Assam Board Class 11 Logic and Philosophy – Unit 8: Realism and Idealism MCQs and Complete Solution
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Unit-8
Chapter-1: Idealism
Short and Long Questions from the Last 10 Years
What is idealism? ✅ (1 mark, 2011)
How many kinds of Idealism? Name them.
Write two characteristics of Idealism.
Explain the characteristics of idealism.
Pick out the idealist philosopher from the following group of philosophers:
Russell, Locke, Moore, Hegel, Perry. ✅ (1 mark, 2015)What is idealism? Briefly explain four characteristics of idealism. ✅ (6 mark, 2016, 2018)
Explain Berkeleyan idealism. ✅ (6 mark, 2017)
Mention four points of difference between realism and idealism. ✅ (4 mark, 2016, 2018)
Questions and Answers (Mark: 1)
Pick out the idealist philosopher from the following group of philosophers: (2015)
Russell, Locke, Moore, Hegel, Perry.
Ans: Hegel. ✅What is idealism? (2011, 2014)
Ans: A theory according to which the object of knowledge is not independent of the knowing mind, and the soul or mind is the ultimate reality, is called idealism. ✅According to which theory is the object of knowledge dependent on the mind for its existence?
Ans: Idealism. ✅Does knowledge control the object of knowledge according to idealism?
Ans: Yes. ✅Is objective idealism a form of idealism?
Ans: Yes. ✅State any one characteristic of idealism.
Ans: The object of knowledge has no independent existence of its own; mind is the only reality. ✅Who is the founder of subjective idealism?
Ans: Berkeley. ✅Mention the name of the founder of phenomenalistic idealism.
Ans: Kant. ✅Who is the founder of objective idealism?
Ans: Hegel. ✅Mention two idealist philosophers.
Ans: (i) Berkeley (ii) Hegel. ✅State any one form of idealism.
Ans: Objective idealism. ✅Does idealism accept the primacy of the mind?
Ans: Yes. ✅Is the object of knowledge self-existent according to idealism?
Ans: No. ✅Does knowledge control the object of knowledge according to idealism?
Ans: Yes. ✅Name the theory according to which our mind or soul is the only ultimate reality.
Ans: Idealism. ✅Name a traditional idealist thinker.
Ans: Plato. ✅According to idealism, is there any object of knowledge without a mind to perceive it?
Ans: No. ✅Idealism affirms/does not affirm the primacy of the mind.
Ans: Affirms. ✅According to idealism, the object of knowledge is/is not determined by knowledge.
Ans: Is not. ✅According to idealism, the relation between knowledge and the object of knowledge is external/internal.
Ans: Internal. ✅Berkeley is/is not an idealist.
Ans: Is an idealist. ✅According to idealism, our ideas can be achieved as internal/external.
Ans: External. ✅Kant is an - philosopher.
Ans: Idealist. ✅Idealism holds that no one thing is existent unless it is perceived.
Ans: Not. ✅According to idealism, the relation between the mind and the object is external/internal.
Ans: Internal. ✅Hegel is an - philosopher.
Ans: Idealist. ✅
Questions and Answers (Mark: 2)
Write two characteristics of idealism. (2015)
Ans:
(i) The existence of objects is mind-dependent.
(ii) In idealism, the object and the consciousness of objects are two different things. ✅Define idealism. (2013)
Ans: Idealism is the philosophical theory according to which the object of knowledge is not independent of the knowing mind; the soul or mind is the ultimate reality. ✅Mention four names of idealistic philosophers.
Ans:
(i) Berkeley
(ii) Hegel
(iii) Kant
(iv) Bradley ✅State one feature of idealism.
Ans: Idealism emphasizes the ultimate reality of the mind. ✅State any two forms of idealism.
Ans:
(i) Subjective idealism
(ii) Objective idealism ✅How many kinds of idealism are there? Name them.
Ans: There are three kinds of idealism:
(i) Subjective idealism
(ii) Objective idealism
(iii) Phenomenalistic idealism ✅Define idealism and state two names of idealist philosophers. (3 marks)
Ans:
Definition: The theory according to which the object of knowledge has no independent existence and only the soul or mind is real is called idealism.
