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The Problem of Other Minds in Indian Philosophy

Description: This quiz covers the problem of other minds in Indian philosophy, which explores the question of how we can know that other people have minds and experiences similar to our own.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian philosophy philosophy of mind problem of other minds
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In Indian philosophy, the problem of other minds is often referred to as:

  1. The Problem of Empathy

  2. The Problem of Intersubjectivity

  3. The Problem of Solipsism

  4. The Problem of Consciousness


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The problem of intersubjectivity refers to the difficulty of knowing that other people have minds and experiences similar to our own.

Which Indian philosopher is known for his theory of 'Anātman' or 'no-self'?

  1. Nāgārjuna

  2. Vasubandhu

  3. Śaṅkara

  4. Rāmānuja


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Nāgārjuna's theory of 'Anātman' or 'no-self' challenges the idea of a permanent, unchanging self and suggests that the mind is a collection of impermanent mental states.

According to the Buddhist philosopher Vasubandhu, what is the basis of our knowledge of other minds?

  1. Inference from their behavior

  2. Direct perception of their minds

  3. Empathy and emotional connection

  4. Testimony and communication


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Vasubandhu argues that we can infer the existence of other minds based on their behavior and actions.

In the Advaita Vedānta school of Indian philosophy, what is the relationship between the individual self and the universal Self?

  1. The individual self is an illusion

  2. The individual self is a part of the universal Self

  3. The individual self is identical to the universal Self

  4. The individual self is separate from the universal Self


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Advaita Vedānta teaches that the individual self (jiva) and the universal Self (Brahman) are ultimately one and the same.

Which Indian philosopher argued that the problem of other minds can be solved through empathy and emotional connection?

  1. Abhinavagupta

  2. Madhva

  3. Kumārila Bhaṭṭa

  4. Prabhākara


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Abhinavagupta, a Kashmiri Shaivite philosopher, proposed that empathy and emotional connection can provide direct access to the minds of others.

In the Nyāya school of Indian philosophy, what is the primary means of knowledge?

  1. Perception

  2. Inference

  3. Testimony

  4. Comparison


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Nyāya school emphasizes the role of inference (anumāna) as the primary means of gaining knowledge, including knowledge about the existence of other minds.

According to the Mīmāṃsā school of Indian philosophy, how do we know that other people have minds?

  1. Through direct perception of their minds

  2. Through inference from their behavior

  3. Through testimony and communication

  4. Through intuition and spiritual experience


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Mīmāṃsā school relies on testimony (śabda) and communication as the primary means of gaining knowledge, including knowledge about the existence of other minds.

In the Vaiśeṣika school of Indian philosophy, what is the category of substances that includes minds?

  1. Earth

  2. Water

  3. Fire

  4. Air

  5. Mind


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

The Vaiśeṣika school posits six categories of substances, including 'mind' (manas), which is the seat of consciousness and mental activity.

Which Indian philosopher argued that the problem of other minds can be solved through the concept of 'sympathetic introspection'?

  1. Bhartṛhari

  2. Jayanta Bhaṭṭa

  3. Uddyotakara

  4. Vācaspati Miśra


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Jayanta Bhaṭṭa, a Nyāya philosopher, proposed the concept of 'sympathetic introspection' (anubhava-sāmyavāda), which suggests that we can understand the minds of others by introspecting our own minds and assuming that they have similar experiences.

In the Jaina philosophy, what is the term for the individual soul or consciousness?

  1. Jīva

  2. Ātman

  3. Purusha

  4. Brahman


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Jaina philosophy, 'jīva' refers to the individual soul or consciousness, which is considered to be a real and eternal substance.

Which Indian philosopher argued that the problem of other minds can be solved through the concept of 'adhyāsa' or 'superimposition'?

  1. Śaṅkara

  2. Rāmānuja

  3. Madhva

  4. Nimbārka


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Śaṅkara, the founder of Advaita Vedānta, proposed the concept of 'adhyāsa' or 'superimposition', which suggests that the problem of other minds arises from the mistaken superimposition of the self on the not-self.

In the Cārvāka school of Indian philosophy, what is the primary source of knowledge?

  1. Perception

  2. Inference

  3. Testimony

  4. Intuition


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Cārvāka school emphasizes the role of perception as the primary source of knowledge, rejecting the validity of inference and testimony.

Which Indian philosopher argued that the problem of other minds can be solved through the concept of 'sādhāraṇa-dharma' or 'common properties'?

  1. Kumārila Bhaṭṭa

  2. Prabhākara

  3. Uddyotakara

  4. Vācaspati Miśra


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Kumārila Bhaṭṭa, a Mīmāṃsā philosopher, proposed the concept of 'sādhāraṇa-dharma' or 'common properties', which suggests that we can infer the existence of other minds based on the common properties and behaviors that we share with them.

In the Yoga school of Indian philosophy, what is the term for the state of consciousness in which the mind is completely focused and concentrated?

  1. Samādhi

  2. Dhyāna

  3. Dhāraṇā

  4. Pratyāhāra


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Yoga philosophy, 'samādhi' refers to the state of consciousness in which the mind is completely focused and concentrated, leading to a deep meditative state.

Which Indian philosopher argued that the problem of other minds can be solved through the concept of 'anumāna' or 'inference'?

  1. Nāgārjuna

  2. Vasubandhu

  3. Śaṅkara

  4. Rāmānuja


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Vasubandhu, a Buddhist philosopher, argued that the problem of other minds can be solved through the use of 'anumāna' or 'inference', which allows us to infer the existence of other minds based on their behavior and actions.

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