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Pramana is a Sanskrit term that literally translates to 'error' or 'fallacy' in the context of Indian philosophy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Sanskrit term 'Pramana' signifies 'proof' or 'means of knowledge,' not 'error' or 'fallacy'.
The primary focus of Pramana is on the subjective experience of the knower, irrespective of the object being known.
Answer: False
Explanation: The concept of Pramana focuses on the objective means of acquiring valid knowledge, not solely on subjective experience.
In Indian philosophy, the number of generally accepted pramanas is consistently fixed at six across all schools of thought.
Answer: False
Explanation: The number of generally accepted pramanas varies across different schools of Indian philosophy, with some accepting fewer than six.
The Sanskrit term Pramana is etymologically derived from roots meaning 'measurement' and 'outward,' signifying the means by which true knowledge is acquired.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sanskrit term Pramana is derived from roots signifying 'measurement' and 'outward,' indicating the means by which true knowledge is acquired.
In the Indian philosophical triad concerning knowledge acquisition, Pramana refers to the means of knowledge, Pramatri to the knower, and Prameya to the object of knowledge.
Answer: True
Explanation: The statement correctly assigns the terms. Pramana is the means of knowledge, Pramatri is the knower (subject), and Prameya is the knowable (object).
Pramatri represents the object or the knowable in the Indian philosophical triad of knowledge acquisition.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pramana refers to the means of knowledge, Pramatri to the knower, and Prameya to the object or knowable in the Indian philosophical triad.
What is the fundamental meaning of the Sanskrit term 'Pramana'?
Answer: The means of acquiring correct knowledge or proof.
Explanation: The Sanskrit term 'Pramana' fundamentally means the 'means of acquiring correct knowledge or proof'.
According to the source, what is the primary focus of the concept of Pramana?
Answer: Understanding how correct knowledge is acquired and validated.
Explanation: The primary focus of Pramana is on understanding the methods and validation processes for acquiring correct knowledge.
What is the meaning of the Sanskrit term 'Pramatri' in the context of Indian epistemology?
Answer: The subject or knower.
Explanation: Pramatri is the Sanskrit term for the subject or the knower in the context of Indian epistemology.
What does the term 'Prameya' refer to in the context of the three core concepts of knowledge acquisition?
Answer: The knowable or object of knowledge.
Explanation: Prameya refers to the knowable or the object of knowledge in the Indian philosophical triad.
According to the source, what is the etymological meaning of the Sanskrit word 'pramā', related to Pramana?
Answer: Correct notion or true knowledge.
Explanation: The Sanskrit word 'pramā', related to Pramana, signifies 'correct notion' or 'true knowledge'.
Perception (Pratyaksha), inference (Anumana), and testimony (Shabda) are the three pramanas that are almost universally accepted in Indian philosophy.
Answer: True
Explanation: Perception (Pratyaksha), inference (Anumana), and testimony (Shabda) are indeed the three pramanas most widely accepted across various Indian philosophical systems.
Upamana (comparison), Arthapatti (postulation), and Anupalabdhi (non-perception) are considered the most straightforward and universally agreed-upon pramanas in Indian epistemology.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upamana, Arthapatti, and Anupalabdhi are considered more debated or less universally accepted pramanas compared to perception, inference, and testimony.
Pratyaksha, meaning inference, is described as arising from the interaction of sensory organs with worldly objects or the inner sense.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pratyaksha signifies perception, not inference. It arises from the interaction of sensory organs with worldly objects or the mind.
The four requirements for correct perception (Pratyaksha) include direct sensory interaction, non-verbal communication, consistency, and definite judgment.
Answer: True
Explanation: The four requirements for correct perception (Pratyaksha) include direct sensory interaction, non-verbal communication, consistency, and definite judgment.
Anumana signifies 'comparison' in Sanskrit and is illustrated by observing smoke to infer the presence of fire.
Answer: False
Explanation: Anumana signifies 'inference,' not 'comparison.' The common example of observing smoke to infer fire illustrates inference, not comparison.