Two idealist philosophers:
(i) Berkeley
(ii) Hegel ✅State three features of idealism. (3 marks)
Ans:
(i) According to idealism, the existence of objects is mind-dependent.
(ii) Idealists give more importance to the mind than to material objects.
(iii) Idealism recognizes the existence of mind, soul, and God. ✅State two forms of idealism along with their founders' names.
Ans:
(i) Subjective Idealism – Founder: Berkeley
(ii) Objective Idealism – Founder: Hegel ✅
Questions and Answers (Mark: 4/5/6)
1. Mention four points of difference between realism and idealism. (4 marks, 2016, 2018)
Ans:
Realism and Idealism are two opposing philosophical theories regarding the nature of reality. Their differences can be summarized as follows:
(i) Existence of Objects: In realism, objects have an independent existence and do not depend on the mind for their existence. In contrast, idealism asserts that objects have no independent existence and are dependent on the mind.
(ii) Subject-Object Relation: According to realism, the subject (knower) and the object (known) are externally related. Idealism, however, argues that the subject and object are internally related, meaning objects exist only as they are perceived.
(iii) Importance of Object vs. Subject: Realism gives more importance to objects, emphasizing that they exist irrespective of perception. On the other hand, idealism gives more importance to the subject, arguing that knowledge and perception shape reality.
(iv) Monism vs. Pluralism: Idealism is a non-dualistic or monistic doctrine, asserting that only mind or consciousness is real. Realism, however, is pluralistic, believing that multiple independent realities exist outside the mind.
(v) Consciousness and Objects: Realism holds that the object and the consciousness of the object are two separate aspects. In contrast, idealism asserts that the object and consciousness of the object are inseparable. ✅
2. Write four features/characteristics of idealism. (4 marks)
Ans:
Idealism is a philosophical theory that asserts that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual. The key characteristics of idealism are:
(i) The World as Spiritual and Purposeful: Idealism considers the world as not just material but as a manifestation of a spiritual or purposeful reality.
(ii) Importance of Human Existence: Idealism emphasizes the value of human life, considering humans as more than just biological beings. It views humans as spiritual entities capable of rational thought.
(iii) Belief in God: Many forms of idealism accept the existence of God or a supreme consciousness that governs reality.
(iv) Primacy of Mind Over Objects: In idealism, objects are not as important as the mind that perceives them. It asserts that objects exist only because they are known by a conscious mind. ✅
3. Write a short note on subjective idealism.
Ans:
Subjective idealism is a significant form of idealism that emphasizes the role of perception in determining reality.
(i) Definition and Founder: Subjective idealism is a type of idealism developed by Berkeley, who argued that reality exists only as far as it is perceived by a conscious mind.
(ii) Mind-Dependent Reality: According to subjective idealism, the mind or soul is the primary reality, and the external world of objects exists only as a concept of the mind.
(iii) Esse est Percipi (To Be Is to Be Perceived): Berkeley's famous dictum states that an object's existence depends on its being perceived. If an object is not perceived, it does not exist.
(iv) Rejection of Materialism: Subjective idealism rejects the existence of material objects, arguing that all physical objects are simply ideas in the mind.
(v) Role of God in Perception: Berkeley argued that even if humans are not perceiving an object, it still exists because God is always perceiving everything.
4. Explain the characteristics of idealism. (5 marks, 2014)
Ans:
The main characteristics of idealism are:
(i) Primacy of the Mind: According to idealism, the objects of knowledge are less important than the knowing mind. The world is considered not a collection of things but a creation of consciousness.
(ii) The World as Spiritual and Purposeful: Idealism asserts that reality is not just material but has a spiritual and purposeful nature.
(iii) Importance of Human Existence: Idealism acknowledges that human beings are not merely part of nature but possess a spiritual essence that cannot be reduced to physical objects.
(iv) Belief in God: Idealists believe in the existence of God and consider God as immanent (present within the world) rather than an external force.
(v) Mind or Soul as the Ultimate Reality: Idealists believe that mind or soul represents the true subject of existence, and everything else is a reflection of it.
