UPSC Mains 2020 Philosophy Optional Paper II questions

28 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Philosophy Optional PYQs

1. Is the concept of 'liberty' realizable in the modern technological society? Explain..

   10 marks

2. How far do the liberal democracies safeguard the interests of minorities? Evaluate critically.

   10 marks

3. facet Fire Do you think that secularism requires complete separation of 'religion' and 'state'? Discuss.

   10 marks

4. Explain the importance of Bodin's theory of sovereignty.

   10 marks

5. Do you think that the prevailing pandemic will lead to anarchism in society? Discuss.

   10 marks

6. State and examine the Gandhian concept of social development.

   20 marks

7. How far is Marxism as a philosophical doctrine relevant in the present context? Justify your answer.

   15 marks

8. Is Indian tradition antagonistic to Individual Rights? Consider it by taking recourse to the doctrine of 'Human Rights'.

   15 marks

9. in Independent India.

   20 marks

10. What do you understand by multiculturalism? Explain the structural characteristics that make a nation multicultural.

    15 marks

11. Do you think that retributive theory of punishment is against human rights? Discuss.

    15 marks

12. Do you agree that empowering women can eliminate gender discrimination? Discuss.

    20 marks

13. State and explain the relevance of the doctrine of sovereignty in times of globalization.

    15 marks

14. How far do the social and political regimes condition corrupt practices in a nation-state? Discuss.

    15 marks

15. Discuss the significance of 'Religion' vis-a-vis the present scientific and technological development.

    10 marks

16. The concept of 'Immortality' is a basic presupposition of religion. Elaborate your answer.

    10 marks

17. Is it acceptable that the History of Religions is the History of Conflicts? Discuss.

    10 marks

18. Is there any compatibility between 'Freedom of Will' and 'Omnipotent God'? Discuss.

    10 marks

19. What is the importance of religious tolerance in a multicultural pluralistic society? Justify your answer.

    10 marks

20. Is the ontological proof for the existence of God by St. Anselm logical? Discuss.

    20 marks

21. What is the logical problem of evil? Discuss.

    15 marks

22. Critically examine the concept of God as prerequisite for a religion.

    15 marks

23. Discuss the nature of God in Hinduism with special reference to Vishishtadvaita (Qualified non-dualism).

    20 marks

24. Distinguish between prayer and worship and determine their place in religion.

    15 marks

25. What are the basic tenets of faith? Distinguish between faith and belief.

    15 marks

26. Does religious language carry cognitive content? Elucidate in detail.

    20 marks

27. Are religious beliefs and practices incompatible with moral behaviour? Discuss.

    15 marks

28. Do you accept that Knowledge, Action and Devotion are the means to attain liberation in Indian tradition? Discuss.

    15 marks