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?

An invitation for a disciplined study of yoga 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?

It embodies a commitment to transparency and examination Signup and view all the answers

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

Non-Apprehension Signup and view all the answers

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

Perception Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following schools utilizes the most pramanas?

Poorva-Meemamsa Signup and view all the answers

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

Anumana Signup and view all the answers

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

Nyaya Signup and view all the answers

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

Intuition Signup and view all the answers

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

They both have the same number of pramanas. Signup and view all the answers

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

Shabda - Knowledge gained through verbal testimony. Signup and view all the answers

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

A systematic approach involving investigation and counterarguments Signup and view all the answers

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

Arthāpatti Signup and view all the answers

How is the concept of abhava viewed in Indian philosophy?

Accepted by some schools but not by others 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?

The value of dialogue and questioning in understanding concepts Signup and view all the answers

What does 'anumāna' specifically entail in philosophical inquiry?

Understanding both cause and effect to make inferences Signup and view all the answers

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

Accepting previous conclusions without challenge Signup and view all the answers

Why are the Vedas considered universally valid within Indian philosophy?

They are discovered truths akin to scientific laws. Signup and view all the answers

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

The critical examination of beliefs and evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the philosophical term 'pramāṇa'?

A means or source of valid knowledge Signup and view all the answers

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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Description

Explore the intricate relationship between knowledge and faith in Indian philosophies. This quiz delves into concepts such as shraddha, rigorous investigation, and the importance of verifying knowledge. Understand how these ideas shape the foundations of wisdom within the context of Indian thought.