The inference (Anumana) process in Indian philosophy involves a hypothesis, a reason, and examples to illustrate the connection.
Answer: True
Explanation: The inference (Anumana) process involves a hypothesis (pratijna), a reason (hetu), and examples (drishtanta) to establish the connection.
Upamana, meaning postulation, helps acquire knowledge by relating an unfamiliar object to something known through similarity.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upamana means 'comparison' or 'analogy,' not 'postulation.' It helps acquire knowledge by relating the unfamiliar to the known through similarity.
Arthapatti refers to non-perception or proof from absence, such as knowing that a jug is not in a room.
Answer: False
Explanation: Arthapatti refers to 'postulation' or derivation from circumstances, not 'non-perception.' Non-perception is Anupalabdhi.
Anupalabdhi, meaning non-perception, is considered a valid means of knowledge by confirming what is absent or impossible.
Answer: True
Explanation: Anupalabdhi, meaning non-perception, is considered a valid means of knowledge by confirming what is absent or impossible.
Shabda, meaning 'word,' is considered a Pramana because it relies solely on direct personal sensory experience.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shabda, meaning 'word' or testimony, is considered a Pramana because it relies on the testimony of reliable sources, not solely on direct personal sensory experience.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three pramanas almost universally accepted across Indian philosophical systems?
Answer: Arthapatti (Postulation)
Explanation: Arthapatti (Postulation) is not one of the three pramanas almost universally accepted across Indian philosophical systems; the universally accepted ones are Pratyaksha, Anumana, and Shabda.
What does Pratyaksha, a widely accepted pramana, signify in the context of Indian epistemology?
Answer: Direct perception through sensory organs or the mind.
Explanation: Pratyaksha signifies direct perception through sensory organs or the mind, distinguishing it from other means of knowledge.
The classic example used to illustrate Anumana (inference) involves observing smoke to deduce the presence of what?
Answer: Fire
Explanation: The classic example used to illustrate Anumana (inference) involves observing smoke to deduce the presence of fire.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three essential parts of the inference (Anumana) process described in Indian philosophical texts?
Answer: Pramana (Means of Knowledge)
Explanation: The essential components of the inference (Anumana) process are Pratijna (hypothesis), Hetu (reason/evidence), and Drishtanta (example). Pramana itself is the means of knowledge, not a component of the inferential process.
What does the pramana Upamana primarily facilitate in knowledge acquisition?
Answer: Identifying or understanding unfamiliar objects through similarity.
Explanation: Upamana primarily facilitates knowledge acquisition by identifying or understanding unfamiliar objects through similarity or analogy.
The concept of Arthapatti involves deriving knowledge through what method?
Answer: Postulation based on existing circumstances.
Explanation: Arthapatti involves deriving knowledge through postulation based on existing circumstances or conditions.
Anupalabdhi, considered a valid pramana in some schools, refers to the knowledge gained from:
Answer: The non-perception or absence of something.
Explanation: Anupalabdhi refers to knowledge gained from non-perception or the absence of something.
Why is Shabda (testimony) considered a Pramana in Indian philosophy?
Answer: Humans often need to rely on others' knowledge beyond their direct experience.
Explanation: Shabda is considered a Pramana because humans often need to rely on the knowledge and experience of others beyond their direct experience.
What are the two modes of perception described in the Nyaya school's epistemology?
Answer: Nirvikalpa and Savikalpa
Explanation: The Nyaya school distinguishes between Nirvikalpa (indeterminate) and Savikalpa (determinate) perception.
What is Arthapatti, and what is a common example used to illustrate it?
Answer: Postulation; inferring a fat person eats at night because they don't eat during the day.
Explanation: Arthapatti, or postulation, is illustrated by inferring that a fat person must eat at night if it is known they do not eat during the day, demonstrating how a conclusion is drawn from existing conditions.
The Nyaya school distinguishes between two modes of perception: Nirvikalpa (indeterminate) and Savikalpa (determinate). What characterizes Savikalpa perception?
Answer: A clear judgment identifying the object's features.
