pyq/2018/philosophy-optional-i/5

Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50

(a) How do the Vaiśeṣika philosophers explain the difference of the relationships in the two cases—(i) the brown colour of the table and (ii) the book on the table? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)

(b) How do the Mādhyamika Buddhists apply the notion of Pratītyasamutpāda to establish their doctrine of Śūnyatā? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)

(c) What is the difference between the indescribability (Anirvacanīyatā) of Brahman and the indescribability (Anirvacanīyatā) of Māyā in the Advaita Vedānta system? Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)

(d) How do the Buddhists and the Nyāya philosophers explain our knowledge of ‘the absence of the jar on the table’? Answer in detail. (10 marks, 150 words)

(e) Is Puruṣa one or many? Explain the Sāṃkhya position in this regard and give arguments in support of your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)