UPSC Mains Philosophy Optional PYQs, 2016-2026

How does Spinoza explain the relationship between states of mind and bodily processes?

Explain the distinction between Intuitive knowledge and Demonstrative knowledge as propounded by Locke.

Explain Hegel's idea that the concept of the Absolute as being is the concept of the Absolute as becoming as a process of self-development.

Compare and contrast the notion of entelechy as presented in Aristotle's and Leibniz's philosophy.

I can prove now, for instance, that two human hands exist.'" How does Moore use this illustration to prove the existence of an external world? Critically discuss.

What, according to Aristotle, is the fundamental problem of metaphysics? Discuss this in relation with Aristotle's account of the essence of the world, where he rejects the views of both the Atomists and Plato.

20 marks

How does Hume account for ideas of reason? How does Kant respond to Hume's views in this regard? Critically discuss.

Describe Sartre's notion of consciousness as 'nothing'. How is it different from Husserl's notion of consciousness? Discuss.

15 marks

Why are states of consciousness ascribed to anything at all and why are they ascribed to the same things to which we also ascribe physical properties? How does Strawson answer these questions in his work Individuals?

20 marks

Explain Heidegger's conception of authenticity and inauthenticity as modes of Dasein's being.

15 marks

Can words be viewed as the ideas in the mind of the person who uses them? Answer with reference to the philosophy of later Wittgenstein.

5 marks

"'Wittgenstein's difficulty about not being able to say anything within a given language about the structure of that language can be met by the idea of a hierarchy of languages." Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons and justifications for your answer.

20 marks

Analyze and discuss the different ways in which Kant and Hegel conceived the relationship between reality and our thinking about reality.

5 marks

How did the logical positivists try to make philosophy a handmaid to science and establish a unified language of science? Why did their project fail? Discuss. 5 [ P.T.O.

According to Nydya view of inference (Anumana), what are the characteristics that ascertain the validity of inferential sign (Hetu)? Discuss.

How does the Buddhist theory of momentariness problematize the issue of human action and responsibility? Critically discuss.

Is Purusa one or many? Explain and examine the Sarhkhya position in this context.

Critically explain the nature of Samavaya (inherence) as propounded in Vaisesika philosophy.

Explain, as per Yoga philosophy, the nature of Samadhi with special reference to the difference between Samprajfiata Samadhi and Asamprajfiata Samadhi.

"'A mango tree is grown out of a mango How do the Samkhya philosophers explain this process through their theory of causation by rejecting their rival perspectives?

20 marks

Explain the basic characteristics of Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga for the realization of supramental consciousness through triple transformation.

15 marks

Bring out the main points of contestation between Naiyadyikas and Prabhakara Mimamsakas with reference to knowledge through words (Sabdabodha).

5 marks

Critically explain the arguments presented by the Akhyativadins for explaining erroneous cognition. Evaluate the arguments against Akhyativadins by the Anyathakhyativadins.

20 marks

Explain the meaning of seven steps of judgement (Saptabhanginaya) and its application in Jaina's Syadvada for advocating a philosophy of non-absolutism (Anekantavada).

5 marks

Do you agree with Nimbarka's explanation of the nature of God, Souls and Matter? Justify your answer.

5 marks

Present an account of Upamana as an instrument of knowledge (Pramana). How is Nyaya view of Upamana different from Mimarhsa view? Discuss.

20 marks

Critically explain Ramanuja's conception of Brahman with special reference to the difficulties in explaining the relation of Brahman to Spirit (Cit) and Matter (Acit). 5 [9.7..0.

Why does the Dualistic School of Vedanta consider that differences (Bhedas) have separate existence and constitute the unique nature of things? Answer with reference to the theory of five-fold difference (Paficavidhabheda).

Why does Rawls consider it necessary that the two principles of justice be applied in lexical order? Explain.

Is Plato's vision of an ideal state compatible with the rights and liberties of individual citizens? Discuss.

10 marks

Anarchism is not an independent political ideology in itself, rather it is inspired by liberalism on the one hand and socialism on the other. Analyze.

10 marks

On what grounds does Marxism criticize pure democracy?

10 marks

How does value based education address the problem of corruption?

Eyaluate the importance of Kautilya's theory of Rajamandala in the context of sovereignty.

20 marks

Does providing land and property rights to women constitute a necessary condition; or a sufficient condition or both for ensuring social equality among the genders? Discuss.

15 marks

Examine the challenges faced by a multicultural society in creating a harmonious balance between group rights and individual rights.

15 marks

Retributivism presents a deontological justification for capital punishment, whereas deterrence presents a consequential justification for it. Explain.

20 marks

"The two antagonistic state structures - monarchy and democracy, both share some common features with dictatorship". Do you agree with this view? Give reasons and justifications for your answer.

15 marks

Negative liberty seems to embody the idea of ultimate personal freedom, whereas positive liberty enables individuals to achieve their full potential. Discuss.

5 marks

How has Ambedkar applied the concept of 'Social Endosmosis' for annihilation of castes. Evaluate its relevance for contemporary debates on identity and the politics of difference.

20 marks

Explain the contrast between the monistic and pluralistic approaches to sovereignty.

15 marks

Examine the relationship between democracy and development. Does democracy promote or hinder development?

15 marks

On what grounds does William James characterize mystical states as a genuine expression of religious experience? Elaborate.

10 marks

Discuss Aquinas' argument from the contingency of the world to prove the existence of God.

10 marks

How does Paul Tillich's idea of faith as ultimate concern address the relation between faith, doubt and reason? Evaluate.

10 marks

Critically discuss the views of R. B. Braithwaite on the nature of religious language.

"If religion were a subject of reason alone, it would have lacked an experiential account." Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons in support of your answer.

10 marks

In what sense does St. Augustine's identification of all evil as either sin or as the punishment of sin succeed or fail in providing a coherent account of both moral and natural evil? Evaluate.

20 marks

How does the issue of moral autonomy conflict with conception of religion as a source of morality? Critically discuss.

15 marks

Does the idea of Religious Pluralism necessarily entail moral relativism? Critically discuss.

15 marks

Analyse R. M. Hare's concept of 'blik' and assess whether it successfully defends the meaningfulness of religious language.

20 marks

Discuss the difference between personalistic and impersonalistic notions of God in the context of devotion.

15 marks

Can conflicting truth claims among religions be reconciled within the framework of religious pluralism? Critically discuss.

