CS (MAIN) EXAM:2020 PHILOSOPHY (Paper 1)
Section-A
Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) How docs Aristotle arguc for the priority of Form over Matter and Actuality over Potentiality? Critically discuss.
(b) How does Leibniz's conception of monads bear upon his views on determinism and freedom? Discuss with your own commenits
(c) What, according to Husserl, is wrong with psychologism? How does Husserl address the problems with psychologism in his phenomenological method?
(d) Examine the reality of the phenomenal world in the light of Hegel's Absolute ldealism.
(e) "The Soul of Superman is Good."
Critically examine the above statement in the light of logical positivism.
Q2.(a) "I never can catch myself at any time without percepuon, and never can observe anything but the perception." How does this statcment by Hume problematize the philosophical notion of personal identity? How does Kant deal with this problem in his Critique of Pure Reason?
(b) Critically discuss the following statement by Moore:
"If anyone tells us that to say 'Blue exists' is the same thing as to say that 'Both blue and consciousncss exists makes a mistake and a self contradictory mistake. "
(c) "The reason that I call my doctrine logical atomism is bccause the atoms that I wish to arive at as the sort of last residue in analysis are logical atoms and not physical atorms" Write a note on the nature of atomic facts according to Russcll in the light of the above statement.
Q3.(a) What docs Kicrkegaard mean by saying "Subjectivity is the truth" in the context of the problem of 'the single individual'?
(b) Evatuate the role of spatio-temporal thinking in objective thinking with reference to Strawson's thcory of basic particulars.
(c) When does Pure Reason cnter mo n rean or Antinomies according to Kant? Is Kant's notion of Antinomics ol Pure reason a natural culmination of his distinction between Phenomena and Noumena: ove ieasons in favour of your answer.
Q4.(a) "You can always make something out of what you have been made into." Critically discuss this statement by Sartre with reference to his views on existentialism.
(b) From the necessity of the divine nature there must follow infinitely many ways."Explain this staement by Spinoza along with some possible criticisms.
(c) But coukd we also imagine a language in which a person could write down or give vocal expression to his inner experiences his feelings, moods and the rest-for his private use"? Critically discuss the dwer answer offered offcred by Witlgenstein to this question.
Section-B
Q5. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each:
(a) Examine the concepl of Karma according to Jainism. How does it bear upon their conception of Liberation?
(b) Explain the diference between Samprajnata Samàdhi and Asamprajnata Samadhi
(c) Why is memory not a valid knowledge according to Mihatmasa?
(d) Point out the significance of the ive-fold diffcrences in the Dualistic School of Vedänta.
(e) Discuss the nature and types of matier according to Nimbarka.
Q6.(a) How is Kanikavada a logical derivative of Pratityasamutpada in Buddhism? Explain.
(b) Critically evaluate Carvakas' rejection of Ákasa as one of the elements of reality and examine their criticism of transmigration of Soul.
(c) Explain the concepts of 'Anyathasiddha and 'Ananyathâsiddha' in the context of Asatkaryavada.
Q7.(a) A mango tree is grown out of a mango seed," How will Samkhya system explain this process through their theory of causation by rejecting their rival perspectives?
(b) How does Buddhism explain Self in terms of Pancaskandhas? What is Liberation for Buddhism if there is no Soul?
(c) Explain the differences of conception of Reality between Cárvaka and Jainism.
Q8.(a) What does Aurobindo mean by lite divine as a possibility and inevitability?
(b) Critically evaluate the logical and metaphysical satus of Visesa in the context of Vaisesika Philosophy.
(c) Discuss the nature and relationship of Jiva and Jiva-sakshi to non-dualism.
CS (MAIN) EXAM:2020 PHILOSOPHY (Paper 2)
Section-A
Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Is the concept of liberty' realizable in the modern technological society? Explain.
(b) How far do the liberal democracies safeguard the interests of minorities? Evaluate critically.
(c) Do you think that secularism requires complete separation of religion and 'state'? Discuss.
(d) Explain the importance of Bodin's theory of sovereignty.
(e) Do you think that the prevailing pandemic will lead to anarchism in society? Discuss.
Q2.(a) State and examine the Gandhian concept of social development.
(b) How far is Marxism as a philosophical doctrine relevant in the present context? Justify your answer.
(c) Is Indian tradition antagonistic to Individual Rights? Consider it by taking recourse to the doctrin of Human Rights.
Q3.(a) State and examine B.R. Ambedkar's contribution towards social changes in Independent India.
(b) What do you understand by multiculturalism? Explain the structural Characteristics that make a nation multicultural.
(c) Do you think that retributive theory of punishment is against human rights? Discuss.
Q4.(a) Do you agree that empowering women can eliminate gender discrimination ? Discuss.
