Q. Consider the following differences between Vaisheshika and Nyaya philosophy:

1. While Nyaya philosophy accepts four independent sources of knowledge, Vaisheshika accepts only two.
2. Nyaya recognizes sixteen categories of reality, whereas Vaisheshika recognizes only seven categories of reality.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: Both 1 and 2
Notes: Both statements are correct. Nyaya philosophy advocates four pramanas (sources of knowledge): perception, inference, comparison, and testimony; Vaisheshika considers only perception and inference. Nyaya identifies sixteen padarthas (categories of reality); Vaisheshika names seven: dravya, guna, karma, samanya, visesa, samavaya, and abhava.