15 marks

Critically evaluate the shift in Gandhi's view from 'God is Truth' to 'Truth is God', in the context of interrelation between religion and morality.

20 marks

Explain and examine Madhvacharya's arguments for the existence of God.

Present an account of criticisms against omniscience and omnipotence as attributes of God.

15 marks

"Ideas are timeless and spaceless." Elucidate this statement with reference to Plato.

10 marks

"In the empirical world, everything is a compound of Matter and Form." Evaluate this statement with reference to Aristotle.

Explain the difference between being-for-itself and being-in-itself as presented by Sartre.

10 marks

"The golden mountain is very high." Discuss this statement in the context of Russell's theory of descriptions.

10 marks

How does Hegel challenge Kant's distinction between Phenomena and Noumena? Discuss

10 marks

What are the basic tenets of Rationalism? How does Descartes build a system of Philosophy in consonance with them? Discuss.

20 marks

"All determination is negation." Comment with reference to Spinoza.

Examine Hume's refutation of Causal relation and Kant's response to it.

"We should look not to an ideal language which derives its meaning from facts and has a precise logical structure but empirically, to the ways in which languages are actually used." Explain the transition from early views of Wittgenstein to his later views on language and meaning with reference to this statement.

20 marks

Present an exposition of the verification theory of meaning as propounded by the logical positivists. In this context also differentiate between the "strong" and the "weak" sense of the word "verifiable".

"Blue is one object of sensation and green is another, and consciousness, which both sensations have in common, is different from either." Present an account of Moore's refutation of idealism with reference to this statement.

5 marks

How is Husserl's account of "I think" different from that of Descartes? Critically discuss.

20 marks

"We can affirm the truth of any sentence in our total system, in the face of whatever experience, just so long as we are prepared to make adjustments elsewhere." Discuss this statement in the light of Quine's 'Two Dogmas of Empiricism'.

5 marks

Explain Berkeley's doctrine of nominalism and his refutation of Abstract ideas.

5 marks

Explain the ground on which Carvaka rejects inference (anumana) as a valid source of knowledge.

10 marks

Present an exposition of the debate between Naiyayikas and Buddhists with reference to the notion of Pramana and Pramanaphala.

Delineate the main points of difference between the theory of intrinsic validation (svatah pramanyavada) and theory of extrinsic validation (pratah pramanyavada) in classical Indian philosophy. 0 3 SLPM-—P—PHL

Examine Ramanuja's seven objections against Mayavada of Advaita.

10 marks

Present an exposition of Nyaya-Vaisesika's theory of causation.

10 marks

Present a detailed account of Gautama's definition of Perception.

20 marks

How is Brahman conceptualised in Advaita philosophy as both Nimitta and Upadana Karana of the World? Discuss with suitable examples.

5 marks

Discuss the debate between the Bhatta and the Prabhakara mimamsakas with reference to the nature of Non-existence (Abhava) and its knowledge.

5 marks

Why does Sarnkara consider Sarnkhya Philosophy as his chief opponent (pradhana malla)? Examine his arguments against Sarnkhya Philosophy.

20 marks

Explain the nature of God and its role in Kaivalya in yoga philosophy.

5 marks

Is Jaina philosophy pluralistic and realistic? Critically discuss.

5 marks

Discuss the idea of Bimba-pratibimbavada as presented in Vedanta philosophy along with its soteriological significance.

20 marks

Both Ascetic and materialist are partial in their negation of each other'. Explain Sri Aurobindo's integral philosophy in the light of the above statement.

5 marks

Is Buddhist notion of Nirvana in consonance with their conception of Ksanikavada (momentariness) and Nairatmyavada (no-soul theory)? Critically discuss.

"Corrupt practices reveal an inherent tension between particularistic and universalistic normative standards." Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons and justification for your answer.

10 marks

How does gender as a social construct affect individuals' opportunities, rights, and access to resources? Critically discuss.

10 marks

Is the idea of secularism necessarily related to the idea of religious pluralism? Discuss.

10 marks

Comment on Plato's critique of Democracy.

10 marks

Discuss the salient features of equality according to J.S. Mill.

10 marks

Present a detailed account of the debate between Gandhi and Ambedkar on the issue of caste discrimination.

20 marks

Evaluate Marxism as a Political Ideology.

15 marks

There is no permanent friend or permanent enemy.' Discuss this statement in the light of Kautilya's view on Sovereignty.

15 marks

Can one's right to life be absolute? Answer with reference to the idea of Capital Punishment.

20 marks

How does the reconciliation of opposites take place in the Humanism of Tagore? Evaluate.

15 marks

Is it possible to reconcile the concept of development with tribal values to bring social and economic progress? Discuss.

15 marks

How are both equality and liberty inadequate as social and political ideals without justice? Discuss.

20 marks

Can Theocracy be accepted as a valid form of Government? Give reasons and justification in support of your answer.

15 marks

"Duties are of the nature of obligation while Rights are of the nature of entitlement. Therefore there is no necessary connection between the two." Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons and justification for your answer.

15 marks

Discuss Carvaka's critique of the belief in the existence of suprasensible entities.

10 marks

Is religious language symbolic? Give reasons and justification in support of your answer.

10 marks

Present an account of Nietzsche's criticism of religion and morality.

10 marks

Discuss the nature of embodied liberation (jivanmukti) with reference to Advaita Vedanta.

How does Aquinas' account of Faith as "an intellectual assent" reconcile the juxtaposition between Reason and Faith? Discuss.

10 marks

TAP Ate fray MET ATT Present an account of Design argument to prove the existence of God along with its criticism by David Hume.

20 marks

Explain the main tenets of the Process Theodicy as an explanation of the problem of evil.

15 marks

Distinguish between Natural Theology and Revealed Theology in the context of the Propositional view of Revelation.

15 marks

How does the Vedantic view of Religious Pluralism address the conflicting truth claims of different faiths? Answer with reference to Swami Vivekananda's view of Universal Religion.

20 marks

What proofs do Nyaya philosophers offer for the existence of God? Discuss.

15 marks

Is the concept of immortality of soul a necessary condition for Rebirth? Discuss with reference to the Bhagavad Gita.

15 marks

Evaluate the nature and object of Religious Experience as explained by Radhakrishnan in 'The Hindu View of Life'.

20 marks

Is it necessary for the normative principles to bear reference to God in order to produce a feeling of obligation in a moral agent? Critically discuss.

15 marks

context of nature of religious language.

15 marks

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Differentiate between Plato's and Aristotle's conceptions of form.

