UPSC Mains 2017 Philosophy Optional Paper I questions

26 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2017. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Philosophy Optional PYQs

1. How is the statement, 'I met a man', semantically problematic for Russell? How does he account for the meaningfulness of this statement?

   10 marks

2. In what sense can ideas be both immanent and transcendent? Discuss in-this context Plato's theory of universals and particulars.

   10 marks

3. Show how Hume's analysis of experience leaves no ground for belief in any permanent reality either physical or mental.

   10 marks

4. 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

5. 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

6. Explain Aristotle's theory of form and matter. How does it help him resolve the problem of change and permanence?

   15 marks

7. 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

8. 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., is"

9. What are the two dogmas of empiricism that Quine attacks? What are his arguments against what he calls the second dogma?

   15 marks

10. 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

11. Does the sentence, 'Whatever is coloured is extended', satisfy the criterion of meaningfulness proposed by the logical positivists? Explain.

    15 marks

12. Discuss Heidegger's concept of authenticity and explain how an inauthentic Dasein regains the lost self?

    15 marks

13. "The soul is nothing but conscious body." What are the reasons for Carvaka in holding this.

    10 marks

14. What are the necessary characteristics of padartha according to Vaisesika philosophy?

    10 marks

15. Explain the conditions of valid hetu as propounded in Nyaya philosophy.

    10 marks

16. What is meant by "yogascittavrttinirodhah"? Explain cittavrtti and its effects according to Yoga philosophy.

    10 marks

17. Elucidate the role of catuskoti in explaining the nature of reality according to Madhyamika school of thought.

    10 marks

18. Explain the early Nyaya definition of perception. Why this definition is considered inadequate by the later Natyayikas?

19. "The Jaina metaphysics is relativistic and realistic pluralism." Discuss.

    15 marks

20. What are the arguments of the Buddhists to establish Ksanikavada? Do they necessarily lead to krtana$a and akrtabhyupagama?

21. How do Madhyamikas, Yogacaravadins and Sarvastivadins differ among themselves concerning the nature of reality? How do Sarvastivadins differ among themselves with regard to knowledgeability of reality?

22. How does Sri Aurobindo's integral yoga help in the realization of supramental consciousness? Discuss.

    15 marks

23. Distinguish between vivartavada and parinamavada with reference to causation and explain how in the light of these theories Sankara and Ramanuja differ on the status of the world.

24. Explain the theory of Validity of Knowledge (pramanyavada) according to Mimarnsakas. How did they criticize the Nyaya theory of Validity?

    20 marks

25. Explain Ramanuja's conception of God and examine the difficulties he faced in explaining the: relation of God to matter and spirit.

    15 marks

26. Given its theory of causation, is it possible for Sarnkhya to explain the presence of consciousness in the world? Discuss.

    15 marks