FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2024
Philosophy: Ethics-I (Indian)

Subject: Philosophy
Course No.: PHIDSC-151T
Semester: 2nd Semester (FYUG)
Exam Year: 2024
Time: 3 Hours
Full Marks: 70

Section-A

(Answer any ten questions. Each question carries 2 marks.)

1. Define Ethics. [2 Marks]

Ethics is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct. In the Indian context, it is often associated with Dharma, which refers to the moral order and duties that sustain the universe.

2. How many kinds of Rṇa are accepted in Indian ethics? Name them. [2 Marks]

Indian ethics generally accepts three kinds of Rṇa (debts):

  • Deva-Rṇa: Debt to the Gods.
  • Rishi-Rṇa: Debt to the sages or teachers.
  • Pitri-Rṇa: Debt to one's ancestors.

3. What is Sañcita Karma? What is Āgāmī Karma? [2 Marks]

  • Sañcita Karma: The accumulated store of all past actions that have not yet reached fruition.
  • Āgāmī Karma: Actions performed in the present life that will bear fruit in the future.

4. What is Śreyas? What is Preyas? [2 Marks]

  • Śreyas: That which is spiritually beneficial or good in the long run.
  • Preyas: That which is immediately pleasant or provides sensory gratification.

5. What is Moksa? [2 Marks]

Moksa is the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) and the cessation of all suffering, representing the highest spiritual goal in Indian ethics.

6. What is Swadharma? [2 Marks]

Swadharma refers to one's own individual duty or inherent nature-based obligations, which vary according to an individual's stage of life and social position.

7. What is Pañcaśīla in Buddhism? [2 Marks]

Pañcaśīla refers to the five ethical precepts for lay Buddhists:

  1. Abstaining from killing.
  2. Abstaining from stealing.
  3. Abstaining from sexual misconduct.
  4. Abstaining from lying.
  5. Abstaining from intoxicants.

8. What are the Mahavratas according to Jaina ethics? [2 Marks]

The five "Great Vows" (Mahavratas) for Jaina monks are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-attachment).

9. Do the Cārvāka advocate 'hedonism'? Do they believe in the Law of Karma? [2 Marks]

  • The Cārvāka school does advocate hedonism, emphasizing the pursuit of sensory pleasure in the present life.
  • They do not believe in the Law of Karma or life after death.

10. What are the five Yamas as advocated in Yoga ethics? [2 Marks]

The five Yamas (external restraints) are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (continence), and Aparigraha (non-covetousness).

11. What are the five Niyamas as advocated in Yoga ethics? [2 Marks]

The five Niyamas (internal observances) are Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to God).

12. What, according to Mīmāmsā ethics, is Nitya Karma? [2 Marks]

Nitya Karma refers to obligatory daily duties (such as Sandhyavandanam) that must be performed regularly; their performance results in no special merit, but their neglect leads to sin.

13. What is the ethical standpoint of Swami Vivekananda? [2 Marks]

Vivekananda's ethics is rooted in Practical Vedanta, emphasizing the divinity of every soul and the idea that service to humanity is the highest form of worship (Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva).

14. What, according to M. K. Gandhi, is Satyagraha? [2 Marks]

Satyagraha literally means "holding onto Truth"; it is a method of non-violent resistance based on soul-force and the willingness to suffer rather than inflict suffering on others to achieve justice.

15. What is humanism according to R. N. Tagore? [2 Marks]

Tagore's humanism is based on the "Religion of Man," where the divine is found within the human spirit, advocating for universal love, freedom, and the spiritual unity of all mankind.

Section-B

(Answer any five questions. Each question carries 10 marks.)

18. What is Puruşārtha? Elaborately discuss the four Puruşārthas as found in Indian ethics. [2+8=10 Marks]

Purushartha refers to the "aims of human life" or the objectives that a human being ought to pursue to lead a balanced and meaningful existence.

  • Dharma (Moral Duty): The foundational principle that regulates Artha and Kama. It represents righteousness, social obligations, and moral values.
  • Artha (Economic Wealth): The pursuit of material means and prosperity required to sustain life and fulfill duties. It must be acquired through Dharmic means.
  • Kama (Desire/Pleasure): The fulfillment of emotional, sensory, and aesthetic desires. In a balanced life, it is a legitimate aim when kept within the bounds of Dharma.
  • Moksha (Liberation): The supreme goal (Nishreyasa) which signifies freedom from the bondage of the world and realization of the ultimate truth.

