Welcome to a journey through the depths of philosophical inquiry in the context of the UPSC Mains Question Papers from 2013 to 2023. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is renowned for its rigorous examination process, and the inclusion of philosophy as an optional subject in the Mains examination reflects the significance of philosophical thought in shaping the minds of future administrators and leaders. Over the past decade, the questions posed in the philosophy paper have not only tested the depth of knowledge but also encouraged aspirants to think critically and apply philosophical concepts to real-world issues. In this blog series, we’ll delve into these questions, exploring the fascinating world of philosophy and how it relates to contemporary challenges in society and governance.
Whether you’re a UPSC aspirant aiming to master philosophy as an optional subject or a philosophy enthusiast keen on understanding the practical applications of philosophical ideas, this series promises to unravel the intellectual intricacies and philosophical conundrums presented in the UPSC Mains Question Papers. Together, we will examine the evolution of philosophical thought, the relevance of ancient and modern philosophies, and how these ideas can offer insightful solutions to complex societal issues. So, let’s embark on a philosophical journey that not only prepares you for a competitive exam but also equips you with the wisdom and insight to navigate the intricacies of life itself.
Question Paper Specific Instructions
- Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions :
- There are EIGHT questions divided in two SECTIONS and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
- Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
- Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE from each section.
- The number of marks carried by a question / part is indicated against it.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
- Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
- Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches, maps and diagrams. These shall be drawn in the space provided for answering the question itself.
- Attempts of questions shall be counted in chronological order. Unless struck off, attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the answer book must be clearly struck off.
Philosophy Optional Question Paper-1 (2017)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
a). Elaborate Hegel’s dictum: “All identity is identity and difference.”
b). Explain Husserl’s reasons for advocating phenomenological reductionism.
c). How is the statement, ‘I met a man’, semantically problematic for Russell? How does he account for the meaningfulness of this statement?
d). In what sense can ideas be both immanent and transcendent? Discuss in this context Plato’s theory of universals and particulars.
e). Show how Hume’s analysis of experience leaves no ground for belief in any permanent reality either physical or mental.
2. a). How is ‘all bodies are extended’ an analytic judgement but ‘all bodies are heavy a synthetic judgement? Is ‘every event has a cause an analytic or a synthetic judgement? Explain.
b). What is Wittgenstein’s picture theory of meaning? What are his reasons for giving up this theory and suggesting the use theory of meaning?
c). Explain Aristotle’s theory of form and matter. How does it help him resolve the problem of change and permanence?
3. a). Elaborate Kant’s theory of space and time. How does this theory enable him to explain how mathematical propositions can be both synthetic and a priori?
b). What, according to Descartes, is a ‘clear and distinct idea’? What is the epistemological status of clear and distinct ideas? Does this account help Descartes prove that material objects exist? Explain.
c). What are the two dogmas of empiricism that Quine attacks? What are his arguments against what he calls the second dogma?
4. a). How does Locke draw a distinction between primary and secondary qualities? Does he also draw a distinction between the idea of primary qualities and primary qualities as well as the idea of secondary qualities and secondary qualities? Discuss.
b). ‘Does the sentence, ‘Whatever is coloured is extended’, satisfy the criterion of meaningfulness proposed by the logical positivists? Explain.
c). Discuss Heidegger’s concept of authenticity and explain how an inauthentic Dasein regains the lost self?
SECTION – B
5. Write short notes on the following: (Each note should not exceed 150 words) 10 × 5 = 50 marks
a). “The soul is nothing but conscious body.” What are the reasons for Cārvāka in holding this view?
b). What are the necessary characteristics of padārtha according to Vaiseșika philosophy?
c). Explain the conditions of valid hetu as propounded in Nyāya philosophy.
d). What is meant by “yogaşcittavrttinirodhah” ? Explain cittavrtti and its effects according to Yoga philosophy.
e). Elucidate the role of catuṣkoți in explaining the nature of reality according to Mādhyamika school of thought.
6. a). Explain the early Nyāya definition of perception. Why this definition is considered inadequate by the later Naiyāyikas ?
b). “The Jaina metaphysics is relativistic and realistic pluralism.” Discuss.
c). What are the arguments of the Buddhists to establish Kșaņikavāda ? Do they necessarily lead to krtanāśa and akstābhyupagama ?
7. a). How do Mādhyamikas, Yogācāravādins and Sarvāstivādins differ among themselves concerning the nature of reality? How do Sarvāstivādins differ among themselves with regard to knowledgeability of reality?
b). How does Sri Aurobindo’s integral yoga help in the realization of supramental consciousness? Discuss.
c). Distinguish between vivartavāda and pariņāmavāda with reference to causation and explain how in the light of these theories Sankara and Ramanuja differ on the status of the world.
