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History2013
With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school:
  1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or
  2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads
to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation

The correct option is "2 only" because the Sankhya school of philosophy indeed emphasizes self-knowledge as the key to liberation, asserting that understanding the distinction between the self (purusha) and the material world (prakriti) leads to moksha. However, the first statement is incorrect as Sankhya accepts the concept of rebirth and transmigration, viewing it as a natural consequence of karma. The focus on self-knowledge as an intrinsic path to liberation aligns with Sankhya’s dualistic framework, which positions personal insight as fundamental, unlike dependent on external deities or influences. This understanding is crucial for appreciating the philosophical depth of Sankhya, as covered in standard UPSC preparatory materials.

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