10 marks

How does Kant respond to Hume's scepticism with regard to a priori judgments? Discuss.

10 marks

What arguments are offered by Moore to prove that there are certain truisms, knowledge of which is a matter of common sense? Critically discuss.

10 marks

Why does later Wittgenstein think that there cannot be a language that only one person can speak — a language that is essentially private? Discuss.

10 marks

How does Kierkegaard define truth in terms of subjectivity? Critically discuss.

10 marks

Is rejection of Locke's notion of primary qualities instrumental in Berkeley's leaning towards idealism? In this context, also discuss how Berkeley's subjective idealism is different from the absolute idealism proposed by Hegel.

20 marks

dear ot Fda ea A sore & 2 Sarees face Ais How does Spinoza establish that God alone is absolutely real with his statement — "Whatever is, is in God"? Critically discuss.

Critically examine Kant's objections against the ontological argument for the existence of God.

15 marks

Explain Russell's notion of incomplete symbols. Also explain how this notion leads to the doctrine of logical atomism.

20 marks

Is the sentence "All objects are either red or not red" meaningful in the same way as "This page is white" is, according to the logical positivists? Discuss with arguments. 15 (c) Sfeanfeat a frat arate are At cone He cares car dat ears A aT &? Barer faa AAT Among the rationalists, whose account of mind-body problem is compatible with the notion of human freedom and free will? Critically discuss.

15 marks

What do the existentialist thinkers mean by the slogan "existence precedes essence"? How is human existence related to human freedom according to them? Discuss.

Why does Husserl think that essences exhibit a kind of continuity between consciousness and being? Discuss.

15 marks

Explain the nature of the two dogmas that Quine refers to in his paper 'Two Dogmas of Empiricism'.

15 marks

Do you think Carvaka's philosophy is positivistic in nature? Give reasons and justifications for your answer.

10 marks

Explain the six reasons offered by the Naiyayikas to prove the existence of the self.

10 marks

Do these two sentences "Air does not have heat" and "Air is not fire" refer to the same type of absence or abhava, according to the Vaisesikas? Discuss.

How 9068 Bhatta's view of nature of word-meaning and sentential-meaning differ from Prabhakara's view? Critically discuss.

"In Visistadvaita philosophy, the relationship between God and the world is parallel to that between an individual self and its body." Critically discuss.

10 marks

Differentiate between the Carvakas' refutation of self as a transcendental category and the Buddhist rejection of 4tma.

20 marks

How do the two schools of Buddhism arrive at two opposed conclusions, namely "everything is void" and "everything is real" from the same doctrine of Pratityasamutpdda? Answer with arguments.

15 marks

What is the distinction between Bhdvabandha and Dravyabandha, - according to the Jainas? Discuss.

15 marks

Present an account of evolution of Prakrti as propounded in Samkhyakarika. In this context, also explain the difference between

"So long as there are changes and modifications in citta, the self is reflected therein, and, in the absence of discriminative knowledge, identifies itself with them." Present an appraisal of Yoga Soteriology in the light of the above statement.

15 marks

"Our Yoga is a double movement of ascent and descent." Discuss the above statement in the context of Sri Aurobindo's conception of Integral Yoga.

15 marks

ST SAT SAT How do I know that I know? Answer this question with reference to the

"A candidate who is never seen to be studying during the day time secures a high position in a competitive exam." How would the Bhatta Mimamsakas and the Naiyayikas explain the success of this candidate? Discuss.

15 marks

On what grounds do the Prabhakaras and the Naiyayikas reject memory as a source of knowledge? Discuss.

15 marks

Briefly discuss Plato's concept of justice.

10 marks

Present a brief account of origin and development of Social Contract Theory.

Discuss the main factors responsible for caste discrimination.

10 marks

Present an exposition of the concept of alienation as propounded by Marx.

Compare socialism and communism as two distinct political ideologies.

10 marks

Delineate the central tenets of Humanism. How does advent of enlightenment in Europe pave the way for Humanism? Discuss.

20 marks

Critically evaluate the concepts of liberty and equality as political ideals.

Present an exposition of Gandhi's views on secularism as one of the foundational principles of democracy.

5 marks

Do you agree with the view that Aristotle was more successful than Plato in steering a middle course between 'Statism' and 'individualism'? Discuss with arguments.

20 marks

On what grounds would you accept or reject the idea of capital punishment as an effective deterrent? Discuss.

5 marks

Is economic development a necessary condition, sufficient condition, both or neither, in order to achieve social progress? Give reasons and justifications for your answer.

5 marks

Discuss gender equality as a necessary condition to achieve empowerment of women. Also examine the role of women empowerment in curbing the menace of female foeticide.

20 marks

What insights does the Arthasastra offer with regard to the concept of sovereignty?. Does it have any relevance in the modern times? Critically discuss.

Discuss the role of ethical principles of tolerance and coexistence for the rise of multicultural societies.

5 marks

Can there be a religion without morality? Discuss.

Write a note on the notion of absolute truth in the context of religion.

Discuss the concept of liberation (Apavarga) according to Nyaya-Vaisesika.

10 marks

Discuss the role of reason in religion.

Explain the analogical nature of religious language

Is it necessary to adhere to the notions of immortality of soul and rebirth in order to have a robust conception of liberation? Give reasons and justifications for your answer.

How does the notion of God in Spinoza's philosophy embedded in his metaphysics of substance and attributes? Critically discuss...

"The problem of evil is a direct offshoot of how God is conceptualised in a system." Critically discuss.

5 marks

State and evaluate Buddhism as a religion without God.

20 marks

What kind of epistemic justifications are possible with regard to claims to revelation? Discuss with your own comments.

5 marks

Present an exposition of ontological proof for the existence of God along with its criticism.

5 marks

Distinguish between cognitivist and non-cognitivist account of religious language. Does the cognitivist account lead to any contradiction? Answer with reference to the philosophical views of R. B. Braithwaite.

20 marks

"In order to be conceived as the ultimate cause of the world, God must necessarily have some form of physical manifestation." Do you agree with this view? Give reasons and justifications for your answer.

5 marks

Discuss the main features of religious experience according to Advaita Vedanta.

5 marks

"Precepts without concepts are blind and concepts without precepts are empty." In the light of this statement discuss how Kant reconciles rationalism with empiricism.

"History is a process of dialectical change." In the light of this statement discuss Hegel's approach in understanding history.

