{"id":8871,"date":"2023-08-05T13:15:19","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T13:15:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=8871"},"modified":"2024-04-05T06:12:35","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T06:12:35","slug":"philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc\/","title":{"rendered":"Philosophy Optional Syllabus &#8211; UPSC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-cse-gs-integrated-course?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Integrated\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The UPSC includes Philosophy as one of the optional subjects among the 48 subjects available for candidates to choose from. The syllabus for Philosophy in the UPSC exam is highly specialized and encompasses a diverse range of topics, including Indian philosophy, Western philosophy, ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates who choose Philosophy as their optional subject will have to appear for two papers, with each paper carrying 250 marks, resulting in a total of 500 marks for this subject. These optional papers are an integral part of the UPSC Mains Examination, which comes after the IAS Preliminary exam. While Philosophy may not be as commonly chosen as some other subjects for the IAS Mains exam, individuals with a graduation degree or a strong background in Philosophy have the opportunity to select it as their preferred optional subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69fcf896bc9f8\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69fcf896bc9f8\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc\/#Philosophy_Optional_Syllabus_Paper-1\" title=\"Philosophy Optional Syllabus: Paper-1\">Philosophy Optional Syllabus: Paper-1<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc\/#History_and_Problems_of_Philosophy\" title=\"History and Problems of Philosophy:\">History and Problems of Philosophy:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc\/#Philosophy_Optional_Syllabus_Paper-2\" title=\"Philosophy Optional Syllabus: Paper-2\">Philosophy Optional Syllabus: Paper-2<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc\/#Socio-Political_Philosophy\" title=\"Socio-Political Philosophy\">Socio-Political Philosophy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc\/#Philosophy_of_Religion\" title=\"Philosophy of Religion:\">Philosophy of Religion:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc\/#Q_What_are_the_key_branches_of_philosophy_covered_in_the_optional_syllabus\" title=\"Q: What are the key branches of philosophy covered in the optional syllabus?\">Q: What are the key branches of philosophy covered in the optional syllabus?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc\/#Q_How_does_the_philosophy_optional_syllabus_contribute_to_a_broader_understanding_of_other_disciplines\" title=\"Q: How does the philosophy optional syllabus contribute to a broader understanding of other disciplines?\">Q: How does the philosophy optional syllabus contribute to a broader understanding of other disciplines?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc\/#Q_Is_familiarity_with_historical_philosophical_texts_necessary_for_the_philosophy_optional_syllabus\" title=\"Q: Is familiarity with historical philosophical texts necessary for the philosophy optional syllabus?\">Q: Is familiarity with historical philosophical texts necessary for the philosophy optional syllabus?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/philosophy-optional-syllabus-upsc\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Philosophy_Optional_Syllabus_Paper-1\"><\/span>Philosophy Optional Syllabus: <strong>Paper-1<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"History_and_Problems_of_Philosophy\"><\/span>History and Problems of Philosophy:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Plato and Aristotle: Ideas; Substance; Form and Matter; Causation; Actuality and Potentiality.<\/li><li>Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz):&nbsp; Cartesian Method and Certain Knowledge; Substance; God; Mind-Body Dualism; Determinism and Freedom.<\/li><li>Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume): Theory of Knowledge; Substance and Qualities; Self and God; Scepticism.<\/li><li>Kant: Possibility of Synthetic a priori Judgments; Space and Time; Categories; Ideas of Reason; Antinomies; Critique of Proofs for the Existence of God<\/li><li>Hegel: Dialectical Method; Absolute Idealism<\/li><li>Moore, Russell and Early Wittgenstein: Defence of Commonsense; Refutation of Idealism; Logical Atomism; Logical Constructions; Incomplete Symbols; Picture Theory of Meaning; Saying and Showing.<\/li><li>Logical Positivism: Verification Theory of Meaning; Rejection of Metaphysics; Linguistic Theory of Necessary Propositions.<\/li><li>Later Wittgenstein: Meaning and Use; Language-games; Critique of Private Language.<\/li><li>Phenomenology (Husserl):&nbsp; Method; Theory of Essences; Avoidance of Psychologism.<\/li><li>Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger): Existence and Essence; Choice, Responsibility, and Authentic Existence; Being\u2013in\u2013the\u2013world and Temporality.<\/li><li>Quine and Strawson: Critique of Empiricism; Theory of Basic Particulars and Persons.<\/li><li>Carvaka: Theory of Knowledge; Rejection of Transcendent Entities.<\/li><li>Jainism: Theory of Reality; Saptabhanginaya; Bondage and Liberation.<\/li><li>Schools of Buddhism: Prat Ityasamutpada; Ksanikavada, Nairatmyavada.<\/li><li>Nyaya- Vaiesesika: Theory of Categories; Theory of Appearance; Theory of Prama\u0081na; Self, Liberation; God; Proofs for the Existence of God; Theory of Causation; Atomistic Theory of Creation.