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 (2019)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
a). What does Plato want to prove by his ‘Allegory of Cave’?
b). Can hallucination be regarded as an intentional act of Husserl? Explain.
c). What is the role of dialectics in realizing the truth in Hegel’s philosophy?
d). How does Descartes prove the existence of things other than himself and God? Discuss.
e). Explain Quine’s arguments against synthetic-analytic distinction.
2. a). How do the logical positivists account for the meaning of general statements? Can the same account be applied to metaphysical statements? Discuss.
b). What are the reasons for development changes in substance according to Aristotle? Discuss.
c). What do you understand by Spinoza’s statement that what is, cannot be other than what it is? Explain.
3. a). Is Dasein authentic existence for Heidegger? How does he relate temporality with Dasein? Discuss.
b). Show how Wittgenstein’s critique of solipsism culminates in the critique of private language.
c). Why is Moore’s philosophy called common-sense realism?
4. a). How does Kant argue for the transcendence of Space and Time? Discuss.
b). Is there any element of necessity in causal relations according to Hume? Discuss.
c). How does Sartre look at the problem of freedom of choice and determinism? Explain.
SECTION – B
5. Write short notes on the following: (Each note should not exceed 150 words) 10 × 5 = 50 marks
a). Justify the status of Abhava as a category in Vaisesika philosophy.
b). How do the Yogacara Buddhists deny the existence of the external world? Discuss.
c). Are the Carvakas consistent when they hold that inference is not a source of knowledge? Discuss.
d). Critically discuss the metaphysical status of a Jiva and a Purusa according to Sankhya philosophy.
e). How did Mimamsa establish the authority of Vedic knowledge?
6. a). How is reality defined by the Jainas? How is this theory of reality reflected in their view on judgements? Discuss.
b). What is the role of Jnanalaksana-pratyaka in explaining Anyathakhyati?
c). What is wrong according to the Carvakas with the following argument?
All men are mortal.
Socrates is a man.
Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
Justify your answer with arguments.
7. a). How does Udayana prove the existence of God through Karyat, Ayojanat, Dhrtyadeh and Sruteh? Discuss.
b). How would Yoga philosophy comprehend the Citta-levels of a Scientist, a God-realized Devotee and a Self-realized Yogi? Justify your answer.
c). What is Pratityasamutpada? How do the Buddhists apply this concept to prove that everything is momentary?
8. a). Explain the logical consequences of the metaphysical absolutism of Advaitism.
b). Explain the unique position of the super mind in the metaphysical scheme of Aurobindo’s philosophy.
c). Which Sankhya proof for the existence of Prakrti actually shows that there can be only one Prakrti? Justify your answer.
Philosophy Optional Question Paper-2 (2019)
SECTION – A
1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10 x 5 = 50 marks
a). How far do you think Jhon Rawls is continuing with Plato’s concept of justice?
b). Discuss the status of theocracy in the modern secular state.
c). Evaluate Mahatma Gandhi as a political anarchist.
d). Is corruption not a form of mass violence? Discuss.
e). Can gender equality be realized within a socialist regime? Analyse.
2. a). Do rights make citizens accountable to the state? Argue in the context of the present Indian scenario.
b). What are the descriptive and normative perspectives on ideas of multiculturalism?
c). Does technological development lead to progress in the ethical standards of the society? Explain.
3. a). Discuss how far does Austin’s concept of sovereignty go along with Kautilya’s concept of sovereignty.
b). Consider critically, that gender discrimination is a rather man-made concept but not naturally endowed.
c). What do you consider to be the future of Marxism in the context of the prevalent free market economy?
4. a). Examine whether there is any difference between the views of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on the philosophical foundations of secular democracy.
b). Does liberty put limitations to equality? Discuss.
c). Does capital punishment weaken the doctrine of social justice? Discuss.
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10 x 5 = 50 marks
a). What is instrumental to self-revelation: Faith or Reason? Justify your position.
b). Is religion a uniting force for humanity in the globalizing world as of today? Discuss.
c). Can there be a philosophical argument to support violence in the name of religion? Discuss.
d). Does a devoted commitment to a religious way of life make man go astray from social morality? Examine.
e). State and evaluate the profs for the existence of God as propounded in Jainism.
6. a). Discuss whether and how does religious symbolism lead to mysticism.
b). What role do the concepts of evil and profane play to provide a firm foundation to religion ?
c). How would a religious person deny the possibility of a religion without God? Discuss.
7. a). expound and explain the central problem in the discussion between religious pluralists and religious exclusivists.
b). Secular ethics cannot fully resolve as to why one should be moral all the time. Examine.
c). How far can religious experience be made a topic of public discourse Analyse.
8. a). State and explain the doctrines of Karma, Rebirth and Rebirth and Reincarnation in Hinduism.
b). State and evaluate the personalistic and impersonalistic aspects of God.
c). Discuss the relationship between man and God according to any one of the religions in India.
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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