10 marks

"That thing is said to be free which exists solely from the necessity of its own nature, and is determined to action by itself alone." Discuss Spinoza's views on freedom and determinism in the light of the above statement.

10 marks

How does Kierkegaard argue against Hegel's idea of universal spirit in favour of the individual as the essence of spirit? Critically discuss.

10 marks

What are the main arguments offered by Kant to prove that apriori synthetic judgements are possible? Discuss with examples.

10 marks

Critically analyse Hume's argument that causality is a matter of habit/custom involving psychological principle of association.

20 marks

Present an exposition of Aristotle's distinction between actuality and potentiality. Does it provide a solution to the problem of being and becoming as presented in ancient Greek philosophy? Discuss with suitable examples.

15 marks

Discuss Descartes' theory of innate ideas and the grounds on which Locke refutes it.

Does the rejection of metaphysics as proposed by Logical Positivists relate to problem of meaning or problem of knowledge or nature of things or all of them together? Discuss with suitable examples.

20 marks

Elucidate the significance of bracketing and reduction in Husserl's phenomenological method.

"Consciousness is what it is not and is not what it is." In the light of this statement bring out the chief features of Sartre's conception of consciousness.

15 marks

Why does Strawson consider person to be a primitive concept? What implication does it have for the mind-body dualism? Discuss.

20 marks

aaa frat tire Why according to Russell is the proposition — "The present king of France is bald" problematic? Critically discuss.

15 marks

What were the main reasons that led Wittgenstein to shift from picture-theory of meaning to use-theory of meaning? Critically discuss.

15 marks

"All human knowledge is empirical and therefore relative." Critically examine Jaina theory of sevenfold judgement (saptabhanginaya) in the light of above statement.

10 marks

"If Purusa and Prakrti are two completely independent realities, then no relation between the two is possible." In the light of this statement make a brief presentation of Sankara's criticism of Sarnkhya dualism.

10 marks

What is Advaitin interpretation of the great sentence (mahavakya) 'Thou art that' (tat tvam asi)? Briefly discuss.

Present an account of Vaisesika's view of negation in the light of their statement — "Negation always has a counterpositive and absolute negation is an impossibility."

Explain the nature and role of Supermind in evolution as per Aurobindo's philosophy.

10 marks

Discuss Ramanuja's criticism of Sankara's conception of Brahman and Iévara (God).

Present Bhatta's view of anupalabdhi (non-cognition) as a valid means of knowledge.

15 marks

Elucidate Naiyayikas view of ordinary and extraordinary perception. Are they justified in accepting that universals are perceived? Discuss.

15 marks

Elucidate Naiyayikas account of fallacies of the middle term in relation to five. characteristics of valid middle term.

20 marks

Liberation is defined by Advaita Vedantins as 'attainment of that which is already attained'. How does Sankara illustrate this statement? Discuss with your own comments.

15 marks

Explain Chitta and its modifications in the philosophy of Yoga. Why does Yoga philosophy prescribe cessation of modifications of Chitta? Give reasons in support of your answer.

15 marks

"Ignorance of dependent origination is suffering while its knowledge is cessation of suffering." Present an account of Buddhist soteriology in the light of above statement.

20 marks

Write a note on Nyaya notion of Pragabhava (prior non-existence). How does this notion help Naiyayikas in defending their position on causation against the Sarnkhya view of causation? Critically discuss.

15 marks

Do words refer to universals or particulars or both? Present an exposition of Nyaya and Mimamsa position with regard to above question along with suitable examples.

What is meant by justice as fairness? Explain Rawls' theory of justice.

Critically examine the anarchist's view that "all States always and everywhere are illegitimate and unjust."

Do you agree that the rights concerning land and property have empowered women? Discuss.

Critically examine the challenges faced by a multicultural society with reference to India.

If monarchs are above politics, can monarchy be a systematic form of government? Discuss.

Elucidate why the absolute nature of sovereignty was rejected by Laski.

20 marks

Do you agree that duty and accountability must be given priority over rights for the better functioning of a State? Justify your answer.

In the present scenario, will the emphasis on skill education enhance development? Evaluate.

Explain Historical Materialism and discuss its relevance in the context of social development and change.

20 marks

Critically analyse the social and political significance of Ambedkar's notion of annihilation of caste.

How does gender discrimination lead to female foeticide and social imbalance? Discuss.

"Severity of punishment should be proportionate to the seriousness of the crime." — Do you agree that while punishing a juvenile, the nature of the crime should be considered? Justify your answer.

20 marks

Explain the challenges faced by a democratic state and the ways to overcome them.

Secularism is not a rejection of religion but acceptance of all religions. Discuss.

Elucidate the personalistic and impersonalistic aspects of God.

Can religious beliefs be justified? Discuss.

Does religion influence the moral behaviour? Explain the interactive relation between religion and morality.

Discuss Wittgenstein's view about the non-cognitive nature of religious language.

What is Agnosticism? How do agnostics conceptualize the relation between religion and God? Discuss.

Critically examine Plato's apriori proofs for the immortality of the soul.

20 marks

In what sense is God both immanent and transcendent in theism? Discuss.

Explain the rational and irrational aspects of faith in the discourse of religion.

Critically examine the arguments of Nyaya for the existence of God.

20 marks

Examine the significance of the concept of rebirth in the theory of Karma.

Explain the symbolic nature of religious language according to Tillich.

"All evil is either sin or punishment for sin." — St. Augustine. Critically discuss.

20 marks

Does religious pluralism invite inter-religious conflicts and destroy the truth of religion? Discuss.

Examine the relation between mystical experience and revelation and expound their significance in the religious life.

How does Plato use the theory of forms to establish the relation between epistemology and metaphysics? Discuss.

10 marks

What is Bertrand Russell's method of logical analysis? How does it ultimately end in establishing atomic theory of meaning? Discuss.

10 marks

Establish the tenability of later Wittgenstein's motion of language as form of ai

What is psychologism? pele discuss the way Edmund Husserl avoids the problem of psychologism in the discourse of transcendental phenomenology.

What is apperception, according to Immanuel Kant? Discuss with reference to his transcendental exposition of space and time.

Provide a critical account of Heidegger's Being-in-the-world and discuss the problem of 'authenticity' in the context of Dasein.

20 marks

Is Aristotle's view of nature of identity in consonance with his metaphysical view of causes as processes? Discuss giving suitable examples.

Discuss the concept of substance according to Spinoza. Does his discussion on substance lead to pantheism? Substantiate your view.