(b) State and explain the relevance of the doctrine of sovereignty in times of globalization.
(c) How far do the social and political regimes condition corrupt practices in a nation-state? Discuss.
Section-B
Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Discuss the significance of 'Religion' vis-à-vis the present scientific and technological development.
(b) The concept of 'Immortality' is a basic presupposition of religion. Elaborate your answer.
(c) Is it acceptable that the History of Religions is the History of Conflicts ? Discuss.
(d) Is there any compatibility between 'Freedom of Will' and 'Omnipotent God' ? Discuss.
(e) What is the importance of religious tolerance in a multicultural pluralistic society? Justify your answer.
Q6.(a) It is ontological proof for the existence of God by St. Anselm logical? Discuss.
(b) What is the logical problem of evil? Discuss.
(c) Critically examine the concept of God as prerequisite for a religion.
Q7.(a) Discuss the nature of God in Hinduism with special reference to Vishishtadvaita (Qualified non-dualism).
(b) Distinguish between prayer and worship and determine their place in religion.
(c) What are the basic tenets of faith? Distinguish between faith and belief. 15
Q8.(a) Does religious language carry cognitive content? Elucidate in detail.
(b) Are religious beliefs and practices incompatible with moral behaviour ? Discuss.
(c) Do you accept that knowledge, Action and Devotion are the means to attain liberation in Indian tradition ? Discuss
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CSE MAIN EXAM:2019 PHILOSOPHY (Paper 1)
Section-A
Q1 Write short answers to the
following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 Marks
(a) What does Plato
want to prove by his ‘Allegory of Cave ’ ?10 Marks
(b) Can hallucination be regarded as an intentional act of Husserl ?
Explain. 10 Marks
(c) What is the role of dialectics in realizing the truth in Hegel’s
philosophy? 10 Marks
(d) How does Descartes prove the existence of things other than himself and
God? Discuss. 10 Marks
(e) Explain Quine’s arguments against synthetic-analytic distinction. 10 Marks
Q2 (a) How do the
logical positivists account for the meaning of general statements? Can the same
account be applied to metaphysical statements? Discuss. 20 Marks
(b) What are the reasons for development changes in substance according to
Aristotle? Discuss. 15 Marks
(c) What do you understand by Spinoza’s statement that what is, cannot be other
than what it is? Explain. 15 Marks
Q3 (a) Is Dasein
authentic existence for Heidegger? How does he relate temporality with Dasein?
Discuss. 20 Marks
(b) Show how Wittgenstein’s critique of solipsism culminates in the critique of
private language. 15 Marks
(c) Why is Moore’s philosophy called common-sense realism? 15 Marks
Q4 (a) How does
Kant argue for the transcendence of Space and Time? Discuss. 20 Marks
(b) Is there any element of necessity in causal relations according to Hume?
Discuss. 15 Marks
(c) How does Sartre look at the problem of freedom of choice and determinism?
Explain. 15 Marks
Section-B
Q5 Write short answers to the
following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 Marks
(a) Justify the
status of Abhava as a category in Vaisesika philosophy. 10 Marks
(b) How do the Yogacara Buddhists deny the existence of the external world?
Discuss. 10 Marks
(c) Are the Carvakas consistent when they hold that inference is not a source
of knowledge? Discuss. 10 Marks
(d) Critically discuss the metaphysical status of a Jiva and a Purusa according
to Sankhya philosophy. 10 Marks
(e) How does Mimamsa establish the authority of Vedic knowledge? 10 Marks
Q6(a) How is
reality defined by the Jainas? How is this theory of reality reflected in their
view on judgements? Discuss. 20
Marks
(b) What is the role of Jnanalaksana-pratyaka is explaining
Anyathakhyati? 15 Marks
(c) What is wrong according to the Carvakas with the following argument ? 15 Marks
All men are mortal.
Socrates is a man.
Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
Justify your answer with arguments.
