Chhattisgarh P.C.S. Prelims 2020

Orthodox Schools of Indian Philosophy

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Read the following statements and choose the correct option: Statement I: Kapila is the earliest exponent of Samkhya system. Statement II: Kapila teaches that a man's life is shaped by the forces of nature and not by any divine agency.

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Samkhya is the oldest of the six orthodox schools, characterized by its dualistic view of the universe and its reliance on logical enumeration.

Explanation Sage Kapila is the traditional founder. The system posits that the world evolves from Prakriti (Nature) due to its proximity to Purusha (Consciousness). Classical Samkhya (Nirishvara Samkhya) specifically excludes the necessity of an 'Ishvara' or creator God.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement I is true. Kapila is the undisputed earliest authority of this school.
Logic 2: Statement II is true. Samkhya explains the world's causality through the three 'Gunas' (attributes of nature) rather than divine will.

Active Recall

Question

What is the primary cause of suffering in Samkhya?

Answer

The confusion (Avidya) between the self (Purusha) and nature (Prakriti).

Core Insight

Samkhya is uniquely modern in its approach, treating the material world as an evolving system governed by inherent laws rather than supernatural intervention.