How does Kant construct antinomies to illustrate the illusory tendencies of pure reason? Explain and examine the antinomies presented by Kant.

20 marks

What is the dialectical method in the philosophy of Georg Wilhelm Hegel? How does this method help in realizing the Absolute? Discuss.

Is there any difference between pictorial form and logical form in Ludwig Wittgenstein's picture theory of language? How does the logical form define the relation between language and reality? Explain.

How does Soren Kierkegaard define the notion of 'subjectivity'? Explain it with reference to three stages of existence as propounded by him.

20 marks

How does Rene Descartes explain the notion of certainty with reference to a of the self? Critically discuss the way it differs from the knowledge of _the world.

5 marks

Why and how does John Locke refute the innate ideas? Elucidate the nature and source of knowledge in Locke's epistemology.

5 marks

Examine and evaluate the proofs given by Sarmkhya philosophy to prove the existence of the

What is the ontological status of Samanya, according to Vaisesika Philosophy? Critically examine.

Discuss the nature and different stages of Samadhi as per Patanjala yoga and examine the role of Ivara in it.

How does Jaina view of Karma bear upon their soteriology? Critically

Do you agree with the view that 'Vivartavada is the logical development of Parinamavada'? Give reasons in support of your answer.

How compatible is Buddhist theory of momentariness with their theory of Karma? In this regard how do Buddhists respond to objections raised by their opponents? Critically discuss.

The doctrine of 'Relativism' of Jain Philosophy cannot be sogteatly sustained without postulating 'Absolutism'.' Critically examine this view and give reasons in the favour of your answer.

5 marks

How do Mimamsakas refute the Nyaya view that Implication (arthapatti) is reducible to Inference (anumana) and establish Implication as an independent means of valid knowledge (pramana)? Critically discuss.

5 marks

Inspite of accepting the intrinsic validity of knowledge, why and how Prabhakar and Kumirila differ in their interpretation of erroneous cognition? Discuss.

20 marks

Explain Buddhist concept of Trratna and their internal relation. Critically examine the consistency of Trratnas with the Buddhist concept of No-soul (Nairatmyavada).

5 marks

How do Naiyayikas respond to Carvaka's objections against inference (anumana) and establish inference as an independent means of knowledge? Critically oe

Brahma satyam jaganmithya, jivo Brahmaiva naparah'. In the light of this statement explain' the ontological status of I$vara, Jiva and Saksi as elucidated in Advaita Vedanta.

20 marks

Explain and evaluate the role of integral yoga in the process of triple transforma- tion for individual evolution as expounded by Sri Aurobindo.

5 marks

How does the concept of Liberation (Moksa) of Madhvacarya differ from that of Ramanujacarya? Explain.

5 marks

Discuss the role of enlightenment movement in the rise of humanism.

In the age of individualism and universal franchise, what role does caste play in body-politic? Discuss.

Is corruption a systemic issue or an ethical issue? Give your critical comments.

"Complete liberty may lead to inequality while order and restrictions imply a necessary loss of freedom." Critically discuss.

What are the moral justifications of capital punishment? Discuss.

What arguments does Bodin present to contend that sovereignty must be absolute, perpetual and undivided? Is Bodin's conception of sovereignty compatible with the social and political ideals of equality, justice and liberty? Critically discuss.

20 marks

Critically evaluate Gandhi's views on eradication of caste discrimination.

5 marks

Explain the difference between the notion of equity and equality with reference to Marxian philosophy.

5 marks

Do you agree that economic development does not on its own lead to human development and social progress? Give reasons and justifications for your answer.

20 marks

Discuss gender as a cultural category as opposed to sex as a biological category.

Critically analyze the descriptive and normative aspects of multiculturalism.

5 marks

Discuss propaganda as a challenge to democratic form of government.

20 marks

Does idea of unconditional rights necessarily lead to anarchy? Critically examine.

5 marks

Are monarchy and theocracy necessarily related? Discuss with reference to the theory of Divine Right.

5 marks

Write an essay on Spinoza's notion of God and His attributes.

"One can have morality without religion but not religion without morality." Discuss.

"Immortality of Soul is a necessary postulate for rebirth.'' Critically examine with reference to Buddhism. [ P.T.O.

Is the notion of faith indispensable for the idea of revelation? Critically comment.

Explain the difference between the cognitivist and non-cognitivist approaches to the religious language with reference to the statement—''God exists'.

Present a critical exposition of different arguments offered by St. Thomas Aquinas to prove the existence of God also known as 'Five Ways'. Which one of them do you find philosophically most interesting? Give reasons in support of your answer.

20 marks

Explain the relation between the God and the Self according to Ramanujacarya.

If God is the Absolute Creator, then the responsibility of the evil cannot belong to the human agent. Critically examine.

5 marks

"'An unquestionable acceptance of only one Absolute Truth will inevitably result in religious exclusivism.'' Discuss.

20 marks

Is it possible to have an idea of Liberation without the conception of a real agent? In this context, discuss the difference between Advaita and Visistadvaita systems of thought.

15 marks

Discuss the nature and variety of religious experiences as presented by William James.

5 marks

Discuss the main points of distinction between a priori and a posteriori arguments for the existence of God. Which one according to you should be preferred over the other? Give reasons and justifications for your answer.

20 marks

Discuss the nature of Soul and Bondage according to Jainism.

5 marks

Critically examine the idea of Brahman in Advaita philosophy of Sarnkara. Does Sarnkara's conception of Brahman leave room for theism? Discuss.

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

"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".

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

Examine the concept of personal identity by Locke.

10 marks

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

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

20 marks

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

5 marks

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

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

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

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

5 marks

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

"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

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

5 marks

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

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

10 marks

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

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

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

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

20 marks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 marks

Discuss critically the distributive theory of justice as propounded by R. Nozick.

How does Rousseau distinguish between natural artificial inequality? Explain.

Does monarchy as a form of government leave room for individual freedom? Explain.

How far can land and property rights be effective in empowerment of women? Explain.

Discuss whether Amartya Sen's idea of justice is an improvement upon Rawl's theory of justice.

20 marks

Explain the reformative theory of punishment and discuss whether this is in tune with human dignity.

Can humanism be a substitute for religion? Explain and evaluate in the context of the present Indian society.

Discuss anarchism as a political ideology. Is it possible to dispense with political authority completely? Give reasons for your answer.

20 marks

Discuss the distinctive features of Gandhian Socialism and its contemporary relevance.

Discuss Kautilya's contribution regarding the concept of sovereignty. Is it applicable in a democratic form of government? Explain.

