UPSC Mains 2016 Philosophy Optional Paper I questions

28 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Philosophy Optional PYQs

1. What is the logical necessity for Locke to introduce the concept of secondary qualities? Give reasons for your answer.

2. Examine Kant's criticism on Descartes' view of Self.

3. Why does Wittgenstein reject the possibility of private language?

4. Explain verification theory. Does it lead to elimination of metaphysics?

5. Discuss Quine's attack on the analytic-synthetic distinction.

6. Does Aristotle treat matter as a 'Substance'? Give reasons for your answer.

   20 marks

7. Critically examine Hume's views on the relation of cause and effect.

   15 marks

8. Discuss Sartre's notion of 'Nothingness'.

   15 marks

9. Does Plato's 'Theory of Form' explain the 'change' and 'sensibility' of matter? Give reasons for your answer.

   20 marks

10. What, according to Kant, are 'pure concepts'? Examine their role in the process of ~ knowing.

11. Explain Russell's view that "'the physical object is a logical construction from sense- data'. Why does he call his metaphysical view 'neutral monism'?

    15 marks

12. ala ape] What, according to Husserl, is the task of a philosopher? Do you think his methods are relevant to philosophy? Discuss.

    20 marks

13. 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.

14. Discuss the various stances on God taken by Rationalists and Empiricists.

    15 marks

15. Differentiate the concept of 'Kaivalya' as discussed in Jaina and Yoga philosophies.

16. How does 'Ksanikavada' strengthen the arguments for 'Nairatmyavada'? Explain.

17. Critically examine the role of 'Prakrti' in the process of evolution.

18. Examine Jaina stance of 'Naya'. How does it differ from 'Syadvada'?

19. Evaluate Sankara's position on I$vara.

20. Does the 'Doctrine of Dependent Origination' reconcile the two extreme views on the law of causation, namely Satkaryavada and Asatkaryavada? Give reasons for your answer.

    20 marks

21. Can the 'Tattvartha' theory of Jainism be acceptable for scientific explanations? Explain.

    15 marks

22. 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

23. Discuss Aurobindo's views on 'Evolution' and 'Involution'. How do they differ from traditional Yoga philosophy?

    20 marks

24. What would be Carvaka's view on Vyapti? Can this view be acceptable to the Naiyayikas? Give reasons for your answer.

    15 marks

25. What is the logical necessity for the Mimarmsakas to treat 'Arthapatti' as an independent category? Discuss.

26. How do the Naiyayikas justify the introduction of 'Abhava' as an independent category? Explain.

    20 marks

27. What are Klesas? How can these be eliminated? Explain.

    15 marks

28. Give a critical exposition of the concept of 'Brahman' as discussed by Sankara,