Epistemology of Indian Philosophies

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Questions and Answers

What is the term in Indian philosophy that corresponds to the principle of investigation supported by proof?

  • Pramana
  • Vichara (correct)
  • Karma
  • Dharma

Which aspect is emphasized in the approach of the Vedanta school towards understanding Brahman?

  • Adherence to dogma without questioning
  • Acceptance of tradition as absolute truth
  • Dependence on rituals for understanding
  • Encouragement to investigate and inquire (correct)

What do all six āstika schools of Indian philosophy share in their approach to knowledge?

  • Incorporation of personal beliefs over evidence
  • Reliance on rigorous investigation and pramānas (correct)
  • Focus on supernatural explanations without inquiry
  • Rejection of the Vedas as a source of truth

What is indicated by the term 'atha yoga-anushāsanam' in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali?

<p>An invitation for a disciplined study of yoga (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the second shop’s approach to selling gold relate to the concept of investigation in philosophical traditions?

<p>It embodies a commitment to transparency and examination (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pramāna is most emphasized in the Poorva-Meemamsa and Vedanta schools?

<p>Non-Apprehension (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary means of knowledge acquisition in the Sankhya and Yoga schools?

<p>Perception (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following schools utilizes the most pramanas?

<p>Poorva-Meemamsa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which pramana is knowledge gained through reasoning and observations to reach new conclusions?

<p>Anumana (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which school is known for emphasizing Comparison as a valid means of gaining knowledge?

<p>Nyaya (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method of gaining knowledge does NOT get classified as a pramana in the aforementioned schools?

<p>Intuition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common aspect do Sankhya and Yoga share regarding their pramanas?

<p>They both have the same number of pramanas. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly identifies a pramana and its respective definition?

<p>Shabda - Knowledge gained through verbal testimony. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main method emphasized by Mimamsa for acquiring knowledge?

<p>A systematic approach involving investigation and counterarguments (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical concept involves determining a cause by observing only its effect?

<p>Arthāpatti (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the concept of abhava viewed in Indian philosophy?

<p>Accepted by some schools but not by others (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna, what aspect does it illustrate about Indian philosophical tradition?

<p>The value of dialogue and questioning in understanding concepts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'anumāna' specifically entail in philosophical inquiry?

<p>Understanding both cause and effect to make inferences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which key step is not part of Mimamsa's methodology of investigation?

<p>Accepting previous conclusions without challenge (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are the Vedas considered universally valid within Indian philosophy?

<p>They are discovered truths akin to scientific laws. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of right knowledge emphasize in Indian philosophy?

<p>The critical examination of beliefs and evidence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the philosophical term 'pramāṇa'?

<p>A means or source of valid knowledge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Open Investigation

Encouraging examination and scrutiny of ideas, doctrines or practices; inviting investigation instead of imposing beliefs.

Rigorous System

A well-established and thoroughly tested process for investigation, ensuring validity of outcomes.

Pramānena vastuparikshanam vicharah

Investigation of facts supported by evidence in Indian philosophy.

Vichara

Investigation or inquiry supported by proof in Indian philosophy.

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Athāto brahma jijñāsā

Let us investigate Brahman (Absolute Reality) in Vedanta.

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Pramānas

Valid means of gaining right knowledge in Indian philosophy.

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Anushāsanam

Disciplined study in Yoga Sutras, as opposed to simple command.

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Āstika schools

Six schools of Indian philosophy based on Vedic revelation.

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Arthāpatti

A method of inference where the effect is known, and the cause is inferred.

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Anumāna

A method of inference where both the cause and effect are known.

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Abhava

The absence or non-existence of something.

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Mīmāṃsā method

A 5-step process for acquiring knowledge, including posing problems, counterarguments, and conclusions.

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Vedas validity

Vedas are considered universally valid, discovered, not created.

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Pramāṇa

Right knowledge or evidence in Indian philosophy.

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Pratyaksha (Perception)

Knowledge gained through the senses.