Explanation: Savikalpa perception is characterized by a clear judgment that identifies the object's features and attributes.
Which of the following is described as a requirement for correct perception (Pratyaksha)?
Answer: Definite judgment without bias.
Explanation: A definite judgment without bias is a requirement for correct perception (Pratyaksha), distinguishing it from mere sensory input.
The Nyaya school is particularly known for its systematic study and elaboration of pramanas.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Nyaya school is indeed renowned for its systematic study and elaboration of pramanas, forming a central part of its philosophical system.
The Carvaka school, a materialist tradition, accepts all six pramanas as valid means to knowledge.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Carvaka school, a materialist tradition, is known for its skepticism and accepts only perception (Pratyaksha) as a valid pramana, rejecting others.
The Vaisheshika school of Hinduism epistemologically accepts perception (Pratyaksha) and inference (Anumana) as its primary pramanas.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Vaisheshika school of Hinduism epistemologically accepts perception (Pratyaksha) and inference (Anumana) as its primary pramanas.
The Sankhya, Yoga, Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, and Dvaita Vedanta schools of Hinduism primarily accept only perception and inference as valid means of knowledge.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Sankhya, Yoga, Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, and Dvaita Vedanta schools of Hinduism primarily accept perception, inference, and testimony (Shabda) as valid means of knowledge, not just perception and inference.
The Advaita Vedanta and Bhatta Mimamsa schools accept a comprehensive set of six pramanas, including comparison and non-perception.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Advaita Vedanta and Bhatta Mimamsa schools are noted for accepting a comprehensive set of six pramanas, including comparison and non-perception.
The Nyaya school accepts four pramanas, while the Vaisheshika school accepts only two, demonstrating a difference in their epistemological frameworks.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Nyaya school generally accepts four pramanas (perception, inference, comparison, testimony), while the Vaisheshika school accepts only two (perception, inference), reflecting differences in their epistemological frameworks.
Which school of Indian philosophy is particularly renowned for its systematic study and elaboration of pramanas?
Answer: Nyaya
Explanation: The Nyaya school is particularly renowned for its systematic study and elaboration of pramanas, making it a central focus of its epistemology.
The Carvaka school, known for its materialist and skeptical views, accepts which single pramana as valid?
Answer: Pratyaksha (Perception)
Explanation: The Carvaka school, known for its materialist and skeptical views, accepts only Pratyaksha (Perception) as a valid pramana.
How many pramanas does the Vaisheshika school of Hinduism epistemologically accept?
Answer: Two
Explanation: The Vaisheshika school of Hinduism epistemologically accepts only two pramanas: perception (Pratyaksha) and inference (Anumana).
Which set of pramanas is accepted by the Sankhya, Yoga, Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, and Dvaita Vedanta schools of Hinduism?
Answer: Perception, Inference, and Testimony
Explanation: The Sankhya, Yoga, Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, and Dvaita Vedanta schools of Hinduism primarily accept perception, inference, and testimony (Shabda) as the valid means of knowledge.
The Advaita Vedanta and Bhatta Mimamsa schools are noted for accepting the most comprehensive set of pramanas, totaling how many?
Answer: Six
Explanation: The Advaita Vedanta and Bhatta Mimamsa schools are noted for accepting a comprehensive set of six pramanas.
Buddhist traditions, influenced by Dignaga and Dharmakirti, strictly accept only two pramanas: perception and inference.
Answer: True
Explanation: Buddhist traditions, influenced by Dignaga and Dharmakirti, strictly accept only two pramanas: perception (Pratyaksha) and inference (Anumana).
Buddhist traditions consider scriptures and the words of enlightened beings as a third source of knowledge, independent of perception and inference.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Buddhist traditions primarily accept perception and inference, scriptures and the words of enlightened beings are considered valid testimony, but understood as ultimately rooted in or consistent with perception and inference, not as an independent third source.
Dignaga and Dharmakirti are recognized as key figures in shaping Buddhist logic and epistemology, particularly concerning pramana.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dignaga and Dharmakirti are recognized as key figures in shaping Buddhist logic and epistemology, particularly concerning the concept and application of pramana.