Q7 (a) How does
Udayana prove the existence of God through Karyat, Ayojanat, Dhrtyadeh and
Sruteh? Discuss. 20 Marks
(b) How would Yoga philosophy comprehend the Citta-levels of a Scientist, a
God-realized Devotee and a Self-realized Yogi? Justify your answer. 15 Marks
(c) What is Pratityasamutpada? How do the Buddhists apply this concept to prove
that everything is momentary? 15
Marks
Q8 (a) Explain the
logical consequences of the metaphysical absolutism of Advaitism. 20 Marks
(b) Explain the unique position of the supermind in the metaphysical scheme of
Aurobindo’s philosophy. 15 Marks
(c) Which Sankhya proof for the existence of Prakrti actually shows that there
can be only one Prakrti? Justify your answer. 15 Marks
CSE MAIN EXAM:2019 PHILOSOPHY (Paper 2)
Section 'A'
Q1 Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each : 10x5=50 Marks
(a) How far do you
think Jhon Rawls is continuing with Plato’s concept of justice ? 10 Marks
(b) Discuss the status of theocracy in the modern secular state . 10 Marks
(c) Evaluate Mahatma Gandhi as a political anarchist. 10 Marks
(d) Is corruption not a form of mass violence ? Discuss. 10 Marks
(e) Can gender equality be realised within a socialist regime ? Analyse. 10 Marks
Q2 (a) Do rights
make citizens accountable to the state? Argue in the context of the present
Indian scenario. 20 Marks
(b) What are the descriptive and normative perspectives on ideas of
multiculturalism ? 15 Marks
(c) Does technological development lead to progress in the ethical standards of
the society ? Explain. 15 Marks
Q3 (a) Discuss how
far does Austin’s concept of sovereignty go along with Kautilya’s concept of
sovereignty. 20 Marks
(b) Consider critically, that gender discrimination is a rather man-made
concept but not naturally endowed. 15
Marks
(c) What do you consider to be the future of Marxism in the context of the
prevalent free market economy ? 15
Marks
Q4 (a) Examine
whether there is any difference between the views of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr.
Babasaheb Ambedkar on the philosophical foundations of secular democracy. 20 Marks
(b) Does liberty put limitations to equality ? Discuss. 15 Marks
(c) Does capital punishment weaken the doctrine of social justice ?
Discuss. 15 Marks
Section 'B'
Q5 Answer the following question in
about 150 words each : 10x5=50 Marks
(a) What is
instrumental to self-revelation : Faith or Reason ? Justify your position. 10 Marks
(b) Is religion a uniting force for humanity in the globalizing world as of
today ? Discuss. 10 Marks
(c) Can there be a philosophical argument to support violence in the name of
religion ? Discuss. 10 Marks
(d) Does a devoted commitment to a religious way of life make man go astray
from social morality ? Examine. 10
Marks
(e) State and evaluate the profs for the existence of God as propounded in
Jainism. 10 Marks
Q6 (a) Discuss
whether and how does religious symbolism lead to mysticism. 20 Marks
(b) What role do the concepts of evil and profane play to provide a firm
foundation to religion ? 15 Marks
(c) How would a religious person deny the possibility of a religion without God
? Discuss. 15 Marks
Q7 (a) expound and
explain the central problem in the discussion between religious pluralists and
religious exclusivists. 20 Marks
(b) Secular ethics cannot fully resolve as to why one should be moral all the
time. Examine. 15 Marks
(c) How far can religious experience be made a topic of public discourse
Analyse. 15 Marks
Q8 (a) State and
explain the doctrines of Karma, Rebirth and Rebirth and Reincarnation in
Hinduism. 20 Marks
(b) State and evaluate the personalistic and impersonalistic aspects of
God. 15 Marks
(c) Discuss the relationship between man and God according to any one of the
religions in India. 15 Marks
CSE MAIN EXAM:2018 PHILOSOPHY (Paper 1)
SECTION ‘A’
Q1. Write short answers to the
following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks
(a) Are the two
truths-"The Sun will rise tomorrow" and ‘2+2-4' of the same necessity
for Hume? Give reasons in favour of your answer.
(b Is there any place for freedom in Leibniz's philosophy, when he speaks of
"pre-established harmony'? Discuss.
(c) How does the notion of 'family resemblance help Wittgenstein to uphold that
'Language is a game'? Discuss.
(d) How does Sartre connect inauthenticity with bad faith? Why does Sartre show
that inauthenticity and bad faith lead to alienation? Discuss.
(e) How does Strawson explain the concept of person in his philosophy? Discuss.
Q2. (a) What is the
reason for the difference in the definitions and classifications of substances
made by Descartes, Spinoza and Leibniz in spite of the fact that they all
belonged to the rationalist school of thought? Discuss. 20 marks
(b) Explain the significance of the Kantian dictum, 'Understanding makes
Nature'. How far do you agree that Hegel's Absolutism is the culmination of the
Kantian Dualism? Discuss. Give reasons in favour of your answer. 15 marks
(c) How does Quine show that the notion of a prior knowledge as discussed by
Kant is a metaphysical article of faith'? Give reasons for your answer. 15
marks
Q3.(a) How does
Berkeley establish that Mind and its ideas alone are real? How do Moore and
Russell react to Berkeley's view in this regard? Do you find any difference
between Moore's reaction and Russell's one? Discuss. 20 marks
(b) How do the logical positivists show that metaphysical sentences are
meaningless? Can their verification theory of meaning account for the
meaningfulness of all scientific sentences? Discuss.15 marks
(c) How does Wittgenstein apply the distinction between 'saying' and 'showing'
to point to a single way of apprchending the most decisive problems of
philosophy? Is he justified? Give reasons for your answer. 15 marks
Q4.(a) What is
Epoché? How does Heidegger reject this method of phenomenological reduction?
