FYUG Odd Semester Exam, 2023 (Held in 2024)
PHILOSOPHY: PHIDSM-101T
Epistemology and Metaphysics (Indian)

Paper Code: PHIDSM-101T Full Marks: 70 Time: 3 Hours

SECTION-A: Short Answer Questions

Answer any ten questions, selecting two from each Unit. (10 x 2 = 20 Marks)

UNIT-I

2 Marks

Q1. Write the name of two schools of Indian philosophy which are directly based on Vedic texts.

The two schools directly based on the Vedic texts are:

  • Mimamsa (or Purva-Mimamsa)
  • Vedanta (or Uttara-Mimamsa)
2 Marks

Q2. What is Sad-darsana? Write the name of Sad-darsanas.

Sad-darsana refers to the six orthodox (Astika) systems of Indian philosophy that recognize the authority of the Vedas. The names are:

  1. Nyaya
  2. Vaisesika
  3. Samkhya
  4. Yoga
  5. Mimamsa
  6. Vedanta
2 Marks

Q3. What is the meaning of the term 'Rta'? On which sacred scripture do we find the term 'Rta'?

Meaning: 'Rta' refers to the cosmic, moral, and physical order that governs the universe.
Scripture: It is primarily found in the Rg Veda.

UNIT-II

2 Marks

Q4. What, according to Carvakas, are the elements of which the material objects of the world are composed?

The Carvaka school believes material objects are composed of four elements:

  • Ksit (Earth)
  • Ap (Water)
  • Tejas (Fire)
  • Marut (Air)
2 Marks

Q5. Why do the Carvakas not believe in the existence of heaven, hell, God and other metaphysical entities?

Carvakas reject these entities because they cannot be perceived. Since perception is the only valid source of knowledge for them, anything that is not perceivable (like God or heaven) is considered non-existent.

2 Marks

Q6. Write the name of two sects of Jainism.

The two primary sects of Jainism are:

  • Digambara
  • Svetambara

UNIT-III

2 Marks

Q7. How many Noble Truths are there in Buddhism? Which Noble Truth is related to the Eight-fold Path?

There are four Noble Truths (Catvari Arya Satyani). The Fourth Noble Truth (Dukkha-Nirodha-Gamini-Pratipada), which concerns the path to end suffering, is related to the Eight-fold Path.

2 Marks

Q8. What, according to Buddhism, is the root cause of Sufferings? Does Buddha believe in the existence of a Permanent Self?

Root Cause: Avidya (Ignorance) is the root cause of suffering.
Permanent Self: No, Buddha does not believe in a permanent self; he taught the doctrine of Anatta (No-Self).

2 Marks

Q9. Write the name of the four primary schools of Buddhism.

The four schools are:

  • Vaibhasika
  • Sautrantika
  • Yogacara (Vijnanavada)
  • Madhyamika (Sunyavada)

UNIT-IV

2 Marks

Q10. What are the sources of valid knowledge recognised by the Naiyayikas?

Nyaya recognizes four sources of valid knowledge (Pramanas):

  • Pratyaksa (Perception)
  • Anumana (Inference)
  • Upamana (Comparison)
  • Sabda (Testimony)
2 Marks

Q11. Write the name of the five Members or Avayavas in Parartha Anumana of Nyaya system.

The five members are:

  1. Pratijna (Proposition)
  2. Hetu (Reason)
  3. Udaharana (Example)
  4. Upanaya (Application)
  5. Nigamana (Conclusion)
2 Marks

Q12. How does Vaisesika define Samavaya?

Samavaya is defined as an inseparable, eternal relation between two things where one exists residing in the other (e.g., the relation between a whole and its parts).

UNIT-V

2 Marks

Q13. What are the two copresent, coeternal realities of the Samkhya system?

The two realities are:

  • Purusa (Pure Consciousness)
  • Prakrti (Primal Matter)
2 Marks

Q14. Write the name of the Pramanas recognized by the Advaita Vedanta system.

Advaita Vedanta recognizes six Pramanas:

  • Pratyaksa, Anumana, Sabda, Upamana, Arthapatti (Postulation), and Anupalabdhi (Non-apprehension).
2 Marks

Q15. What, according to Samkara, are the two functions of Maya?

The two functions of Maya are:

  • Avarana Sakti: The power to conceal the true nature of Brahman.
  • Viksepa Sakti: The power to project the phenomenal world.

SECTION-B: Long Answer Questions

Answer five questions, selecting one from each Unit. (5 x 10 = 50 Marks)

UNIT-I

10 Marks

Q16. What are the common characteristics of Indian philosophy? Explain.

Indian philosophy, despite its diversity, shares several common characteristics:

  • Spiritual Orientation: Aimed at Moksha or liberation from suffering.
  • Law of Karma: Belief that every action has a consequence.
  • Cycle of Rebirth (Samsara): Belief in the transmigration of the soul.
  • Practical Necessity: Philosophy is seen as a way of life, not just an intellectual pursuit.
  • Ignorance as the Root of Suffering: Avidya is identified as the cause of bondage.

UNIT-II

10 Marks

Q18. Explain the metaphysics of the Carvaka system.

The Carvaka metaphysics is strictly Materialistic:

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  • Four Elements: Only Earth, Water, Fire, and Air are real because they are perceivable[span_60](end_span).
  • Consciousness: It is a byproduct of matter, appearing when elements combine in a specific way, just as red color appears when betel leaf and lime are chewed together.
  • Rejection of Soul: There is no soul independent of the body.
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  • Rejection of God: Since God is unperceivable, the world is created by the spontaneous combination of elements (Svabhavavada)[span_64](end_span).

UNIT-III

10 Marks

Q21. Explain Bauddha theory of Pratityasamutpada-vada or Dependent Origination.

Pratityasamutpada is the central pillar of Buddhism. It means that everything arises in dependence on causes and conditions.

"That being, this arises; on the cessation of that, this ceases."

It is explained through the Twelve Links (Nidanas):

  • The chain begins with Avidya (Ignorance) and leads through stages like Samskara, Vijnana, and Trsna, ending in Jara-marana (Old age and Death).
  • It proves that nothing is permanent or self-existent.

UNIT-IV

2+8=10 Marks

Q23. How does Vaisesika define 'category' or Padartha? Explain the category of Visesa.

Padartha: Literally means "the meaning of a word." It refers to all things that can be named, known, and exist.

Visesa (Particularity):

  • It is the category that accounts for the ultimate difference between eternal substances (like individual atoms of Earth).
  • It is what makes one atom unique from another atom of the same type.
  • Since this school emphasizes Visesa, it is named Vaisesika.

UNIT-V

10 Marks

Q25. What, according to Samkara, is the relation between Brahman and Jiva? Explain Samkara's concept of Brahman.

Concept of Brahman: Brahman is the ultimate, non-dual reality (Advaita). It is Nirguna (without attributes) and is described as Sat-Cit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss).

Relation (Jiva-Brahman):

"Brahma Satyam Jagan Mithya, Jivo Brahmaiva Naparah" (Brahman is real, the world is an illusion, and the Jiva is none other than Brahman).
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  • The Jiva appears separate from Brahman only due to Avidya (Ignorance)[span_80](end_span).
  • Once ignorance is removed through knowledge (Jnana), the Jiva realizes its identity with Brahman.

Exam Success Strategy

Key Terms to Remember

Common Mistakes

Presentation Strategy

Use Sanskrit terminology alongside English translations. For 10-mark questions, always start with a clear definition and end with a summary of the school's impact.