Sankhya Philosophical School
Question
With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1.
Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul
- 2.
Sankhya holds that self-knowledge leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent
Options
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect. Sankhya philosophy does accept the doctrine of rebirth and transmigration of soul (samsara). Sankhya is dualistic philosophy that believes the soul (Purusha) undergoes rebirth due to its association with matter (Prakriti). Statement 2 is correct. Sankhya holds that liberation (moksha) comes through self-knowledge (jnana), specifically the realization of the distinction between Purusha (pure consciousness/soul) and Prakriti (matter). This knowledge does not require external divine intervention or an exterior agent—it is achieved through intellectual discrimination. Therefore, only statement 2 is correct. > Sankhya's path to liberation is through viveka (discrimination)—the self-realized knowledge that distinguishes eternal consciousness from transient matter. Answer: (b).
Question details
Year
2013
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q58
Subject
History
Sub-topic
Indian Philosophy
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Hard
Nature
Static
Source hint
NCERT Philosophy/History Ch.3
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