Theories of Free Will in Indian Philosophy

Description: This quiz covers the various theories of free will in Indian philosophy, exploring the different perspectives and arguments presented by various schools of thought.
Number of Questions: 15
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Which of the following is a central concept in the Nyaya-Vaisheshika theory of free will?

  1. Karma

  2. Moksha

  3. Svabhava

  4. Ishvara


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Svabhava, or inherent nature, is a key concept in the Nyaya-Vaisheshika theory of free will. It refers to the inherent tendency of an object to behave in a certain way, which is determined by its own nature and not by external factors.

According to the Mimamsa school of thought, what is the primary factor that determines the moral responsibility of an action?

  1. Intent

  2. Consequences

  3. Social norms

  4. Divine will


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In the Mimamsa school of thought, the primary factor that determines the moral responsibility of an action is the intent or purpose behind the action. The consequences of the action are not considered as relevant in determining moral responsibility.

The concept of 'Adrishta' in the Samkhya-Yoga philosophy refers to:

  1. Past life karma

  2. Divine intervention

  3. Unseen forces

  4. Free will


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Adrishta in the Samkhya-Yoga philosophy refers to the accumulated results of past life actions, which are believed to influence the present life and determine one's destiny.

Which of the following is a key argument against free will in the Buddhist philosophy?

  1. The law of karma

  2. The doctrine of no-self

  3. The principle of dependent origination

  4. The existence of God


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Buddhist doctrine of no-self (anatman) challenges the notion of a permanent and independent self, which is often seen as a prerequisite for free will. According to Buddhism, there is no fixed or unchanging self that can make independent choices.

In the Jain philosophy, the concept of 'nishkriya' refers to:

  1. Non-action

  2. Complete inaction

  3. Detachment from actions

  4. Moral responsibility


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Nishkriya in Jain philosophy refers to the state of detachment from actions and their consequences. It emphasizes the importance of performing actions without attachment to the fruits of those actions, thereby liberating oneself from the cycle of karma.

Which of the following is a central tenet of the Advaita Vedanta school of thought regarding free will?

  1. The individual self is the ultimate reality

  2. The world is an illusion

  3. Free will is an illusion

  4. The self is identical with Brahman


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In Advaita Vedanta, the self (atman) is considered to be identical with Brahman, the ultimate reality. This non-dualistic perspective implies that there is no separate individual self that possesses free will. Instead, all actions and choices are seen as manifestations of the universal consciousness.

The concept of 'svatantrya' in the Nyaya-Vaisheshika philosophy refers to:

  1. Absolute freedom

  2. Limited freedom

  3. Freedom from desire

  4. Freedom from ignorance


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Svatantrya in the Nyaya-Vaisheshika philosophy refers to the limited freedom of the individual to make choices and perform actions. This freedom is constrained by factors such as past karma, the laws of nature, and the inherent nature of objects.

According to the Mimamsa school of thought, what is the primary purpose of human life?

  1. To attain moksha

  2. To fulfill one's dharma

  3. To experience pleasure

  4. To acquire knowledge


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In the Mimamsa school of thought, the primary purpose of human life is to fulfill one's dharma, or prescribed duties and obligations. This includes performing rituals, following social norms, and adhering to moral principles.

Which of the following is a key argument in favor of free will in the Samkhya-Yoga philosophy?

  1. The existence of a separate self

  2. The law of karma

  3. The principle of dependent origination

  4. The existence of God


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In the Samkhya-Yoga philosophy, the existence of a separate self (purusha) is seen as a prerequisite for free will. The self is considered to be independent of the material world (prakriti) and possesses the ability to make choices and initiate actions.

In the Buddhist philosophy, the concept of 'karma' refers to:

  1. Past life actions

  2. Moral responsibility

  3. The cycle of rebirth

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In Buddhism, karma encompasses past life actions, moral responsibility, and the cycle of rebirth. It is believed that one's actions in this life determine the circumstances and experiences in future lives.

Which of the following is a central concept in the Jain philosophy regarding free will?

  1. Ajiva

  2. Jiva

  3. Karma

  4. Moksha


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Jain philosophy, the concept of jiva, or the individual soul, is central to the discussion of free will. Jiva is considered to possess inherent consciousness and the ability to make choices, which determine its destiny and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

According to the Advaita Vedanta school of thought, what is the ultimate goal of human life?

  1. To attain moksha

  2. To fulfill one's dharma

  3. To experience pleasure

  4. To acquire knowledge


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Advaita Vedanta, the ultimate goal of human life is to attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. This is achieved through the realization of the non-dual nature of reality and the identity of the self with Brahman.

Which of the following is a key argument against free will in the Nyaya-Vaisheshika philosophy?

  1. The law of karma

  2. The doctrine of no-self

  3. The principle of dependent origination

  4. The existence of God


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In the Nyaya-Vaisheshika philosophy, the law of karma is seen as a challenge to free will. According to this law, every action has a corresponding reaction, and the consequences of one's actions determine their future experiences. This suggests that one's choices are predetermined by past actions.

The concept of 'moksha' in the Samkhya-Yoga philosophy refers to:

  1. Liberation from the cycle of rebirth

  2. Union with the divine

  3. Attainment of perfect knowledge

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In the Samkhya-Yoga philosophy, moksha encompasses liberation from the cycle of rebirth, union with the divine (purusha), and the attainment of perfect knowledge (jnana). It is the ultimate goal of human existence and is achieved through the practice of yoga and meditation.

Which of the following is a key argument in favor of free will in the Advaita Vedanta school of thought?

  1. The existence of a separate self

  2. The law of karma

  3. The principle of dependent origination

  4. The existence of God


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Advaita Vedanta, the existence of a separate self (jiva) is seen as a prerequisite for free will. The self is considered to be distinct from the material world (maya) and possesses the ability to make choices and initiate actions.

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