Explain Heidegger's concept of 'being in the world' as opposed to the concept
of a transcendental ego.20 marks
(b) Is the relation between the Idea and the World as discussed by Plato
logically consistent? Discuss Aristotle's views regarding this and also give
arguments in favour of your answer. 15 marks
(c) How is Russell's theory of definite description related to his Logical
Atomisin? Discuss and give reasons for your answer. 15 marks
SECTION 'B'
Q5. Explain the following in about
150 words each: 10x5=50 marks
Q5. Write short
answers to the following in about 150 words each: 10x5-50 marks
(a) How do the Vaišeșika philosophers explain the difference of the
relationships in the Iwo cases-(i) the brown colour of the table and (ii) the
book on the table? Discuss.
(b) How do the Madhyamika Buddhists apply the notion of Pratityasamutpada to
establish their doctrine of Sunyata ? Discuss.
(c) What is the difference between the indescribability (Anirvacaniyatā) of
Brahman and the indescribability (Anirvacaniyata) of Māya in the Advaita
Vedānta system? Discuss
(d) How do the Buddhists and the Nyāya philosophers explain our knowledge of
'the absence of the jar on the table'? Answer in detail.
(e) Is Purusa one or many? Explain the Sámkhya position in this regard and give
arguments in support of your answer.
Q6.(a) How do thc
Naiyāyikas prove the existence of God? Do the Yoga philosophers prove God in
the same way? If yes, how? And if no, why? Give reasons for your answer. 20
marks
(b) Is it consistent for the Buddhists to admit the theory of Nairātmyavāda and
the doctrine of Nirvana simultaneously? Give reasons in favour of your answer.
15 marks
(c) How do the Jaina philosophers explain 'bondage'? What, according to them,
is the distinction between "liberated soul' and 'bound soul'? What do the
Jainas think about the condition of the 'liberated soul'? Discuss. 15 marks
Q7.(a) Give a
comparative cxposition of the concept of Moksa as found in the systems of
Višistādvaita, Dvaita, Suddhadvaita and Acintyabhedābheda. 20 marks
(b) How do the Advaita Vedāntins react to the Prakrtiparināmavāda of the
Samkhya philosophy? How do the Särhkhyas defend their own position in this
regard? Discuss.15 marks
(c) How does Rāmānuja refute the doctrine of Maya as propounded by Sankara?
Whyis Māyā needed by both Råmånuja and Sankara lo establish their doctrincs?
Discuss. 15 marks
Q8.(a) Does the
admission of Svayamprakaśavada necessarily lead to the admission of Svatahprāmānyavāda?
Discuss after the Naiyayikas, the Mimāmsakas and the Advaita Vedantins. 20
marks
(b) Is Cārvāka rejection of inference acceptable to the other systems of Indian
philosophy? If not, why? Do you think the views of other systems to be justified?
Give reasons for your answer. 15 marks
(c) What is Evolution according to Sri Aurobindo? Describe the process of
triple transformation and the nature of gnostic being in his philosophy. 15
marks
CSE MAIN EXAM:2018 PHILOSOPHY (Paper
2)
SECTION ‘A’
Q1. Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks
(a) What is meant
by liberal democracy ? Does it require deeper principles for social cohesion to
balance its own strong affirmation of individual rights ? Give reasons from the
Indian context. 10 marks
(b) Do you subscribe to the view that Indian cultural identity needs to
integrate the principles of multi-culturalism and respect for the dignity of
each person ? Justify your answer. 10 marks
(c) It is said that the traditional hold of caste-based groups on Indian social
behaviour has survived all attempts to build alternate identities. Discuss in
the light of M.K. Gandhi. 10 marks
(d) Discuss Kautilya's concept of sovereignty in the light of Danda-neeti'. 10
marks
(e) What measures do you suggest to eradicate corruption in Indian democracy?
10 marks
Q2. (a) How far can
liberty and equality be considered as distinctive features of democracy?
Discuss. 20 marks
(b) Critically evaluate Laski's view on sovereignty as a satisfactory position
in political theory.15 marks
(c) Do you subscribe to the political ideology of Anarchists? Justify your
answer. 15 marks
Q3.(a) What do you
understand by multi-culturalism ? How are globalization and multi-culturalism
related ? How does their relationship affect cultural changes ? 20 marks
(b) । Are Marxian Socialism and individual freedom consistent ?
