Causation in Eastern Philosophy: Understanding Cause and Effect

Question 1

Which of the following is not a type of causation mentioned in the context of Eastern philosophy?

Accepted Answer

Existential causation

Answer

Karmic causation

Answer

Material causation

Answer

Mental causation

Question 2

According to the Buddhist concept of 'dependent origination', which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

All phenomena arise and cease in dependence on other phenomena.

Answer

There is a single, unchanging cause that gives rise to all phenomena.

Answer

The cause and effect relationship is linear and deterministic.

Answer

Free will is an illusion.

Question 3

Which of the following philosophers is primarily associated with the concept of 'karma'?

Accepted Answer

Buddha

Answer

Confucius

Answer

Laotzi

Answer

Zhuangzi

Question 4

According to Taoist philosophy, what is the ultimate source of all things?

Accepted Answer

The Dao (Way)

Answer

Qi (Energy)

Answer

Yin and Yang

Answer

Wuji (Non-being)

Question 5

How does the concept of 'non-self' in Eastern philosophy differ from the Western concept of the individual self?

Accepted Answer

The self is an illusion and has no permanent or inherent existence.

Answer

The self is a fixed and unchanging entity that is separate from others.

Answer

The self is a combination of both permanent and changing aspects.

Answer

The self is fundamentally unknowable and beyond our understanding.

Question 6

According to Confucianism, which virtue is considered to be the highest and most important?

Accepted Answer

Benevolence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Wisdom

Answer

Courage

Question 7

In Taoist philosophy, what does the concept of 'wu wei' primarily refer to?

Accepted Answer

Non-interference with the natural order

Answer

Detachment from material possessions

Answer

Acceptance of one's fate

Answer

Control of one's thoughts and emotions

Question 8

In Confucian ethics, which virtue is considered a key principle for harmonious social relationships?

Accepted Answer

Ren

Answer

Li

Answer

Zhi

Answer

Yi

Question 9

According to the Hindu concept of maya, what is the nature of the world we perceive?

Accepted Answer

An illusion that obscures our true nature.

Answer

A dream-like state.

Answer

A creation of a divine being.

Answer

A reflection of our deepest desires.

Question 10

In Eastern philosophy, the concept of non-self refers to:

Accepted Answer

The absence of a permanent, unchanging, and independent self.

Answer

The denial of one's own existence.

Answer

The acceptance of one's limitations and imperfections.

Answer

The merging of the individual self with the universal consciousness.

Question 11

According to the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, the best way to live in harmony with the universe is to:

Accepted Answer

Follow the natural order and embrace spontaneity.

Answer

Control the external world through force and manipulation.

Answer

Suppress one's desires and emotions.

Question 12

The concept of karmic causation suggests that:

Accepted Answer

An individual's actions in their present life have consequences in both their present and future lives.

Answer

All events are predetermined by a divine force.

Answer

There is no such thing as free will.

Question 13

The concept of 'pratitya-samutpada' in Buddhism refers to:

Accepted Answer

Dependent origination, the idea that all phenomena arise in dependence on other phenomena.

Answer

Non-self, the doctrine that there is no permanent or unchanging self.

Answer

Momentary existence, the view that all things exist only for an instant.

Answer

Nirvana, the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, characterized by the extinction of suffering and the end of the cycle of rebirth.

Question 14

The concept of 'karma' in Eastern philosophy is most closely aligned with which Western philosophical concept?

Accepted Answer

Determinism, the philosophical view that all events are causally determined by prior events and conditions.

Answer

Idealism, the philosophical view that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual in nature.

Answer

Utilitarianism, the ethical theory that holds that the best action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

Answer

Existentialism, the philosophical movement that emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and responsibility.

Question 15

Which of the following is a potential implication of the interdependence of all things in Eastern thought?

Accepted Answer

A strong emphasis on ethical responsibility towards the environment, as all beings are interconnected and interdependent.

Answer

The impossibility of individual enlightenment, as one cannot truly be separate from the rest of the universe.

Answer

The futility of human effort, as all actions are ultimately determined by external factors.

Answer

The necessity of strict social hierarchies, as some individuals are inherently superior to others.

Question 16

The 'Madhyamaka' school of Buddhism argues that causality is:

Accepted Answer

Ultimately empty and devoid of inherent existence, as all phenomena are interdependent and constantly changing.

Answer

A fundamental aspect of reality, and is the driving force behind all change and transformation.

Answer

An illusion created by our minds, and has no real existence outside of our own subjective experience.

Answer

A consequence of the attachment to self, and can be overcome through meditation and spiritual practice.

Question 17

The concept of 'tathata' in Eastern philosophy can be understood as:

Accepted Answer

Suchness or the true nature of reality, which is beyond all conceptualization and linguistic description.

Answer

The cause of all suffering, and must be eliminated in order to find true happiness.

Answer

The illusion that binds us to the cycle of rebirth, and must be overcome in order to achieve enlightenment.

Answer

The ultimate goal of enlightenment, which is a state of perfect wisdom, compassion, and liberation.

Question 18

Which concept is **not** considered a key principle of causation in Eastern Philosophy?

Accepted Answer

Linear Causation

Answer

Interconnectedness

Answer

Dependent Origination

Answer

Void Causation

Question 19

According to the Buddhist concept of Dependent Origination, which statement accurately describes the nature of causation?

Accepted Answer

All phenomena arise in response to prior conditions and are interconnected.

Answer

Cause and effect are separate and distinct entities.

Answer

There is a single, unchanging cause that gives rise to all things.

Question 20

Which type of causation in Eastern Philosophy suggests that all things lack inherent existence?

Accepted Answer

Void Causation

Answer

Momentary Causation

Answer

Linear Causation

Answer

Karma Causation

Question 21

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of Karma Causation in Eastern Philosophy?

Accepted Answer

Intentional actions have consequences that shape future experiences.

Answer

All suffering is caused by external factors beyond our control.

Answer

There is no escape from the cycle of rebirth.

Answer

The past solely determines the present and future.

Question 22

According to the concept of Momentary Causation, which statement accurately describes the nature of reality?

Accepted Answer

Reality is constantly changing and composed of momentary events.

Answer

Cause and effect occur simultaneously.

Answer

The past has no influence on the present.

Question 23

In Eastern Philosophy, how is free will understood in relation to causation?

Accepted Answer

Free will exists within the context of interconnected causes and conditions, not as an absolute and independent force.

Answer

Free will is an illusion and we are completely determined by karma.

Answer

Free will allows us to completely transcend the cycle of rebirth.

Question 24

How does the concept of Void Causation challenge our conventional understanding of cause and effect?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that there is no inherent or absolute cause or self-nature within phenomena, challenging the idea of a singular, independent cause.

Answer

It implies that all cause-effect relationships are predetermined.

Answer

It asserts that the past has no influence on the present.

Question 25

Which of the following is a key distinction between Eastern and Western philosophies in their approach to causation?

Accepted Answer

Eastern philosophies emphasize the interconnectedness and interdependence of causes, while Western philosophies often focus on isolated and independent causes.

Answer

Eastern philosophies deny the existence of cause and effect, while Western philosophies affirm it.

Question 26

How does the concept of Karma Causation provide a framework for understanding the relationship between our actions and their consequences?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that intentional actions have consequences that shape our future experiences and contribute to our overall karmic journey.

Answer

It asserts that all suffering is caused by external forces beyond our control.

Answer

It implies that the past has no bearing on the present or future.