its criticisms, what is the value of Carvaka philosophy?

  1. It is a challenge to traditional Indian philosophy.

  2. It is a source of insights into the nature of pleasure and pain.

  3. It is a reminder that the pursuit of pleasure is not always a bad thing.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Carvaka philosophy is a valuable challenge to traditional Indian philosophy. It offers a unique perspective on the nature of pleasure and pain, and it reminds us that the pursuit of pleasure is not always a bad thing.

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