Discuss critically. 15 marks
(c) What form of humanism do you approve as relevant in the present day context
? Discuss in detail. 15 marks
Q4.(a) “"Human
rights and human dignity would no longer be the product of a particular
culture, rather a common human aspiration for an ideal world." Discuss. 20
marks
(b) How do you evaluate gender discrimination in the context of female
foeticide? 15 marks
(c) Is feminism an ideology for empowerment or for equality ? Discuss. 15 marks
SECTION 'B'
Q5. Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks
(a) In what sense
is the secular use of language different from the religious use of language ?
Discuss. 10 marks
(b) How far is it plausible to argue that the anti-theistic religions' stand on
the concept of rebirth is philosophically significant ? 10 marks
(c) Can you justify religion without God ? Support your answer. 10 marks
(d) Can one claim that there is an inter-relatedness between 'religiosity and
'immorality'? Discuss. 10 marks
(e) Is Hinduism poly-theistic ? Give reasons for your answer.10 marks
Q6.(a) Distinguish
between Exclusivism, Inclusivism and Pluralism with regard to the conflicting
truth-claims of different religions. 20 marks
(b) "Truth is one, yet people perceive differently." Critically
evaluate by considering the present Indian context. 15 marks
(c) Does the concept of God entail the existence of God ? Examine from the perspective
of ontological argument. 15
Q7.(a) The terms
"Sacred' and 'Holy' have come to serve as generic names for the object of
religion. Do you agree that one can have God as the object of religion ?
Discuss. 20 marks
(b) Critically examine Braithwaite's non-cognitive theory of religious
language. 15 marks
(c) Evaluate the concept of Bhakti (Devotion) as a pathway to attain
liberation. 15 marks
8.(a) Compare St.
Thomas Aquinas' five ways of knowing God with the arguments of the Nyāya School
of Indian Philosophy for the existence of God. 20 marks
(b) Critically evaluate the Buddhistic arguments against the existence of God
as the creator of the world. 15 marks
(c) Explain the significance of religious symbols as transcendent referent that
mediates into the cultural, spatial and temporal world.15 marks
CSE MAIN EXAM:2017 PHILOSOPHY (Paper 1)
SECTION ‘A’
Write short answers to the following
in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks
Q1.(a) Elaborate
Hegel's dictum : "All identity is identity and difference.” 10 marks
(b) Explain Husserl's reasons for advocating phenomenological reductionism. 10
marks
(c) ‘How is the statement, 'I met a man', semantically problematic for Russell
? How does he account for the meaningfulness of this statement ? 10 marks
(d) In what sense can ideas be both immanent and transcendent ? Discuss in this
context Plato's theory of universals and particulars.10 marks
(e) Show how Hume's analysis of experience leaves no ground for belief in any
permanent reality either physical or mental. 10 marks
Q2.(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. 20 marks
(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 ? 15 marks
(c) Explain Aristotle's theory of form and matter. How does it help him resolve
the problem of change and permanence ? 15 marks
Q3.(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 ? 20 marks
(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.15 marks
(c) What are the two dogmas of empiricism that Quine attacks ? What are his
arguments against what he calls the second dogma ? 15 marks
Q4.(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. 20 marks
(b) ‘Does the sentence, 'Whatever is coloured is extended', satisfy the
criterion of meaningfulness proposed by the logical positivists ? Explain. 15
marks
(c) Discuss Heidegger's concept of authenticity and explain how an inauthentic
Dasein regains the lost self? 15 marks
SECTION 'B'
Q5. Write short answers to the
following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks
(a) “The soul is
nothing but conscious body." What are the reasons for Cārvāka in holding
this view? 10 marks
(b) What are the necessary characteristics of padārtha according to Vaiseșika
philosophy ? 10 marks
(c) Explain the conditions of valid hetu as propounded in Nyāya philosophy.10
marks
(d) What is meant by “yogaşcittavrttinirodhah” ? Explain cittavrtti and its
effects according to Yoga philosophy.10 marks
(e) Elucidate the role of catuṣkoți in explaining the nature of reality
according to Mādhyamika school of thought. 10 marks
Q6.(a) Explain the
early Nyāya definition of perception. Why this definition is considered
inadequate by the later Naiyāyikas ? 20 marks
(b) "The Jaina metaphysics is relativistic and realistic pluralism.”