5. What is idealism? Briefly explain four characteristics. (6 marks, 2016)
Ans:
Definition:
Idealism is a philosophical theory that states that reality is fundamentally mental, and objects of knowledge are dependent on the mind. It holds that soul or mind is the ultimate reality and that the physical world is shaped by perception.
Four Characteristics of Idealism:
(i) The World as Spiritual and Purposeful: Idealism asserts that the universe is governed by spiritual principles rather than mechanical laws.
(ii) Importance of Human Existence: It emphasizes that humans are spiritual beings capable of reasoning and self-reflection.
(iii) Belief in God: Many idealist thinkers believe in God as the ultimate reality or the highest form of consciousness.
(iv) Mind Over Matter: Idealists argue that the knowing mind is more important than the objects of knowledge, meaning that the external world is secondary to human perception. ✅
6. Explain Berkeleyan Idealism. (6 marks, 2017)
Ans:
Berkeleyan Idealism, also known as Subjective Idealism, is a theory developed by George Berkeley, which argues that objects do not exist independently of perception.
(i) Definition and Founder: Subjective Idealism is one form of idealism developed by Berkeley, who argued that mind or soul is the main reality, and external objects are merely ideas in the mind.
(ii) Mind-Dependent Reality: Berkeley held that the external world does not exist independently but is dependent on the mind for its existence.
(iii) Esse est Percipi (To Be Is to Be Perceived): Berkeley famously stated that objects exist only as long as they are perceived. If an object is not being perceived, it ceases to exist.
(iv) Individual Mind's Existence: From an epistemological perspective, subjective idealism acknowledges that individual minds have independent existence.
(v) Rejection of Materialism: Berkeley completely rejected materialism, asserting that no physical objects exist outside of perception. All objects are merely ideas within a mind.
(vi) Role of God in Perception: Berkeley argued that even when objects are not being perceived by humans, they continue to exist because God is always perceiving everything.
7. What is idealism? State the different forms of idealism. (2+4=6 marks)
Ans:
Definition of Idealism:
Idealism is the philosophical theory that holds that reality is fundamentally mental, spiritual, or consciousness-based. It asserts that the object of knowledge depends on the knowing mind and that the soul or mind is the ultimate reality.
Different Forms of Idealism:
(i) Subjective Idealism: This theory, developed by Berkeley, argues that reality exists only as long as it is perceived and that objects have no existence independent of perception.
(ii) Objective Idealism: This form of idealism, championed by Hegel, asserts that reality exists independently of individual minds but is still ultimately mental or spiritual in nature.
(iii) Phenomenalistic Idealism: This form, associated with Kant, argues that reality as we perceive it is shaped by the categories of our mind, meaning we can never know the external world as it truly is.
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Unit-8: Realism
Chapter-2: Realism
At the end of this chapter, students will learn about the following topics:
The concept of Realism
Definition of Realism and its characteristics
Different kinds of Realism:
(i) Naive Realism
(ii) Scientific Realism
(iii) Neo-Realism
(iv) Neo-Critical Realism
Short and Long Questions from the Last 10 Years
Define Realism. Describe the characteristics of Realism (2+4=6 marks, 2016✅, 2017✅) (4 marks, 2013✅) (3 marks, 2014✅)
Write short notes on 'Realism'
How many types of Realism? Mention
Explain two features of Scientific Realism (4 marks, 2017✅)
What is Realism? Briefly explain four characteristics of Realism (2+4=6 marks, 2016✅, 2018✅)
MCQs
1. Which of the following philosophers is NOT mentioned as a supporter of realism?
(i) John Locke.
(ii) Bertrand Russell.
(iii) Rene Descartes.
(iv) Holt.
Ans: (iii) Rene Descartes.
2. According to realism, the existence of an object is determined by what?
(i) Knowledge of the knower.
(ii) Its own independent existence.
(iii) Perception of reality.
(iv) Subjective awareness.
Ans: (ii) Its own independent existence.
3. What is the criterion to determine the existence of an object for realists?
(i) Knowledge.
(ii) The knowing mind.
(iii) Independent existence outside the mind.
(iv) Awareness.
Ans: (iii) Independent existence outside the mind.
4. Why is there no internal relation between knowledge and its object according to realism?
(i) The object lacks reality.