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Anumana (Inference)

Knowledge gained by applying reason and previous knowledge to observations to reach a conclusion.

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Pramānas

Valid means of gaining right knowledge.

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Sankhya

A school of Indian philosophy which utilizes 3 pramānas.

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Yoga

An astika school of Indian philosophy utilizing 3 pramānas.

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Nyaya

A school of Indian philosophy that uses 4 pramānas.

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Vaisheshika

An astika school of Indian philosophy that uses 2 pramānas.

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Poorva-Mimamsa

An astika school of Indian philosophy using 6 pramānas.

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Vedanta

An astika school of Indian philosophy that uses 6 pramānas emphasizing Shabda.

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Study Notes

Indian Philosophy's Approach to Knowledge

  • Pramāṇa is the term that corresponds to the principle of investigation supported by proof in Indian philosophy. It refers to the valid means of acquiring knowledge.

The Vedanta School and Brahman

  • The Vedanta school emphasizes direct experience (anubhava) in understanding Brahman, the ultimate reality.

The Six āstika Schools

  • All six āstika schools of Indian philosophy share a common approach to knowledge, known as epistemology. They believe knowledge is derived from reliable sources and should be consistent with reason and experience.

The Yoga Sutras

  • 'atha yoga-anushāsanam' in the Yoga Sutras signifies the beginning of the instruction on yoga, marking the start of the exposition on the path to liberation.

Investigation and the Second Shop

  • The second shop's approach to selling gold relates to the concept of investigation by emphasizing the importance of verifying the gold's authenticity and examining its properties before purchasing it.

Emphasis on Pramāṇa

  • Anumāna (inference) is the pramāna most emphasized in both the Poorva-Meemamsa and Vedanta schools.

Sankhya and Yoga

  • Pratyaksha (direct perception) and anumāna (inference) are the primary means of knowledge acquisition in Sankhya and Yoga.

Schools and Pramanas

  • Purva-Mimamsa utilizes the most pramanas, including pratyakṣa, anumāna, upamāna, śabda, and arthapatti to attain knowledge.

Anumana: Inference and Knowledge

  • Anumāna is the pramāna where knowledge is gained through reasoning and observations to reach new conclusions.

Emphasis on Comparison

  • Nyaya school emphasizes upamāna (comparison) as a valid means of gaining knowledge.

Unclassified Pramāṇa

  • Arthapatti (presumption) is not classified as a pramāṇa by the aforementioned schools.

Shared Pramāṇas

  • Sankhya and Yoga share a common emphasis on the pratyakṣa (direct perception) and anumāna (inference) as valid means of knowledge acquisition.

Pramāṇa and Definition

  • Pratyakṣa (direct perception) refers to knowledge gained through direct sensory experience.

Mimamsa's Knowledge Acquisition

  • Mimamsa emphasizes verbal testimony (śabda) as its main method for acquiring knowledge.

Determining Cause from Effect

  • Anumāna (inference) involves determining a cause by observing only its effect.

Abhava in Indian Philosophy

  • Abhava (non-existence) is viewed in Indian philosophy as a real entity, representing the absence of something.

Philosophical Dialogue

  • The dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna illustrates the importance of debate and the pursuit of truth in Indian philosophical tradition.

Anumāna and Philosophical Inquiry

  • Anumāna specifically entails using reasoning and logic to draw conclusions based on available evidence and observations.

Mimamsa Methodology

  • Mimamsa's methodology does not include direct experience (pratyakṣa) as a valid means of gaining knowledge.

Vedas in Indian Philosophy

  • The Vedas are considered universally valid within Indian philosophy because they are believed to be the source of eternal truth that transcends time and space.

Right Knowledge

  • Right knowledge in Indian philosophy emphasizes understanding reality through various means of knowledge acquisition and its impact on liberation.

Pramāṇa Defined

  • The philosophical term 'pramāṇa' refers to any reliable and valid means of acquiring knowledge which should be based on reason and experience.

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