Discuss. 15 marks
(c) What are the arguments of the Buddhists to establish Kșaņikavāda ? Do they
necessarily lead to krtanāśa and akstābhyupagama ?, 15 marks
Q7.(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? 20 marks
(b) How does Sri Aurobindo's integral yoga help in the realization of
supramental consciousness ? Discuss. 15 marks
(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. 15 marks
Q8.(a) Explain the
theory of Validity of Knowledge (prāmāṇyavāda) according to Mīmāṁsakas. How did
they criticize the Nyāya theory of Validity ? 20 marks
(b) Explain Ramanuja's conception of God and examine the difficulties he faced
in explaining the relation of God to matter and spirit. 15 marks
(c) Given its theory of causation, is it possible for Samkhya to explain the
presence of consciousness in the world ? Discuss. 15 marks
CSE MAIN EXAM:2017 PHILOSOPHY (Paper 2)
SECTION ‘A’
Q1. Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each: | 10x5=50 marks
(a) Discuss in the
context of anarchy whether the freedom of an individual is consistent with the
sovereignty of the State.10 marks
(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. 10 marks
(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.10 marks
(d) Out of rights and duties, which one is prior to the other ? Discuss in the
context of accountability.10 marks
(e) Discuss the different aspects of the fundamental distinction between
democratic equality and the Marxian notion of equality.10 marks
Q2.(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.20 marks
(b) Critically evaluate whether the ideal of social progress gives a secondary
significance to an individual's freedom over his duties.15 marks
(c) Discuss whether Kautilya's concept of sovereignty turns into a despotic
rule. How far is it comparable to Bodin's concept ? Discuss. 15 marks
Q3. (a) Does
Marxism curb individual freedom in the name of protecting social justice ?
Discuss. 20 marks
(b) Can you justify capital punishment for crimes like rape, murder and
corruption ? Discuss. 15 marks
(c) Is empowerment of women a sufficient means to their equal rights to land,
property and divorce ? Discuss in the context of religious sanctions. 15 marks
Q4.(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. 20
marks
(b) How far do Marx, Gandhi and Amartya Sen agree and disagree on the concept
of justice in the Indian democracy ? Discuss. 15 marks
(c) Will a severe punishment for crimes against women change the mind-set of
society ? Justify your position. 15 marks
SECTION 'B'
Q5. Answer
the following questions in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks
(a) Does a
committed religious person go against social morality ? Discuss from the moral
perspective. 10 marks
(b) How do you define a non-theological concept of evil ? Explain. 10 marks
(c) Is God necessary for religion ? Justify your answer. 10 marks
(d) Discuss whether the doctrine of immortality of soul is indispensable for a
religion. 10 marks
(e) Critically discuss the relationship of man with God in the Yoga system of
philosophy. 10 marks
Q6.(a) Is there an
essential difference between the concept of Liberation in theological and
non-theological approaches to life ? Discuss.20 marks
(b) Does religion guarantee the absolute truth? Discuss in the context of
religious pluralism. 15 marks
(c) Compare and contrast the different forms of cosmological argument for 15
marks
Q7. (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.20 marks
(b) What will be the authority and acceptance of the absolute ethical values in
the non-theological system of social practices ? Discuss. 15 marks
(c) Discuss whether the voluntarist's theories of faith are adequate. 15 marks
Q8.(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. 20 marks
(b) What is a non-theological concept of God ? How is it different from a
theological concept of God ? Discuss with arguments. 15 marks
(c) In order to make expressions of religious experiences communicable, what
kind of language needs to be constructed and used ? Explain. 15 marks
Mains Optional Philosophy (Paper -1 & Paper -2) Exam
Paper - 2016
Philosophy Paper 1
Section-A
1. Answer the following in about 150
words each : 10x5=50 marks
(a) What is the
logical necessity for Lock to introduce the concept of secondary qualities?
Give reasons for your answer.
(b) Examine Kant's criticism on Descartes' view of Self.
(c) Why does Wittgenstein reject the possibility of private language?
(d) Explain verification theory. Does it lead to elimination of metaphysics?
(e) Discuss Quine's attack on the analytic-synthetic distinction.
2.(a) Does
Aristotle treat matter as a 'Substance'? Give reasons for your answer. 20 marks
(b) Critically examine Hume's views on the relation of cause and effect.
15 marks
(c) Discuss Sartre's notion of "Nothingness'. 15 marks
3.(a) Does Plato's
Theory of Form' explain the change' and 'sensibility' of matter? Give reasons
for your answer. 20 marks
(b) What, according to Kant, are 'pure concepts"? Examine their role in
the process of knowing. 15 marks
(c) Explain Russell's view that the physical object is a logical construction
from sensedata". Why does he call his metaphysical view "neutral
monist'? 15 marks
4.(a) What,
according to Husserl, is the task of a philosopher? Do you think his methods
are relevant to philosophy? Discuss. 20 marks
(b) What is Hegel's view on God? Do you think that his interpretation of God
was contributive to the colonial and imperial expansionist designs? Explain.
15 marks
(c) Discuss the various stances on God taken by Rationalists and Empiricists.
15 marks
SECTION—B
5. Answer the following in about 150
words each : 10x5=50 marks
(a) Differentiate
the concept of 'Kaivalya' as discussed in Jaina and Yoga philosophies.
(b) How does 'Ksanikavada' strengthen the arguments for 'Nairātmyavāda'?
