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 (2014)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
(a) How are the synthetic a priori judgements justifiable according to Kant? Explain.
(b) Bring out the significance of language games’ in Wittgenstein’s use theory of meaning.
(c) Explain the significance of ‘bracketing’ in Husserl phenomenology.
(d) Does Leibniz’s theory of pre-established harmony necessarily lead to determinism ? Discuss.
(e) How far are Quine’s arguments in “Two Dogmas of Empiricism” justified ? Discuss.
2. (a) Distinguish between knowledge and belief according to Plato. How is it based on his metaphysics ? Explain.
(b) Explain the doctrine of Cartesian dualism and examine critically arguments in favour of it.
(c) Evaluate critically Hume’s criticism of theory of causation.
3. (a) Are empirical statements conclusively verifiable? Discuss the limitations of ‘verification theory of meaning’.
(b) Why does Wittgenstein disagree with Bertrand Russell’s interpretation of atomism in the philosophy of Tractatus? Discuss.
(c) Are G. E. Moore’s arguments in defence of common sense satisfactory ? Give reasons.
4. (a) Explain Kierkegaard’s concept of choice. How does the concept of choice in metaethics differ from normative ethics? Explain.
(b) State and evaluate Heidegger’s claim that temporality is the horizon against which the being of any entity is understood.
(c) Explain the significance of Aristotle’s doctrine of form and matter in his theory of causation.
SECTION – B
5. Write short notes on the following: (Each note should not exceed 150 words) 10 × 5 = 50 marks
(a) “Limits of knowledge and world are determined by my sense perception.” Discuss this claim of Carvakas.
(b) Explain the epistemological differences between Sautrāntika and Vaibhaṣika schools of Buddhism.
(c) Bring out the significance of the concept of adhyasa in Sankara’s philosophy to develop his metaphysics.
(d) Are the arguments given in favour of existence of prakrti adequate in Samkhya philosophy ? Discuss.
(e) Can arthapatti (postulation) be reduced to anumana (inference) ? Discuss it from the Mimamsa point of view.
6. (a) How is the theory of causation central to the theories of Reality in classical Indian tradition ? Discuss.
(b) Explain the concept of Karma and discuss its various types according to Jain philosophy.
(c) How is an absence of an object known according to Naiyāyikās and Mimamsakas ? Discuss.
7. (a) Bring out the philosophical implications of introducing extraordinary (alaukika) perception in Nyaya philosophy.
(b) Explain the nature and levels of samprajnata samadhi. How does each level lead more towards asamprajnata samadhi?
(c) Examine the Samkhya view on liberation that “the self is neither bound nor liberates, nor does it transmigrate”.
8. (a) How does the nature of Brahman differ in the philosophy of Sankara, Ramanuja and Madhva? Discuss critically.
(b) How does Nagarjuna explain the concept of Sunyata?
(c) How is Sri Aurobindo’s integral yoga an advancement over Patanjala yoga ? Discuss.
Philosophy Optional Question Paper-2 (2014)
SECTION – A
1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10 x 5 = 50 marks
(a) If caste discrimination has continuity and hierarchy, which principle of justice can dissolve this problem?
(b) How does multiculturalism redefine liberal notions like identity, freedom and equality and reformulate its assumptions?
(c) How do we distinguish Liberal humanism and Marxist humanism?
(d) Explain the significance of John Austin’s theory of sovereignty. How does it differ from that of Hobbes?
(e) Can we say that racial supremacy is the main reason for genocide? Give reasons for your answer.
2. (a) Which theory of punishment, retributive or restorative, do you recommend and why?
(b) “One is not born a woman, but she becomes a woman.” Critically comment on it.
(c) By eliminating alienation can we bring social progress? Critically analyse.
3. (a) Analyse the statement with reasons that “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”
(b) What are the basic differences between Gandhi and Ambedkar regarding caste system in India?
(c) Discuss Amartya Sen’s principle of Niti as a critique of Nyaya.
4. (a) “All human rights are centred on individual rights.” Discuss.
(b) Explain descriptive and normative perspectives on multiculturalism.
(c) In what sense is democracy a better form of Government than theocracy?
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10 x 5 = 50 marks
(a) If God is regarded as ‘One’, will it give rise to religious conflicts?
(b) On what grounds, the dichotomy between ‘is’ and ‘ought’ can either be justified or rejected?
(c) What are the arguments given in favour of the immortality of the Soul?
(d) Can pluralist perspective vindicate Absolute Truth?
(e) How do you justify rebirth’ with or without the Soul?
6. (a) How far can religious morality incorporate individual freedom?
(b) How do you formulate religious language as non-cognitive?
(c) Can it be self-contradictory to accept the idea’ of God but deny the ‘existence’ of God?
7. (a) Is evil reconcilable with the benevolent God?
(b) Discuss cosmological argument for the existence of God, and show its merits and demerits.
(c) Compare and contrast the concept of liberation according to ‘Advaita’ and ‘Viśistādvaita’.
8. (a) Elucidate the status of man in the realm between immanence’ and ‘transcendence’.
(b) Can reason be used to justify faith?
(c) Discuss the conflicting nature of religious experiences with special reference to Buddhism and Jainism.
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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