<\/li><li>Samkhya: Prakrti; Purusa; Causation; Liberation<\/li><li>Yoga: Citta; Cittavrtti; Klesas; Samadhi; Kaivalya.<\/li><li>Mim\u00c4ms\u00c4: Theory of Knowledge<\/li><li>Schools of Vedanta: Brahman; Isvara; Atman; Jiva; Jagat; Maya; Avida; Adhyasa; Moksa; Aprthaksiddhi;&nbsp; Pancavidhabheda.<\/li><li>Aurobindo: Evolution, Involution; Integral Yoga.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/refer-and-earn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-10-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46428 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-10-1.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-10-1-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-10-1-585x137.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/300;\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/refer-and-earn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Refer &amp; Earn NOW<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Philosophy_Optional_Syllabus_Paper-2\"><\/span>Philosophy Optional Syllabus: <strong>Paper-2<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Socio-Political_Philosophy\"><\/span>Socio-Political Philosophy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Social and Political Ideals: Equality, Justice, Liberty.<\/li><li>Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya.<\/li><li>Individual and State: Rights; Duties and Accountability<\/li><li>Forms of Government: Monarchy; Theocracy and Democracy.<\/li><li>Political Ideologies: Anarchism; Marxism and Socialism<\/li><li>Humanism; Secularism; Multiculturalism.<\/li><li>Crime and Punishment: Corruption, Mass Violence, Genocide, Capital Punishment.<\/li><li>Development and Social Progress.<\/li><li>Gender Discrimination: Female Foeticide, Land and Property Rights; Empowerment.<\/li><li>Caste Discrimination: Gandhi and Ambedkar&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Philosophy_of_Religion\"><\/span>Philosophy of Religion:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Notions of God: Attributes; Relation to Man and the World. (Indian and Western).<\/li><li>Proofs for the Existence of God and their Critique (Indian and Western).<\/li><li>Problem of Evil.<\/li><li>Soul: Immortality; Rebirth and Liberation.<\/li><li>Reason, Revelation, and Faith.<\/li><li>Religious Experience: Nature and Object (Indian and Western).<\/li><li>Religion without God.<\/li><li>Religion and Morality.<\/li><li>Religious Pluralism and the Problem of Absolute Truth.<\/li><li>Nature of Religious Language: Analogical and Symbolic; Cognitivist and Non-cognitive.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_are_the_key_branches_of_philosophy_covered_in_the_optional_syllabus\"><\/span><strong>Q: What are the key branches of philosophy covered in the optional syllabus?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: The philosophy optional syllabus typically encompasses major branches such as Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Logic, and Political Philosophy. It may also include specific topics like Indian Philosophy, Western Philosophy, and Contemporary Philosophy, providing a comprehensive overview of philosophical thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_How_does_the_philosophy_optional_syllabus_contribute_to_a_broader_understanding_of_other_disciplines\"><\/span><strong>Q: How does the philosophy optional syllabus contribute to a broader understanding of other disciplines?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Studying philosophy as an optional subject enhances critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to articulate ideas effectively. Philosophical concepts often intersect with various disciplines like science, psychology, sociology, and literature, fostering a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Is_familiarity_with_historical_philosophical_texts_necessary_for_the_philosophy_optional_syllabus\"><\/span><strong>Q: Is familiarity with historical philosophical texts necessary for the philosophy optional syllabus?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Yes, the syllabus often involves the study of classical and historical philosophical texts. These texts serve as foundational works, providing insights into the development of philosophical ideas over time. Familiarity with key texts is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of philosophical thought and its evolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources, <a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a> <\/li><li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a> <\/li><li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a> <\/li><li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@EduKemyforIAS\">here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The UPSC includes Philosophy as one of the optional subjects among the 48 subjects available for candidates to choose from.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":9033,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[240],"tags":[252,253],"class_list":["post-8871","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-optional-syllabus","tag-philosophy","tag-upsc-philosophy-optional-syllabus"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8871","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8871"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8871\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36870,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8871\/revisions\/36870"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9033"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8871"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8871"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8871"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}