UPSC Mains 2021 Philosophy Optional Paper I questions

28 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Philosophy Optional PYQs

1. "There is a red chair." How would Plato explain this statement with the use of his theory of forms? Examine.

2. "Potentiality is indefinable" according to Aristotle. Explain the relationship between potentiality and actuality with reference to the above philosophical position by taking the example of a "wooden table".

3. "Sensible things are those only which are immediately perceived by sense." Explain Berkeley's theory of knowledge with reference to the above statement.

4. Examine the concept of personal identity by Locke.

   10 marks

5. "The relation between cause and effect is one of constant conjunction". Examine Hume's criticism of causation in the light of the above statement.

6. Discuss Hegel's Dialectical method. Explain how his dialectical method leads him to the Absolute Idealism.

   20 marks

7. What according to Logical Positivists are "pseudostatements"? How does one identify "pseudostatements"? Critically discuss with examples.

   5 marks

8. Explain how Cartesian formulation of ontological argument is criticised by Kant.

9. What are the main arguments put forward by Moore in his paper "A Defence of Common Sense" to prove that there are possible propositions about the world that are known to be true with certainty? Do you think Moore's arguments provide a sufficient response to objections. presented by the sceptic against the possibility of knowledge? Give reasons in support of your answer.

   20 marks

10. What according to Strawson are basic particulars? What reasons does Strawson offer to believe that 'material bodies' and 'persons' are basic particulars? Critically discuss.

    5 marks

11. Critically examine Quine's postulate of empiricism without the dogmas with reference to his 'Two Dogmas of Empiricism'.

    5 marks

12. Present a critical exposition of Husserl's criticism of 'natural attitude'. How does Husserl propose to address the problems involved in natural attitude through his phenomenological method?

    20 marks

13. "I can always choose, but I ought to know that if I do not choose, I am still choosing". Critically discuss Sartre's conception of choice and responsibility in the light of above statement.

    5 marks

14. What does Wittgenstein mean by the statement - "Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent?" Critically discuss.

    5 marks

15. Does the seed contain the tree? Discuss with reference to Nyadya-Vaisesika Philosophy.

16. Explain with reference to Nyaya Philosophy, the nature of Sabda as the advice of apta (a reliable person).

    10 marks

17. Is 'inseparability' (ayuta-siddhatva) a necessary condition or a sufficient condition for defining characteristics (/aksana) of samavaya (inherence)? Explain with reference to Vaisesika Philosophy.

18. Distinguish between pudgala-nairatmyavada and dharma-nairatmyavada with reference to Buddhist Philosophy.

19. Comment on the bearing of Carvaka epistemology on the rejection of transcendental entities by them.

20. Explain with reference to Yoga Philosophy, the nature of klesas. How does the removal of these lead to kaivalya?

    20 marks

21. Explain the Sankhya view on three gunas (guna-traya) and their modifications.

22. What, according to Mimarhsakas, is the ontological status of abhadva (absence) and how does one know it? Explain and examine.

23. How do the advocates of anirvacaniya-khyati refute the position of the Naiyayikas and establish the position of Advaitins regarding the problem of error? Critically discuss.

    20 marks

24. If everything is momentary then how do the Buddhists explain the problem of memory and personal identity? Critically discuss.

25. Explain the Jain view of seven-fold (sapta-bhangi) 'Naya'.

26. According to Sri Aurobindo, 'the awakening of the psychic being and its gradual prominence over all other parts of the being is the first step in the conscious evolution of man'. Explain and examine.

    20 marks

27. Compare and contrast the views of Sankara and Ramanuja regarding the status of the world.

28. Explain the status of jiva and jagat in the philosophy of Madhvacarya.

    5 marks