Discuss the views of Dr. 8.8. Ambedkar regarding caste-discrimination in Indian society. What are the measures suggested by him for its elimination? Explain.

20 marks

What are the main causes of female foeticide in India? Is it the result of demonic application of technology only? Discuss.

Evaluate whether the social contract theory adequately addresses the different issues of human rights.

Discuss the nature of God as propounded in Nyaya philosophy.

Discuss the possibility of Absolute Truth in the context of religious pluralism.

Is religious freedom possible in a multireligious society? Explain.

Is religious life possible without the belief in God? Discuss.

Discuss the paradox of omnipotence of God in the context of the existence of evil.

Discuss the concept of immortality of soul with special reference to Hindu tradition.

20 marks

Elucidate the concept of liberation according to Advaita Vedanta. Explain the role of knowledge in the attainment of liberation.

Do you consider that religion and morality are inseparable? Give reasons for your answer.

Discuss the role of reason and faith in religion. Can reason be a regulative force in the formulation of religious beliefs? Explain.

20 marks

Give a critical account of moral argument to prove the existence of God.

Explain the concept of religious experience in the light of Vedantic tradition.

What is non-cognitive theory of religious language? Explain critically in the light of R.B. Braithwaite's views.

20 marks

Discuss and evaluate the doctrine of Karma as an essential postulate of Hinduism.

Explain the symbolic nature of religious language with special reference to Paul Tillich.

How does Aristotle argue for the priority of Form over Matter and Actuality over Potentiality? Critically discuss.

How does Leibniz's conception of monads bear upon his views on determinism and freedom? Discuss with your own comments.

What, according to Husserl, is wrong with psychologism? How does Husserl address the problems with psychologism in his phenomenological method?

Examine the reality of the phenomenal world in the light of Hegel's Absolute Idealism.

"'The Soul of Superman is Good."' Critically examine the above statement in the light of logical positivism.

"I never can catch myself at any time without perception, and never can observe anything but the perception."" How does this statement by Hume problematize the philosophical notion of personal identity? How does Kant deal with this problem in his Critique of Pure Reason?

20 marks

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 consciousness exist', he makes a mistake and a self-contradictory mistake."

5 marks

"The reason that I call my doctrine logical atomism is because the atoms that I wish to arrive at as the sort of last residue in analysis are logical atoms and not physical atoms."' Write a note on the nature of atomic facts according to Russell in the light of the above statement.

5 marks

What does Kierkegaard mean by saying ''Subjectivity is the truth'"' in the context of the problem of 'the single individual'?

20 marks

Evaluate the role of spatio-temporal thinking in objective thinking with reference to Strawson's theory of basic particulars.

5 marks

When does Pure Reason enter into the realm of Antinomies according to Kant? Is Kant's notion of Antinomies of Pure Reason a natural culmination of his distinction between Phenomena and Noumena? Give reasons in favour of your answer.

15 marks

"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.

20 marks

"From the necessity of the divine nature there must follow infinitely many things in infinitely many ways."' Explain this statement by Spinoza along with some possible criticisms. 15 [ P.T.O.

"But could 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 answer offered by Wittgenstein to this question.

Examine the concept of Karma according to Jainism. How does it bear upon their conception of Liberation?

Explain the difference between Samprajfiata Samadhi and Asamprajiiata Samadhi.

Why is memory not a valid knowledge according to Mimarnsa?

Point out the significance of the five-fold differences in the Dualistic School of Vedanta.

Discuss the nature and types of matter according to Nimbarka.

How is Ksanikavada a logical derivative of Pratityasamutpada in Buddhism? Explain.

20 marks

Critically evaluate Carvakas' rejection of Ak4§a as one of the elements of reality and examine their criticism of transmigration of Soul.

5 marks

Explain the concepts of 'Anyathasiddha' and 'Ananyathasiddha' in the context of Asatkaryavada.

5 marks

"'A mango tree is grown out of a mango seed."" How will Sarnkhya system explain this process through their theory of causation by rejecting their rival perspectives?

20 marks

How does Buddhism explain Self in terms of Paficaskandhas? What is Liberation for Buddhism if there is no Soul?

5 marks

Explain the differences of conception of Reality between Carvaka and Jainism.

5 marks

What does Aurobindo mean by 'life divine' as a possibility and inevitability?

20 marks

Critically evaluate the logical and metaphysical status of ViSesa in the context of Vaisesika Philosophy.

Discuss the nature and relationship of Jiva and Jiva-saksi according to non-dualism.

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

Explain the importance of Bodin's theory of sovereignty.

10 marks

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

10 marks

State and examine the Gandhian concept of social development.

20 marks

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

15 marks

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

15 marks

in Independent India.

20 marks

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

15 marks

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

15 marks

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

20 marks

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

15 marks

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

15 marks

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

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

20 marks

What is the logical problem of evil? Discuss.

15 marks

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

15 marks

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

20 marks

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

15 marks

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

15 marks

Does religious language carry cognitive content? Elucidate in detail.

20 marks

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

15 marks

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

15 marks

What does Plato want to prove by his 'Allegory of Cave'?

Can hallucination be regarded as an intentional act by Husserl? Explain.

What is the role of dialectics in realizing the truth in Hegel's philosophy?

How does Descartes prove the existence of things other than himself and God? Discuss.

Explain Quine's arguments against synthetic-analytic distinction.

How do the logical positivists account for the meaning of general statements? Can the same account be applied to metaphysical statements? Discuss.

20 marks

What are the reasons for developmental changes in substance according to Aristotle? Discuss.

What do you understand by Spinoza's statement that what is, cannot be other than what it is? Explain.

5 marks

ifs Is Dasein authentic existence for Heidegger? How does he relate temporality with Dasein? Discuss.

20 marks

Show how Wittgenstein's critique of solipsism culminates in the critique of private language.

Why is Moore's philosophy called common-sense realism?

15 marks

How does Kant argue for the transcendence of Space and Time? Discuss.

20 marks

Is there any element of necessity in causal relations according to Hume? Discuss.

How does Sartre look at the problem of freedom of choice and determinism? Explain.

15 marks

Justify the status of Abhava as a category in Vaisesika philosophy.

How do the Yogacara Buddhists deny the existence of the external world? Discuss.

Are the Carvakas consistent when they hold that inference is not a source of knowledge? Discuss.

Critically discuss the metaphysical status of a Jiva and a Purusa according to Sankhya philosophy.