(ii) The object exists independently of knowledge.
(iii) Knowledge is subjective.
(iv) The mind creates the relation artificially.
Ans: (ii) The object exists independently of knowledge.
5. Realists believe that the relation between knowledge and the object of knowledge is:
(i) Internal.
(ii) Subjective.
(iii) External.
(iv) All of the above.
Ans: (iii) External.
6. According to realism, the existence of the object of knowledge is:
(i) Determined by the knower’s awareness.
(ii) Independent of knowledge or mind.
(iii) Dependent on perception.
(iv) Based on subjective experiences.
Ans: (ii) Independent of knowledge or mind.
7. According to realism, what is the nature of the object of knowledge?
(i) It depends on the mind for existence.
(ii) It has an independent existence.
(iii) It exists only in imagination.
(iv) It is determined by knowledge.
Ans: (ii) It has an independent existence.
8. Realism denies that the existence of objects is determined by:
(i) External reality.
(ii) Knowledge or awareness.
(iii) Their qualities.
(iv) Their interaction with other objects.
Ans: (ii) Knowledge or awareness.
9. According to idealism, the object of knowledge is:
(i) Mind-dependent.
(ii) Independent of the mind.
(iii) A by-product of physical reality.
(iv) Completely self-sufficient.
Ans: (i) Mind-dependent.
10. Which of the following philosophers is NOT mentioned as a supporter of idealism?
(i) Hegel.
(ii) Berkeley.
(iii) Bertrand Russell.
(iv) None of the above.
Ans: (iii) Bertrand Russell.
11. According to idealists, what is the ultimate reality?
(i) The physical world.
(ii) Mind or soul.
(iii) Knowledge.
(iv) Independent objects.
Ans: (ii) Mind or soul.
12. From a historical standpoint, who is considered the founder of idealism?
(i) Berkeley.
(ii) Hegel.
(iii) Immanuel Kant.
(iv) Plato.
Ans: (iv) Plato.
13. Which of the following best describes the idealist view of objects?
(i) Objects are independent and self-sufficient.
(ii) Objects are expressions of the mind or self.
(iii) Objects exist apart from the knowing mind.
(iv) Objects have no relation to the knower.
Ans: (ii) Objects are expressions of the mind or self.
14. Plato’s idealism influenced which German philosopher known for his concept of Absolute Idealism?
(i) Immanuel Kant.
(ii) G.W.F. Hegel.
(iii) John Locke.
(iv) David Hume.
Ans: (ii) G.W.F. Hegel.
15. What is the ultimate reality according to idealists?
(i) Material objects.
(ii) Mind or soul.
(iii) Scientific laws.
(iv) Nature.
Ans: (ii) Mind or soul.
Questions and Answers Marks: 1
Name the philosopher who introduced the concept of 'windowless monad' in rationalism. (1 mark)
Ans. Leibnitz.Name two rationalist philosophers. (1 mark)
Ans. Leibnitz, Descartes.According to which theory is the object of knowledge independent of the knowing mind? (1 mark)
Ans. Realism.Who is the founder of Scientific Realism? (1 mark)
Ans. John Locke.Who is the propounder of Subjective Idealism? (1 mark)
Ans. George Berkeley.According to which theory is intellect or reason the source of knowledge? (1 mark)
Ans. Idealism.Berkeley’s Idealism is subjective or objective? (1 mark)
Ans. Subjective Idealism.What type of Idealism did Hegel propose? (1 mark)
Ans. Objective Idealism.Can Naive Realism be explained by illusion? (1 mark)
Ans. No.Name the philosopher who distinguishes between Primary and Secondary qualities. (1 mark)
Ans. John Locke.State any one form of Realism. (1 mark)
Ans. Naive Realism.Mention two realistic thinkers. (1 mark)
Ans. Locke, Holt."Whatever nobody can visit the Dakhala hills, yet it has existence." With which theory is this statement related? (1 mark)
Ans. Realism.Is the object of knowledge external according to Realism? (1 mark)
Ans. Yes.Does the object of knowledge have independent existence? (1 mark)
Ans. Yes, it has independent existence.According to Realism, is the object of knowledge controlled by knowledge? (1 mark)
Ans. No, it is not controlled.According to Realism, is the relation between subject and object external or internal? (1 mark)
Ans. External.According to Realism, what is the nature of external objects? (1 mark)
Ans. They exist independently of the mind.According to Realism, are external objects controlled by the mind? (1 mark)
Ans. No.According to Realism, what is the relation between the subject and the object? (1 mark)
Ans. External.In Realism, can our mind produce external objects? (1 mark)
Ans. No.Mention two forms of Realism. (1 mark)
Ans.