Explain.
(c) Critically examine the role of "Praktti' in the process of evolution.
(d) Examine Jaina stance of 'Naya'. How does it differ from 'Syūdvāda"?
(e) Evaluate Sankara's position on īśvara.
6.(a) Does the
'Doctrine of Dependent Origination' reconcile the two extreme views on the law
of causation, namely Satkāryavāda and Asatkāryavāda? Give reasons for your
answer. 20 marks
(b) Can the 'Tattvārtha' theory of Jainism be acceptable for scientific
explanations? Explain. 15 marks
(c) Is the doctrine of 'Self acceptable in the modern age of science and
reason? Examine the view in the light of Indian philosophy. 15 marks
7.(a) Discuss
Aurobindo's views on 'Evolution' and 'Involution'. How do they differ from
traditional Yoga philosophy? 20 marks
(b) What would be Cārvāka's view on Vyāpti? Can this view be acceptable to the
Naiyāyikas? Give reasons for your answer. 15 marks
(c) What is the logical necessity for the Mimamsakas to treat 'Arthāpatti' as
an independent Pramāna? Discuss. 15 marks
8.(a) How do the
Naiyāyikas justify the introduction of "Abhāva' as an independent
category? Explain. 20 marks
(b) What are Klešas? How can these be eliminated? Explain. 15 marks
(c) Give a critical exposition of the concept of 'Brahman' as discussed by
Sankara, Rāmānuja and Mādhava. 15 marks
Philosophy Paper 2
Section-A
1. Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks
(a) In what ways
psychological tests are useful in assessing individual differences ? Answer
with examples. 10 marks
(b) How can psychological well-being of service professionals be promoted ?
Discuss. 10 marks
(c) Is Herzberg's theory relevant for understanding work motivation in Indian
organizations? Explain. 10 marks
(d) Examine some important psychological principles underlying effective
teaching learning process. 10 marks
(e) Discuss the usefulness of small groups in community interventions for
social development. 10 marks
2.(a) Examine the
role of situational factors in criminal behaviour. 15 marks
(b) Analyze the factors determining the efficacy of psychological tests.
Discuss the limitations in the use of psychological tests. 15 marks
(c) Discuss how the process of group decision making can be used effectively in
bringing about social change. 20 marks
3.(a) Evaluate the
role of social agencies in rehabilitation of mentally and socially challenged
persons. 15 marks
(b) How is competency mapping made use of for human resource development in
modern organizations ? Illustrator. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the salient features of psychodynamic therapies and evaluate their
role in the prevention of mental illnesses. 20 marks
4.(a) Critically
evaluate whether the principles of participatory management are equally
effective in bureaucratic organizations as in industrial organizations. 15
marks
(b) How do lifestyle variables influence quality of life of an individual in
different life domains ? 15 marks
(c) What psychological factors will explain lack of social integration
involving religious groups in India ? Discuss. 20 marks
SECTION-B
5. Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each :10x5=50 marks
(a) Discuss the
efficacy of behaviour therapies in the prevention of mental illnesses. 10
marks
(b) What biological factors explain mental disorders ? Discuss. 10 marks
(c) Illustrate the significance of value education in schools and comment on
its relevance for personality development of children. 10 marks
(d) Discuss the role of psychologists in organizing tertiary level
rehabilitation programmes. 10 marks
(e) What role can media play in the promotion of small family norm in the
Indian culture ? 10 marks
6.(a) Does need for
affiliation come in the way of economic development of the tribal people ?
Discuss. 15 marks
(b) Evaluate the psychological consequences of social media in interpersonal
relationships 15 marks
(c) What role can psychologists play in the development and implementation of
the "Skill India' scheme of the Government of India ? 20 marks
7.(a) How can
psychological theories be put to use to inoculate people against their
impulsive buying behaviour ? 15 marks
(b) Discuss the role of cognitive and behaviour therapies in improving the
performance of sports persons. 15 marks
(c) Analyze the impact of crowding on mental health. Discuss the psychological
measures that can be adopted to reduce the stress resulting from crowding. 20
marks
8.(a) What factors
account for gender differences in India? Suggest some psychological measures to
reduce gender differences. 15 marks
(b) How can human engineering be put to use in devising instruments that are
used by the defence personnel posted in the border areas ? Discuss. 15
marks
(c) Discuss the process of prejudice formation. State the psychological
strategies that can be adopted for conflict resolution. 20 marks
UPSC Mains 2015: Philosophy (Paper -1 & Paper-2)
Optional Question Paper
Philosophy (Paper -1)
Section-A
1. Write a
short answers to the following in about 150 words each:- 10x5=50 marks
(a) Aristotle's
distinction between 'actually and potentiality'. 10 marks
(b) Esse est percipi 10 marks
(c) Husserl's notion of 'bracketing: 10 marks
(d) Strawson's distinction between 'M' and 'P' predicates. 10 marks
(e) GE. Moore's refutation of idealism. 10 marks
2.(a) Explain
Kant's division of categories. 20 marks
(b) Discuss why Heidegger introduces the concept of Dasein in his metaphysics.