How does Mimarhsa establish the authority of Vedic knowledge?

How is reality defined by the Jainas? How is this theory of reality reflected in their view on judgements? Discuss.

20 marks

What is the role of Jfidnalaksana-pratyaksa in explaining Anyathakhyati?

What is wrong according to the Carvakas with the following argument? All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal. Justify your answer with arguments.

How does Descartes prove the existence of God through Karyat, Ayojanat, Dhrtyadeh and Sruteh? Discuss.

20 marks

How would Yoga philosophy comprehend the Citta-levels of a Scientist, a God-realized Devotee and a Self-realized Yogi? Justify your answer.

What is Pratityasamutpadda? How do the Buddhists apply this concept to prove that everything is momentary?

15 marks

Explain the logical consequences of the metaphysical absolutism of Advaitism.

20 marks

Explain the unique position of the Supermind in the metaphysical scheme of Which philosophy.

Which Sankhya proof for the existence of Prakrti actually shows that there can be only one Prakrti? Justify your answer. ia kak 20SB—768

How far do you think John Rawls is continuing with Plato's concept of justice?

10 marks

Discuss the status of theocracy in the modern secular state.

10 marks

Evaluate Mahatma Gandhi as a political anarchist.

10 marks

Is corruption not a form of mass violence? Discuss.

10 marks

Can gender equality be realised within a socialist regime? Analyse.

10 marks

Do rights make citizens accountable to the State? Argue in the context of the present Indian scenario.

20 marks

What are the descriptive and normative perspectives on ideas of multiculturalism?

15 marks

Does technological development lead to progress in the ethical standards of the society? Explain.

15 marks

Discuss how far does Austin's concept of sovereignty go along with Kautilya's concept of sovereignty.

Consider critically, that gender discrimination is a rather man-made concept but not naturally endowed.

15 marks

What do you consider to be the future of Marxism in the context of the prevalent free market economy?

15 marks

Examine whether there is any difference between the views of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on the philosophical foundations of secular democracy.

of secular democracy.

20 marks

Does liberty put limitations to equality? Discuss.

15 marks

Does capital punishment weaken the doctrine of social justice? Discuss.

15 marks

What is instrumental to self-revelation: Faith or Reason? Justify your position.

10 marks

Is religion a uniting force for humanity in the globalizing world as of today? Discuss.

10 marks

Can there be a philosophical argument to support violence in the name of religion? Discuss.

10 marks

amt edt 8 2 aden Pifare Does a devoted commitment to a religious way of life make man go astray from social morality? Examine.

10 marks

State and evaluate the proofs for the existence of God as propounded in Jainism.

10 marks

Discuss whether and how does religious symbolism lead to mysticism.

20 marks

What role do the concepts of evil and profane play to provide a firm foundation to religion?

15 marks

How would a religious person deny the possibility of a religion without God? Discuss.

15 marks

Expound and explain the central problem in the discussion between

Secular ethics cannot fully resolve as to why one should be moral all the time. Examine.

15 marks

How far can religious experience be made a topic of public discourse?

State and explain the doctrines of Karma, Rebirth and Reincarnation in Hinduism.

20 marks

State and evaluate the personalistic and impersonalistic aspects of God.

15 marks

Discuss the relationship between man and God according to any one of the religions in India.

15 marks

Write short answers to the following in about J50 words cach

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.

Is there any place for freedom in Leibniz's philosophy, when he speaks of 'pre-established harmony'? Discuss.

How does the notion of "family resemblance' help Wittgenstein to uphold that "Language is a game'? Discuss.

How docs Sartre connect inauthenticity with bad faith? Why does Sartre show thal inauthenticity and bad faith lead to alienation? Discuss,

How does Strawson explain the concept of person in his philosophy? Discuss.

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

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.

5 marks

How does Quine show that the notion of a prion knowledge as discussed by Kant is 'a metaphysical article of faith"? Give reasons for your answer.

15 marks

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

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.

How does Wittgenstein apply the distinction between 'saying' and 'showing' to point to a single way of apprehending the most decisive problems of philosophy? Is he justified? Give reasons for your answer.

What is Epoche'? 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

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.

5 marks

How is Russell's theory of definite description related to his Logical Atomism? Discuss and give reasons for your answer, 4 Cgqt- PR PHYO 3 [P.7.0.

How do the Vaisesika philosophers explain the difference of the relationships in the two cases—(i) the brown colour of the table and (ii) the book on the table? Discuss.

How do the Madhyamika Buddhists apply the notion of Pratityasamutpdda to establish their doctrine of Sanyata? Discuss.

What is the difference between the indeseribability |Anirvacaniyatd) of Brahman and the indescribability (Anirvacanlyata) of Maya in the Advaita Vedinta system? Discuss.

How do the Buddhists and the Nydya philosophers explain our knowledge of 'the absence of the jar on the table'? Answer in detail.

Is Puruga one or many? Explain the Samkhya position in this regard and give arguments in support of your answer.

How do the Naiyayikas 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

Is it consistent for the Buddhists to admit the theory of Nairatmyavada and the doctrine of Nirvana simultaneously? Give reasons in favour of your answer.

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.

Give a comparative exposition of the concept of Moksa as found in the systems of Visistadvaita, Dvaita, Suddhadvaita and Acintyabhedabheda,

20 marks

How do the Advaita Vedantins react to the Prakrtiparindmavada of the Samkhya philosophy? How do the Sarnkhyas defend their own position in this regard? Discuss.

How does Ramanuja refute the doctrine of Maya as propounded by Sankara? Why is Maya needed by both Raménuja and Sankara to establish their doctrines? Discuss.

Does the admission of Svayamprakdsavdda necessarily lead to the admission of Svatahpramanyavada? Discuss after the Naiyayikas, the Mimamsakas and the Advaita Vedantins.

Is Carvaka rejection of inference acceptable to the other systems of Indian philosophy? lf not, why? Do you think the views of other systems to be justified? Give reasons for your answer,

15 marks

What is Evolution according to Sn Aurobindo? Describe the process of triple transformation and the nature of gnostic being in his philosophy.

5 marks

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

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

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

What measures do you suggest to eradicate corruption in Indian democracy?

10 marks

How far can liberty and equality be considered as distinctive features of democracy? Discuss.

20 marks

Critically evaluate Laski's view on sovereignty as a satisfactory position in political theory.

15 marks

Do you subseribe to the political ideology of Anarchists? Justify your answer.

