Exploring the past is often the key to unlocking future success, and the same holds true for aspirants preparing for the UPSC mains examination with Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as their optional subject. In this blog series, we delve into the intricacies of the PSIR optional paper by dissecting the previous year questions on specific topics. Our focus in this edition is on the theme of “Justice” spanning the years 2013 to 2023. Justice, as a multifaceted concept, plays a pivotal role in understanding the socio-political landscape, and its nuanced exploration in the context of UPSC questions provides invaluable insights for candidates aiming to master this subject.
By dissecting the questions posed by the UPSC over the past decade, we aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of the patterns, trends, and the evolving nature of inquiries related to justice. Aspirants can expect an insightful journey through the various dimensions of justice – from theories and philosophies to its application in diverse socio-political scenarios. Join us in unraveling the intricacies of justice, as we analyze the questions that have shaped the PSIR optional landscape and gain a strategic advantage in preparing for this crucial section of the UPSC mains examination.
Justice – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains PSIR Optional)
Conceptions of justice with special reference to Rawl’s theory of justice and its communitarian critique
1. What is the concept of justice in modern political theory? How is it related to Liberty and Equality? (1994)
2. Consider: “We believe that as a matter of principle each -number of society has an inviolability founded on justice.” (Rawls) (1999)
3. To what extent does the Rawlsian goal of achieving social justice depend on an overarching consensus among cultural, religious and ideological groups? (2000)
4. Comment: ‘Veil of ignorance. (2010)
5. Comment in 150 words : “Original position” (2013)
6. Explicate the conception of justice in the critiques of communitarian theorists. (2014)
7. Comment in 150 words·: ‘Difference Principle’ in Rawls’ Theory of Justice. (2015)
8. Critically examine John Rawl’s Argument for democratic equality. (2016)
9. Rawls’ theory of justice is both contractual and distributive. Examine. (2017)
10. Comment in 150 words: Distributive Justice. (2018)
11. Analyse John Rawls justification of discrimination to achieve the goals of justice. (2018)
12. Examine communitarian perspective on justice. (2019)
13. Make a comparative assessment of Greek perspective of Justice with Rawlsian concept of Justice. (2020)
14. How has Rawls enriched the idea of justice in liberalism? (2021)
15. Write about “Revolution in Remanance”.(2022)
16. Examine the entitlement theory of justice.(2022)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of studying justice in the context of the UPSC PSIR optional paper?
A: Understanding justice is crucial for aspirants as it forms the bedrock of political and social structures. Analyzing justice in the context of the UPSC PSIR optional paper helps candidates grasp the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of justice, enabling a comprehensive approach to answering questions related to this theme.
Q: How has the concept of justice evolved in the past decade, based on UPSC mains questions?
A: Exploring past UPSC questions on justice provides insight into the dynamic nature of the concept. Candidates can discern trends, shifts in emphasis, and the evolving perspectives on justice, aiding them in forming a well-rounded understanding of the subject and staying abreast of contemporary issues.
Q: What are the key theories and philosophies associated with the concept of justice?
A: To excel in the UPSC PSIR optional paper, candidates must delve into the various theories and philosophies related to justice, such as Rawlsian justice, utilitarianism, and communitarianism. Familiarity with these concepts is essential for effectively addressing questions that demand a theoretical grounding in justice.
Q: How can candidates effectively integrate current affairs into their responses on justice-related questions?
A: Given the dynamic nature of socio-political issues, staying updated on current affairs is crucial. Understanding how to seamlessly integrate recent developments into responses on justice not only demonstrates a candidate’s awareness but also enhances the depth and relevance of their answers.
Q: What are the common pitfalls to avoid when addressing justice-related questions in the UPSC PSIR mains examination?
A: Analyzing the mistakes made by previous candidates is essential for honing one’s approach. This FAQ explores common pitfalls, such as oversimplification, neglect of diverse perspectives, and lack of application to real-world scenarios, helping aspirants refine their strategy and present more nuanced and well-rounded responses.
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