19. Critically examine the theory of Nişkāma Karma as found in the Bhagavad Gita. [10 Marks]

Nishkama Karma is the path of "selfless action" where one performs their duty without attachment to the results (phala-tyaga).

  • The Principle: The Gita states, "Your right is to work only, but never to its fruits". It bridges the gap between the path of action (Pravritti) and the path of renunciation (Nivritti).
  • Psychological Impact: By detaching from outcomes, the individual remains equanimous (Sthitaprajna) in success and failure, reducing anxiety and ego.
  • Social Aspect: It promotes 'Lokasamgraha' or the welfare of the world, as actions are performed for duty's sake rather than personal gain.
  • Criticism: Critics argue that absolute detachment from results might lead to a lack of motivation or efficiency in performance.

20. What are the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism? Discuss the Buddhist theory of Aşțāngika Mārga. [2+8=10 Marks]

The Four Noble Truths (Aryasatyas): 1. Dukkha (Suffering), 2. Samudaya (Cause of suffering), 3. Nirodha (Cessation of suffering), and 4. Magga (The path leading to the cessation).

Ashtangika Marga (The Eightfold Path):

  1. Right View: Understanding the four noble truths.
  2. Right Resolve: Determination to renounce worldly attachment.
  3. Right Speech: Abstaining from lying and harsh words.
  4. Right Action: Non-violence and right conduct.
  5. Right Livelihood: Earning a living without harming others.
  6. Right Effort: Preventing evil thoughts and promoting good ones.
  7. Right Mindfulness: Constant awareness of the body and mind.
  8. Right Concentration: Achieving mental focus through meditation.

22. Elaborate upon the concept of Astanga Yoga (eight limbs of Yoga) as an ethical principle of Yoga philosophy. [10 Marks]

Patanjali's Astanga Yoga provides a comprehensive ethical and spiritual discipline for self-realization.

Limb Description
Yama Social restraints: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha.
Niyama Personal observances: Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, Ishvara Pranidhana.
Asana Physical postures for a steady and comfortable body.
Pranayama Regulation of breath to control life force.
Pratyahara Withdrawal of senses from external objects.
Dharana Concentration of the mind on a single point.
Dhyana Uninterrupted meditation on the object.
Samadhi Complete absorption in the ultimate reality.

24. Discuss Gandhi's concept of Ahimsā (non-violence) as an ethical principle. Is non-violence an act of cowardice? [8+2=10 Marks]

Ahimsa as an Ethical Principle: For Gandhi, Ahimsa is not just non-killing, but the law of love. It is the most powerful force at the disposal of mankind. It involves the total absence of ill-will against all that lives.

Cowardice vs. Non-violence: Gandhi explicitly stated that non-violence is not an act of cowardice. He argued that while violence is bad, cowardice is worse. A coward flees from danger, whereas a non-violent person stands their ground and faces the opponent's wrath without retaliation, requiring far greater courage than physical violence.

25. Examine the moral philosophy of R. N. Tagore, highlighting upon his views on the ethics of nature and humanism. [10 Marks]

Tagore's moral philosophy is characterized by a "Spiritual Humanism".

  • Ethics of Nature: Tagore believed in the harmony between man and nature. Nature is not just a resource but a medium through which the infinite expresses itself. True ethics involves realizing our kinship with the universe.
  • Humanism: His humanism centers on the "God in Man" (Jivan Devata). He rejected abstract rituals in favor of love and service to fellow beings.
  • Universalism: He advocated for the "Religion of Man," which transcends narrow geographical and religious boundaries to celebrate the surplus of human spirit.

Exam Focus Enhancements

  • Exam Tip: For "Law of Karma" questions, differentiate clearly between Sancita, Prarabdha, and Agami Karma for full marks.
  • Common Mistake: Do not confuse Yama (universal moral rules) with Niyama (personal discipline).
  • Answer Presentation: Use the table provided for Astanga Yoga to ensure a structured response.
  • Key Formula: Nishkama Karma = Performance of Duty - Attachment to Results.
Would you like me to generate a similar solution for Western Ethics or provide a simplified summary of the Mīmāṁsā classification of Karma?