8. a). Explain the theory of Validity of Knowledge (prāmāṇyavāda) according to Mīmāṁsakas. How did they criticize the Nyāya theory of Validity?
b). Explain Ramanuja’s conception of God and examine the difficulties he faced in explaining the relation of God to matter and spirit.
c). Given its theory of causation, is it possible for Samkhya to explain the presence of consciousness in the world? Discuss.
Philosophy Optional Question Paper-2 (2017)
SECTION – A
1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10 x 5 = 50 marks
a). Discuss in the context of anarchy whether the freedom of an individual is consistent with the sovereignty of the State.
b). Discuss whether a blending of monarchy with democracy is conceivable to avoid their undesirable defects for making the governance better for citizens and State.
c). Is caste discrimination a result of the superiority complex of a privileged class of the society or of religious rituals? Discuss with reference to the views propounded by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
d). Out of rights and duties, which one is prior to the other? Discuss in the context of accountability.
e). Discuss the different aspects of the fundamental distinction between democratic equality and the Marxian notion of equality.
2. a). Do you agree with the view that secularism as a western ideal is redundant in the Indian context? Discuss in the context of the multicultural Indian society.
b). Critically evaluate whether the ideal of social progress gives a secondary significance to an individual’s freedom over his duties.
c). Discuss whether Kautilya’s concept of sovereignty turns into a despotic rule. How far is it comparable to Bodin’s concept? Discuss.
3. a). Does Marxism curb individual freedom in the name of protecting social justice? Discuss.
b). Can you justify capital punishment for crimes like rape, murder and corruption? Discuss.
c). Is empowerment of women a sufficient means to their equal rights to land, property and divorce? Discuss in the context of religious sanctions.
4. a). Evaluate the concept of social development as rooted in ethical principles against the concept of social progress being based on economic and political ideals.
b). How far do Marx, Gandhi and Amartya Sen agree and disagree on the concept of justice in the Indian democracy? Discuss.
c). Will a severe punishment for crimes against women change the mind-set of society? Justify your position.
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10 x 5 = 50 marks
a). Does a committed religious person go against social morality? Discuss from the moral perspective.
b). How do you define a non-theological concept of evil? Explain.
c). Is God necessary for religion? Justify your answer.
d). Discuss whether the doctrine of immortality of soul is indispensable for a religion.
e). Critically discuss the relationship of man with God in the Yoga system of philosophy.
6. a). Is there an essential difference between the concept of Liberation in theological and non-theological approaches to life? Discuss.
b). Does religion guarantee the absolute truth? Discuss in the context of religious pluralism.
c). Compare and contrast the different forms of cosmological argument.
7. a). Is not the language of analogies more confusing and the language of symbols more unintelligible? Evaluate it in the case of a religious language.
b). What will be the authority and acceptance of the absolute ethical values in the non-theological system of social practices? Discuss.
c). Discuss whether the voluntarist’s theories of faith are adequate.
8. a). Can a religious person take an elastic view about religious ideals, principles and practices, etc. which are supposed to be eternal? Will it make the religion progressive or will it demolish its authority? Discuss critically.
b). What is a non-theological concept of God? How is it different from a theological concept of God? Discuss with arguments.
c). In order to make expressions of religious experiences communicable, what kind of language needs to be constructed and used? Explain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of studying philosophy in the UPSC Mains examination?
Answer: Philosophy offers a unique perspective on ethical, moral, and intellectual issues, which is crucial for future administrators. It helps candidates develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it relevant for the civil services.
Q: Are the philosophy questions in UPSC Mains focused on historical philosophy or do they cover contemporary topics as well?
Answer: The questions in UPSC Mains philosophy papers often bridge the gap between traditional philosophical concepts and their practical applications in contemporary scenarios. Aspirants are required to understand and analyze both historical and modern philosophical ideas.
Q: How can I prepare for philosophy in the UPSC Mains exam, especially if I have no prior background in philosophy?
Answer: While a background in philosophy can be beneficial, it’s not a prerequisite. Start with the basics, study important philosophers and their ideas, and practice answering previous years’ questions to grasp the pattern and approach required for philosophical questions.
Q: What is the role of philosophy in addressing real-world issues through the UPSC examination?
Answer: Philosophy equips future administrators with the ability to think critically and ethically. The questions in UPSC Mains challenge candidates to apply philosophical concepts to contemporary problems, enabling them to propose well-reasoned solutions.
Q: Can you provide some examples of the type of philosophical questions asked in the UPSC Mains from 2013 to 2023?
Answer: Certainly, the questions cover a wide range of topics. For instance, questions might address ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, and more. These questions require candidates to not only understand philosophical concepts but also analyze and apply them to real-life situations.
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