(i) Naive Realism
(ii) Scientific Realism
Questions and Answers Marks: 2
What is Realism? (2 marks)
Ans. Realism is a philosophical theory that states the object of knowledge has an independent existence of its own.Mention four realistic thinkers. (2 marks)
Ans. Moore, Alexander, Locke, Russell.Mention two characteristics of Realism. (2 marks)
Ans.
(i) In Realism, the object of knowledge has an independent existence of its own.
(ii) The relation between knowledge and object is external, not internal.Name any two forms of Realism. (2 marks)
Ans.
(i) Naive Realism
(ii) Scientific RealismWho advocated Scientific Realism? (2 marks)
Ans. John Locke.Who made the distinction between Primary and Secondary qualities? (2 marks)
Ans. John Locke.Can Naive Realism explain error? (2 marks)
Ans. No.
Questions and Answers Marks: 3/4
Define Realism. Mention two supporters of Realism. (4 marks)
Ans. Realism is a philosophical theory that asserts that objects of knowledge have an independent existence, meaning they exist whether or not they are perceived by a mind. Realists argue that reality is objective and external to human thought, and it does not rely on perception for its existence. This view opposes Idealism, which claims that reality is mind-dependent.
Two prominent supporters of Realism are John Locke and William Holt, who emphasized that knowledge is derived from external objects rather than being a mere mental construct.What is Realism? State any two characteristics of Realism. (4 marks)
Ans. Realism is the philosophical view that the external world exists independently of human perception or thought. It holds that objects, facts, and truths exist in reality, whether or not they are known or experienced by an observer. Realists believe that the physical world remains constant, regardless of human knowledge or interpretation.
Characteristics of Realism:
(i) Independent Existence: The object of knowledge has an independent reality that is not dependent on the observer’s mind. Objects exist in themselves, regardless of whether they are perceived.
(ii) External Relation: The relation between knowledge and the object is external, meaning that our thoughts and ideas do not create or alter the existence of objects. Reality exists on its own, separate from human cognition.What are the different forms of Realism? (4 marks, 2014✅)
Ans. Realism has various forms, each with a different perspective on how reality exists independently of perception. The four main forms of Realism are:
(i) Naive Realism: This view holds that objects exist exactly as they appear to human perception. What we see, hear, and experience directly corresponds to reality.
(ii) Scientific Realism: This theory suggests that while human senses may sometimes be deceptive, scientific methods can reveal the true nature of reality beyond mere appearances.
(iii) New Realism: Introduced in the early 20th century, this theory argues that objects and their properties exist independently but can be directly known without the need for mental representations.
(iv) New Critical Realism: This form of Realism states that while reality is independent, human knowledge of it is constructed through interpretation, meaning that perception and thought play a role in understanding external objects.State any three characteristics of Realism. (4 marks, 2016✅)
Ans. Realism as a philosophical approach emphasizes the independent existence of the external world. It maintains that knowledge is based on objective reality, not subjective perception.
Three Key Characteristics of Realism:
(i) Objective Reality: Realism asserts that objects and events exist in the world independently of human perception. Even if no one perceives a tree in a forest, the tree continues to exist.
(ii) Empirical Knowledge: Realism believes that knowledge comes through experience and observation of the real world. Scientific methods and sensory data help us understand reality.
(iii) Mind-Independent Truths: Realism posits that truths exist regardless of whether they are known. For example, the laws of physics existed before humans discovered them.Write a short note on Realism. (4 marks, 2013✅)
Ans. Realism is a major philosophical doctrine that holds that the external world exists independently of human perception and cognition. It opposes Idealism, which suggests that reality is shaped by the mind.Existence of an External World: Realism claims that objects, entities, and facts exist outside human thought. They are not mere projections of the mind.