The theory of Apoha, introduced by Dignaga, explains how the mind recognizes objects by asserting inherent universal truths.
Answer: False
Explanation: The theory of Apoha, introduced by Dignaga, explains how the mind recognizes objects by comparison and negation, not by asserting inherent universal truths.
In Buddhist epistemology, particularly influenced by Dignaga and Dharmakirti, which two pramanas are strictly accepted as valid?
Answer: Perception and Inference
Explanation: Buddhist traditions, particularly influenced by Dignaga and Dharmakirti, strictly accept only two pramanas: perception (Pratyaksha) and inference (Anumana).
Which of the following is a key figure in the development of Buddhist epistemology and the concept of Pramana?
Answer: Dignaga
Explanation: Dignaga is recognized as a key figure in the development of Buddhist logic and epistemology concerning pramana.
The theory of Apoha, associated with Dignaga, explains how the mind recognizes objects by:
Answer: Comparing and negating known objects.
Explanation: The theory of Apoha explains how the mind recognizes objects by comparing and negating known objects, rather than by perceiving inherent universal essences.
How do Buddhist traditions generally view means of cognition other than perception and inference?
Answer: As invalid or unreliable.
Explanation: Buddhist traditions generally view means of cognition other than perception and inference as invalid or unreliable.
What is the primary difference in the number of pramanas accepted between mainstream Hinduism (generally up to six) and Buddhism (primarily two)?
Answer: Hinduism generally accepts a wider range of pramanas (up to six), while Buddhism strictly limits itself to two.
Explanation: Hinduism generally accepts a wider range of pramanas (up to six), while Buddhism strictly limits itself to two (perception and inference).
The Taittiriya Aranyaka, an ancient Indian text, listed scripture (smriti), perception (pratyaksha), expert testimony (aitihya), and inference (anumana) as means of attaining correct knowledge.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Taittiriya Aranyaka indeed listed scripture (smriti), perception (pratyaksha), expert testimony (aitihya), and inference (anumana) as means of attaining correct knowledge.
Bhavaviveka, a proponent of the Svātantrika approach, integrated logical arguments into Madhyamaka philosophy to analyze the nature of reality.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bhavaviveka, a proponent of the Svātantrika approach, integrated logical arguments into Madhyamaka philosophy to analyze the nature of reality, demonstrating the use of logic in philosophical discourse.
Yukti, meaning 'reasoning,' is considered a passive observation that complements Pramana in gaining knowledge.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yukti, meaning 'reasoning' or active application of epistemology, is distinct from Pramana, which refers to the means of knowledge. Yukti represents the active process of gaining knowledge, not passive observation.
The main point of contention regarding Shabda (testimony) as a pramana is its potential redundancy with inference.
Answer: False
Explanation: The main contention regarding Shabda (testimony) as a pramana is not its redundancy with inference, but rather establishing the reliability of the source of testimony.
What is the relationship between Pramana and Yukti as discussed in some Indian philosophical texts?
Answer: Yukti represents the active application of reasoning, contrasting with Pramana's more passive reception.
Explanation: Yukti represents the active application of reasoning in knowledge acquisition, contrasting with Pramana's role as the means or instrument of knowledge.
The Taittiriya Aranyaka, dating back to the 9th-6th centuries BCE, listed four means of attaining correct knowledge. Which of the following was NOT among them?
Answer: Comparison (upamana)
Explanation: Comparison (Upamana) was not among the four means of attaining correct knowledge listed in the Taittiriya Aranyaka; the listed ones were scripture, perception, testimony, and inference.
What does the term 'Avisamvadin' mean in the context of Buddhist epistemology, referring to reliable sources of knowledge?
Answer: Incontrovertible or indisputable.
Explanation: In Buddhist epistemology, 'Avisamvadin' (Sanskrit) or 'mi slu ba' (Tibetan) signifies something that is incontrovertible or indisputable, referring to valid cognitions or reliable sources of knowledge.