Substance and Essence: Delve into the Core of Eastern Philosophy

Question 1

In Neoplatonism, the One is described as:

Accepted Answer

A transcendent, immutable, and perfect being

Answer

A material and divisible substance

Answer

A collection of sense impressions

Question 2

In Eastern philosophy, essence refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Immutable, fundamental nature of a thing

Answer

Temporary, fleeting aspect of a thing

Answer

Outward appearance or form of a thing

Answer

Material or physical aspect of a thing

Question 3

In Eastern philosophy, essence refers to:

Accepted Answer

The fundamental nature of a being, beyond its physical form

Answer

The physical matter that makes up a being

Answer

The outward characteristics that define a being's appearance

Answer

The fluctuating mental states that drive a being's actions

Question 4

In Eastern philosophy, which concept is crucial for understanding the nature of reality?

Accepted Answer

The distinction between observer and observed

Answer

The importance of sensory experiences

Answer

The existence of an unchanging truth

Answer

The denial of time's existence

Question 5

In Eastern philosophy, essence refers to which aspect of a thing?

Accepted Answer

Its inner, unchanging nature

Answer

Its external, unchanging nature

Answer

Its form in the world

Answer

Its purpose or function

Question 6

In Eastern philosophy, substance is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Immutable and unchanging

Answer

Dependent on perception

Answer

Composed of various parts

Answer

The same for all beings

Question 7

According to the Upanishads, what is the fundamental reality that pervades and underlies all existence?

Accepted Answer

Brahman

Answer

Maya

Answer

Samsara

Answer

Atman

Question 8

Which of the following characteristics, as defined by Eastern philosophers, is NOT attributed to substance?

Accepted Answer

Impermanence

Answer

Changelessness

Answer

Unity

Answer

Eternal

Question 9

In Buddhist philosophy, the term 'Anatta' primarily refers to what fundamental concept?

Accepted Answer

The non-existence of a permanent self or ego

Answer

The path to enlightenment

Answer

The cycle of rebirth

Answer

The nature of ultimate reality

Question 10

Which of the following principles is central to Taoist philosophy?

Accepted Answer

Wu Wei (effortless action)

Answer

Karma

Answer

Anicca

Answer

Samsara

Question 11

According to Confucianism, what is the ultimate aim of education?

Accepted Answer

Moral and ethical development

Answer

Material success

Answer

Physical fitness

Answer

Intellectual knowledge

Question 12

In the context of Eastern philosophy, what does the term 'Maya' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The illusion of reality

Answer

The nature of the mind

Answer

The ultimate truth or enlightenment

Answer

The cycle of reincarnation

Question 13

Which Eastern philosophical tradition emphasizes mindfulness and meditation as a path to understanding reality and achieving enlightenment?

Accepted Answer

Buddhism

Answer

Taoism

Answer

Confucianism

Answer

Hinduism

Question 14

According to the Dao De Jing, what is a characteristic of the wise person?

Accepted Answer

Non-attachment

Answer

Material wealth

Answer

Political power

Answer

Intellectual knowledge

Question 15

In the Bhagavad Gita, what is identified as the ultimate goal of human existence?

Accepted Answer

Moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering)

Answer

Sensory pleasure and gratification

Answer

Social and political dominance

Answer

Material wealth and prosperity

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in Eastern philosophy regarding substance and essence?

Accepted Answer

Permanence

Answer

Non-duality

Answer

Dependent origination

Answer

Emptiness

Question 17

According to Buddhist philosophy, what is the fundamental nature of reality based on the principle of anatta (no-self)?

Accepted Answer

An ever-changing process of interconnected phenomena.

Answer

An illusionary construct of our minds.

Answer

A permanent, unchanging essence.

Question 18

In Taoist philosophy, the concept of wu wei refers to:

Accepted Answer

Effortless and spontaneous action in harmony with the natural order of the universe.

Answer

Passive resignation to fate and external forces.

Answer

Aggressive intervention to control or dominate events.

Question 19

What is a key distinction between the Western and Eastern philosophical perspectives on substance and essence?

Accepted Answer

Eastern philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness and impermanence of all things.

Answer

Eastern philosophy prioritizes the individual over the collective.

Answer

Western philosophy exclusively focuses on the static nature of reality.

Question 20

According to the Upanishads, what is the ultimate essence or ground of reality?

Accepted Answer

Brahman, an impersonal and transcendent absolute.

Answer

Nirvana, the state of liberation from suffering.

Answer

Samsara, the cycle of birth and death.

Answer

Atman, the individual soul or self.

Question 21

What does the Buddhist concept of sunyata refer to?

Accepted Answer

The emptiness or voidness of all phenomena.

Answer

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Answer

The ultimate reality that transcends all appearances.

Question 22

In Confucian philosophy, which of the following is considered a core virtue?

Accepted Answer

Ren, or benevolence.

Answer

Eudaimonia, or happiness.

Answer

Agape, or unconditional love.

Question 23

What does the concept of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism refer to?

Accepted Answer

The principle of cause and effect, where actions have corresponding consequences.

Answer

The cycle of reincarnation.

Answer

The suffering caused by attachment and ignorance.

Answer

The ultimate goal of enlightenment and liberation.