15 marks
(c) Elucidate Quine's arguments to show that analyticity is not synonymity. 15
marks
3.(a) Bring out the
relationship between language games and forms of life. 20 marks
(b) Explain Leibniz's principle of 'identity of indiscernibles’ 15 marks
(c) What do we understand by incomplete symbols ? What role do they play in
Russell's theory of meaning ? Discuss. 15 marks
4.(a) Explain
Plato's theory of forms. Does it entail a kind of essentialism? Discuss. 20
marks
(b) Does Descartes Cogito principle entail that he is an essentialist ?
Discuss. 15 marks
(c) Bring out the relationship between existence and essence in the case of
human being. Explain the issues it gives rise to for human beings according to
Sartre. 15 marks
Section-B
5. Write short answers to the
following in about 150 words cach : 10x5=50 marks
(a) Pancavidhabheda
10 marks
(b) Jain concept of Dravya 10 marks
(c) Alayavijnana 10 marks
(d) Satkaryavada 10 marks
(e) Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga. 10 marks
6.(a) Elaborate
Nyaya-Mimamsa debate on Pramanyavāda. 20 marks
(b) 'Our knowledge is confined to gunas alone'. Examine this statement in the
light of Vaisesika and Buddhist controversy. 15 marks
(c) Is anyathākhyārivāda an adequate explanation of error ? Elaborate. 15 marks
7.(a) Compare and
contrast the notion of Brahman in Sankara and Ramanuja. 20 marks
(b) State and examine the Samkhya proofs for the existence of Purulia. 15 marks
(c) Explain the arguments of Carvaka to reject transcendental entities.
15 marks
8.(a) What is
bondage according to yoga philosophy ? Explain the method of attaining Kaivalya
in Patanjali's yoga sutra. 20 marks
(b) What do Samvara and Nirjara mean? Explain their significance in Jaina
theory of liberation. 15 marks
(c) What is the role of Pratilyasamutpāda in explaining Dukha? Elucidate the
incas to overcome it. 15 marks
Philosophy (Paper -2)
Section-A
1. Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each :. 10x5=50 marks
(a) Equality does
not mean treating everyone equal." Discuss. 10 marks
(b) Is civil disobedience in a democratic State justifiable? Discuss. 10
marks
(c) Explain Harold Laski's critique of sovereignty. 10 marks
(d) How are individual and group rights reconciled in democracy? Explain 10
marks
(e) "Inequitable development leads to social conflicts rather than social
progress." . : Explain. 10 marks
2.(a) What does
gender discrimination mean? Is it not a violation of equality and social justice?
Discuss. 15 marks
(b) Does economic empowerment of women eliminate gender discrimination?
Discuss: 15. marks
(c) Evaluate Ambedkar's critique of caste system. 20 marks
3.(a) Is
multiculturalism a need of global society? Discuss. 15 marks
(b) "The aim of punishment is to defend the moral law and to do justice to
criminal." Discuss 15 marks
(c) Evaluate the nature and functions of parliamentary democracy.
4.(a) "Man
must grow materially as well as spiritually." Evaluate this statement of
Ambedkar. 15 marks
(b) "Equality will be of no value without fraternity and
liberty." Discuss. 15 marks
(c) How is religious nationalism a threat to secular State? Explain. 15 marks
SECTION-B
5. Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks
(a) Write a
critical note on the attributes of God.
(b) Is existence of God A.necessary condition for the survival of religion?
Explain:
(c) Is morality necessarily based on religion? Discuss.
(d) Is God the cause of natural evil? Explain.
(e) Do faith and reason go together? Discuss,
6.(a) How can the
religious language be verified? Is it correct to say that religious , language
is verified because it cannot be falsified? Discuss. 20 marks
(b) Explain the nature of mysticism in Hinduism and Islam. 15 marks
(c) Can revelation be justified by reason? Discuss. 15 marks
7.(a) Do you think
that evil is a bitter pill which no theist can easily swallow? Discuss. 15
marks
(b) "Immortality means absence of Karma and Rebirth.” Discuss. 15 marks
(c) Examine the Nyaya arguments in favour of the existence of God. 20 marks
8.(a) An atheist
may be a better man than a religious person bereft of moral values."
Discuss. 15 marks
(b) Examine the ontological and cosmological arguments in favour of the
existence of God. 15 marks
(c) What is liberation? Briefly discuss the ways to attain it as outlined in
the systems of Vedanta. 20 marks
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