0

Buddhist Philosophy and Western Thought

Description: Buddhist Philosophy and Western Thought: Exploring the Interconnections and Differences
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: buddhism western philosophy comparative philosophy philosophy of mind ethics
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which Buddhist concept is often compared to the Western notion of the 'self'?

  1. Anatta

  2. Nirvana

  3. Dharma

  4. Karma


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Anatta, or 'no-self,' is a fundamental Buddhist teaching that challenges the idea of a permanent, unchanging self. This concept is often contrasted with the Western philosophical tradition's emphasis on the individual self.

What is the central goal of Buddhist practice, according to the Four Noble Truths?

  1. Achieving enlightenment

  2. Eliminating suffering

  3. Cultivating compassion

  4. Attaining liberation


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Four Noble Truths, a core teaching in Buddhism, identify the root cause of suffering and outline the path to its cessation. The ultimate goal is to eliminate suffering and attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Which Buddhist teaching emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things?

  1. Dependent Origination

  2. Karma

  3. Nirvana

  4. Anatta


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Dependent Origination, also known as Pratītyasamutpāda, is a fundamental Buddhist principle that asserts that all phenomena arise and exist in dependence on other phenomena. It highlights the interconnectedness and impermanence of all things.

How does the Buddhist concept of emptiness (Śūnyatā) relate to Western philosophical discussions of being and nothingness?

  1. It affirms the existence of an ultimate reality beyond duality

  2. It negates the existence of any inherent reality

  3. It posits a distinction between absolute and relative truth

  4. It emphasizes the importance of non-conceptual experience


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Śūnyatā, or emptiness, is a central concept in Buddhist philosophy that challenges the notion of inherent existence. It asserts that all phenomena are empty of any fixed or independent essence, thereby negating the idea of a substantial self or an objective world.

What is the Buddhist perspective on the nature of reality, as compared to Western philosophical approaches?

  1. Reality is ultimately unknowable

  2. Reality is composed of fundamental particles

  3. Reality is a product of the mind

  4. Reality is a manifestation of the Absolute


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Buddhist philosophy often emphasizes the limitations of human perception and understanding, suggesting that the ultimate nature of reality is beyond the grasp of conceptual thought. This contrasts with some Western philosophical traditions that seek to define and explain the fundamental constituents of reality.

How does Buddhist ethics compare to Western ethical theories, such as utilitarianism or Kantianism?

  1. Buddhist ethics is primarily concerned with personal liberation

  2. Buddhist ethics emphasizes the importance of compassion and non-harming

  3. Buddhist ethics is based on a universal moral code

  4. Buddhist ethics is focused on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Buddhist ethics places a strong emphasis on compassion, non-harming, and the cultivation of positive qualities such as loving-kindness and generosity. While it shares some similarities with Western ethical theories, it is distinct in its focus on the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of liberation from suffering.

Which Buddhist meditation technique is often compared to Western contemplative practices like mindfulness?

  1. Vipassana

  2. Metta

  3. Samatha

  4. Anapanasati


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Vipassana, a form of insight meditation, is a core practice in Theravada Buddhism. It involves cultivating mindfulness and observing the impermanence and interconnectedness of all phenomena. Vipassana has gained popularity in the West and is often compared to mindfulness-based practices.

How does the Buddhist concept of karma relate to Western notions of justice and retribution?

  1. Karma is a universal law of cause and effect

  2. Karma is a form of divine punishment

  3. Karma is a personal responsibility for one's actions

  4. Karma is a cycle of rebirth based on past actions


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Karma, in Buddhism, is a fundamental principle that states that every action, whether physical, verbal, or mental, has corresponding consequences. It is not simply a matter of reward or punishment, but rather a natural law of cause and effect that governs the cycle of rebirth.

Which Buddhist philosophical school is known for its emphasis on the Middle Way?

  1. Madhyamaka

  2. Yogacara

  3. Theravada

  4. Zen


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Madhyamaka, founded by Nagarjuna, is a prominent Buddhist philosophical school that emphasizes the Middle Way. It seeks to avoid extremes and dualistic thinking, asserting that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence and that ultimate reality transcends conceptualization.

How does the Buddhist concept of impermanence (Anicca) compare to Western philosophical discussions of time and change?

  1. Anicca affirms the stability and permanence of reality

  2. Anicca emphasizes the cyclical nature of time

  3. Anicca posits a distinction between absolute and relative time

  4. Anicca denies the existence of any real change


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Anicca, or impermanence, is a fundamental Buddhist teaching that asserts that all phenomena are subject to change and decay. It highlights the transient and dynamic nature of reality, contrasting with some Western philosophical perspectives that emphasize the stability and permanence of certain entities or principles.

What is the Buddhist perspective on the relationship between mind and matter?

  1. Mind and matter are fundamentally distinct

  2. Mind and matter are two aspects of the same underlying reality

  3. Mind is primary and matter is secondary

  4. Matter is primary and mind is secondary


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Buddhist philosophy often views mind and matter as interconnected and interdependent, rather than as separate and distinct entities. This perspective challenges the traditional Western dichotomy between mind and body, suggesting a more holistic understanding of reality.

How does the Buddhist concept of dependent origination relate to Western philosophical discussions of causality?

  1. Dependent origination posits a linear chain of cause and effect

  2. Dependent origination emphasizes the interconnectedness of all phenomena

  3. Dependent origination denies the existence of any real causation

  4. Dependent origination distinguishes between necessary and sufficient causes


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Dependent origination, a core Buddhist principle, asserts that all phenomena arise and exist in dependence on other phenomena. It highlights the interconnectedness and impermanence of all things, challenging Western philosophical notions of linear causality and the separation of cause and effect.

Which Buddhist philosophical school is known for its emphasis on the doctrine of 'emptiness' (Śūnyatā)?

  1. Madhyamaka

  2. Yogacara

  3. Theravada

  4. Zen


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Madhyamaka, founded by Nagarjuna, is a prominent Buddhist philosophical school that emphasizes the doctrine of 'emptiness' (Śūnyatā). It asserts that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence and that ultimate reality transcends conceptualization.

How does the Buddhist concept of 'no-self' (Anatta) compare to Western philosophical discussions of the self?

  1. Anatta affirms the existence of a permanent and unchanging self

  2. Anatta emphasizes the interconnectedness of all selves

  3. Anatta posits a distinction between the true self and the false self

  4. Anatta denies the existence of any real self


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Anatta, or 'no-self,' is a fundamental Buddhist teaching that challenges the idea of a permanent, unchanging self. It asserts that the self is an illusion, a collection of changing mental and physical phenomena, and that ultimate liberation lies in the realization of this truth.

Which Buddhist meditation technique is often compared to Western contemplative practices like mindfulness?

  1. Vipassana

  2. Metta

  3. Samatha

  4. Anapanasati


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Vipassana, a form of insight meditation, is a core practice in Theravada Buddhism. It involves cultivating mindfulness and observing the impermanence and interconnectedness of all phenomena. Vipassana has gained popularity in the West and is often compared to mindfulness-based practices.

- Hide questions