15 marks

What do you understand by multi-culturalism? How are globalization and multi-culturalism related? How does their relationship affect cultural changes?

20 marks

Are Marxian Socialism and individual freedom consistent? Discuss critically.

15 marks

What form of humanism do you approve as relevant in the present day context? Discuss in detail.

15 marks

"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

How do you evaluate gender discrimination in the context of female foeticide?

Is feminism an ideology for empowerment or for equality? Discuss.

In what sense is the secular use of language different from the religious use of language? Discuss.

How far is it plausible to argue that the anti-theistic religions' stand on the concept of rebirth is philosophically significant?

10 marks

Can you justify religion without God? Support your answer.

10 marks

Can one claim that there is an inter-relatedness between 'religiosity'

Is Hinduism poly-theistic? Give reasons for your answer.

10 marks

Distinguish between Exclusivism, Inclusiviam and Pluralism with regard to the conflicting truth-claims of different religions.

20 marks

"Truth is one, yet people perceive differently." Critically evaluate by considering the present Indian context.

15 marks

Does the concept of God entail the existence of God? Examine from the perspective of ontological argument.

15 marks

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

Evaluate the concept of Bhakti (Devotion) as a pathway to attain liberation.

15 marks

Compare St. Thomas Aquinas' five ways of knowing God with the arguments of the Nyaya School of Indian Philosophy for the existence of God.

Critically evaluate the Buddhistic arguments against the existence of God as the creator of the world.

15 marks

Explain the significance of religious symbols as transcendent referent that mediates into the cultural, spatial and temporal world.

15 marks

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

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

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

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

15 marks

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

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"

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

15 marks

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

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

15 marks

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

15 marks

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

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

10 marks

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

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

15 marks

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

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?

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

15 marks

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.

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

20 marks

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

15 marks

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

15 marks

Discuss in the context of anarchy whether the freedom of an individual is consistent with the sovereignty of the State.

10 marks

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

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.

Out of rights and duties, which one is prior to the other? Discuss in the context of accountability.

10 marks

Discuss the different aspects of the fundamental distinction between democratic equality and the Marxian notion of equality.

10 marks

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

Critically evaluate whether the ideal of social progress gives a secondary significance to an individual's freedom over his duties.

15 marks

Discuss whether Kautilya's concept of sovereignty turns into a despotic rule. How far is it comparable to Bodin's concept? Discuss.

15 marks

Does Marxism curb individual freedom in the name of protecting social justice? Discuss.

20 marks

Can you justify capital punishment for crimes like rape, murder and corruption? Discuss.

15 marks

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

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

How far do Marx, Gandhi and Amartya Sen agree and disagree on the concept of justice in the Indian democracy? Discuss.

15 marks

Will a severe punishment for crimes against women change the mind-set of society? Justify your position.

15 marks

Does a committed religious person go against social morality? Discuss from the moral perspective.

10 marks

How do you define a non-theological concept of evil? Explain.

10 marks

Is God necessary for religion? Justify your answer.

10 marks

Discuss whether the doctrine of immortality of soul is indispensable for a religion.

10 marks

Critically discuss the relationship of man with God in the Yoga system of philosophy.

10 marks

Is there an essential difference between the concept of Liberation in theological and non-theological approaches to life? Discuss.

20 marks

Does religion guarantee the absolute truth? Discuss in the context of religious pluralism.

15 marks

Compare and contrast the different forms of cosmological argument for the existence of God.

15 marks

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

What will be the authority and acceptance of the absolute ethical values in the non-theological system of social practices? Discuss.

15 marks

Discuss whether the voluntarist's theories of faith are adequate.

15 marks

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

What is a non-theological concept of God? How is it different from a theological concept of God? Discuss with arguments.

In order to make expressions of religious experiences communicable, what kind of language needs to be constructed and used? Explain.

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

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

Why does Wittgenstein reject the possibility of private language?

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

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

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

20 marks

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

15 marks

Discuss Sartre's notion of 'Nothingness'.

15 marks

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

20 marks

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

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

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

20 marks

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.

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

15 marks

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

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

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

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

Evaluate Sankara's position on I$vara.

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

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

15 marks

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

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

20 marks

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

15 marks

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

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

20 marks

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

15 marks

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

"Sovereignty is the supreme power over citizens and subjects, unrestrained by law." Discuss.

A well-ordered society, according to Rawls, is effectively regulated by a public conception of justice. Do you agree? Give reasons.

"Socialism itself is the fulfilment of democracy." Analyse.

Evaluate the statement that all human beings have certain unalienable rights.

"The goal in punishing should be to reform the individual." Comment.

Is liberty a positive and equal opportunity of self-realization? Discuss.

On what grounds does Laski criticize Austin's concept of sovereignty?

"The-right—of—free-speech—implies- the- genuine independence~ of the judiciary and its complete separation from the executive." Evaluate.

Is the State an agency for expressing the will of the ruling classes? Examine.

20 marks

Can we consider "freedom from domination" as one of the justifications for multiculturalism? Give reasons for your answer.

5 marks

Is it possible to measure social progress independent of economic development? Discuss.

"To me the female sex is not the weaker sex. It is the nobler of the two." Evaluate this statement of Gandhi.

Do you agree that women become empowered through collective reflection and decision-making? Discuss.

How did Ambedkar analyse the caste system from the historical and social perspectives? Explain.

20 marks

Critically discuss the view that 'modern sensibility and total obedience to a despotic God' do not go hand in hand.

"World-religion is a spiritualistic and humanistic composite." Evaluate.

Is Religious absolutism a threat to Religious pluralism? Discuss.

Buddhism disbelieves in the immortality of soul, but accepts the phenomenon of rebirth. Examine.

Faith means human awareness of God; but it cannot be irrational. Analyse.

The content of revelation is a body of truths expressed in statements or propositions. But it cannot be against reason. Discuss.

Compare and contrast the relation of man to the world in the oriental — religions.

20 marks

Show how the attributes of immanence and transcendence of God go with omnipresence and infinitude.

State and evaluate the nature and validity of mystic experience.

20 marks

"Moral principles function better when they remain independent and unconnected with religion." Discuss.

"It would be self-contradictory to say that the most perfect conceivable being lacks the attribute of existence." Analyse.

"If God is all-powerful, God must wish to abolish all evils; but moral and natural evils are rampant in the world." How would a theist react to this?

20 marks

Among the different views of religious language, which one is more satisfactory and why?

"The natural world is as complexly and manifestly designed as a watch." Evaluate.