Empirical and Scientific Basis: Realists believe that knowledge is obtained through experience, observation, and scientific reasoning rather than intuition or subjective interpretation.
Opposition to Skepticism: Realism argues against extreme skepticism, which doubts the existence of an external world, by asserting that the world exists objectively and can be studied.
Role in Education and Science: Realism influences disciplines like science, where facts are based on observable and measurable phenomena rather than personal beliefs or perceptions.
Questions and Answers Marks: 6
What is Realism? Explain the characteristics of Realism. (6 marks, 2012✅, 2016✅, 2018✅)
Ans. Realism is a philosophical theory that asserts that the external world exists independently of human perception. According to Realism, objects, facts, and events exist in reality, whether or not they are perceived by the mind. This theory opposes Idealism, which claims that reality is shaped by human consciousness. Realists believe that knowledge is objective and based on empirical evidence rather than subjective interpretation.
Characteristics of Realism:
(i) Independent Existence: The object of knowledge exists on its own and does not depend on the mind for its reality. Even if no one perceives it, the object continues to exist.
(ii) External Relation: The relationship between knowledge and the object is external, meaning that the existence of the object is not determined by human perception.
(iii) Objective Reality: Realism emphasizes that objects of knowledge are not controlled or altered by human thought or knowledge. Reality remains unchanged despite individual beliefs or interpretations.
(iv) Priority of Objects in Knowledge: In the process of acquiring knowledge, Realism gives primary importance to external objects rather than subjective experience.
(v) Empirical Knowledge: Realism considers sense perception as the primary source of knowledge. This means that knowledge is based on observation and experience, making it an empirical doctrine.
(vi) Separation of Subject and Object: Realism holds that knowledge and the subject of knowledge (the knower) are two distinct things. The external world exists independently of human consciousness.
(vii) Pluralistic Doctrine: Realism supports pluralism, meaning that multiple objects and realities exist independently of human perception, rather than everything being reduced to a single mental or spiritual entity.
What is Naive Realism? Mention its two characteristics. (6 marks)
Ans. Naive Realism, also known as Direct Realism, is a form of Realism that suggests that the external world exists exactly as we perceive it through our senses. According to Naive Realism, there is a direct correspondence between sensory perception and the actual nature of objects. What we see, hear, and experience is considered an accurate reflection of reality. This view assumes that the external world is stable and unchanging, and our sensory organs provide an accurate representation of it.
Characteristics of Naive Realism:
(i) Direct Perception: According to Naive Realism, we gain knowledge directly through perception of external objects. There is no intermediary process between the object and the knowledge of it.
(ii) Independent Existence of Objects: External objects and their qualities exist independently of perception. For example, a tree continues to exist with its colors, shape, and texture, even when no one is observing it.
What are the different forms of Realism? Mention three features of Realism. (6 marks)
Ans. Realism is not a single unified theory; it has different forms, each with its own perspective on the nature of reality.
Different Forms of Realism:
(i) Naive Realism: This theory suggests that objects exist exactly as we perceive them through our senses. It assumes that there is no difference between appearance and reality.
(ii) Scientific Realism: This view acknowledges that while perception gives us knowledge about the world, scientific methods are necessary to understand reality beyond mere appearances. It recognizes that human senses can sometimes be deceptive.
(iii) New Realism: Developed in the early 20th century, this view argues that external objects exist independently but can be directly known without needing mental representation.
(iv) New Critical Realism: This form of Realism states that while objects exist independently, our knowledge of them is shaped by interpretation, meaning that perception plays a role in how we understand reality.
Three Features of Realism:
(i) Independent Existence of Objects: Realism asserts that objects exist in reality, independent of human thought and perception.
(ii) External Relation between Knowledge and Object: Knowledge is about objects, but it does not create or determine their existence. The external world remains constant regardless of individual knowledge.
(iii) Reality is not Controlled by Knowledge: Objects and events exist independently, and human thought does not alter their fundamental nature. Realists believe in objective truths that exist regardless of whether they are known or unknown.
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