All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Philosophy 2021 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2021Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Political philosophy and social justice (1)Theories of justice, punishment and humanism (1)Political ideologies and sovereignty (1)Social issues and political theory (1)Philosophy of religion and God (1)Indian philosophy and religion (1)Reason, faith and religious experience (1)Religious language and karma doctrine (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorydiscussPolitical philosophy and social justice
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Discuss critically the distributive theory of justice as propounded by R. Nozick. (10 marks)
(b) How does Rousseau distinguish between natural and artificial inequality? Explain. (10 marks)
(c) Is Austin's theory of sovereignty compatible with democracy? Discuss. (10 marks)
(d) Does monarchy as a form of government leave room for individual freedom? Explain. (10 marks)
(e) How far can land and property rights be effective in empowerment of women? Explain. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) आर. नोजिक द्वारा प्रतिपादित न्याय के वितरणात्मक सिद्धांत की आलोचनात्मक विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) रूसो किस प्रकार प्राकृतिक एवं कृत्रिम असमानता में भेद करते हैं ? व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(c) क्या ऑस्टिन का संप्रभुता का सिद्धांत प्रजातंत्र के साथ संगत है ? विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) क्या राजतंत्र, शासन की एक व्यवस्था के रूप में वैयक्तिक स्वतंत्रता के लिए स्थान प्रदान करता है ? व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(e) भूमि एवं सम्पत्ति के अधिकार किस प्रकार महिला सशक्तिकरण में प्रभावी हो सकते हैं ? व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: State the position > Argument > Strongest objection > Evaluation. (a) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise reconstruction of the argument, strong counter-arguments, and clear evaluation.
50MdiscussTheories of justice, punishment and humanism
(a) Discuss whether Amartya Sen's idea of justice is an improvement upon Rawl's theory of justice. (20 marks)
(b) Explain the reformative theory of punishment and discuss whether this is in tune with human dignity. (15 marks)
(c) Can humanism be a substitute for religion? Explain and evaluate in the context of the present Indian society. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) क्या अमर्त्य सेन की न्याय की अवधारणा रॉल्स के न्याय के सिद्धांत का एक परिष्कृत रूप है ? विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) दण्ड के सुधारात्मक सिद्धांत की व्याख्या कीजिए और विवेचना कीजिए कि क्या यह मानवीय गरिमा के साथ सुसंगत है। (15 अंक)
(c) क्या मानववाद धर्म का स्थानापन्न हो सकता है ? वर्तमान भारतीय समाज के प्रसंग में इसकी व्याख्या एवं मूल्यांकन कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Mains Philosophy Paper II. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment Full marks: Precise technical vocabulary, strong counter-arguments, concrete examples, and clear evaluation.
Rawls: transcendental institutionalism; original position; two principles
Sen: comparative, realisation-focused; capabilities versus primary goods; open impartiality and public reasoning
Reasoned verdict: improvement in method but a complement, noting Sen's lack of determinate principles
Reformative theory: crime as product of conditions; rehabilitation instead of retribution
Indian reflections: probation, parole, open prisons, juvenile justice
Dignity discussion: respects capacity for change versus Kantian and paternalism objections
Humanism: values grounded in reason, dignity and welfare, not a supernatural authority
Arguments for and against substitution; religion's roles in meaning, ritual and community
Indian context and conclusion: humanism as partial substitute or complement
(a) Discuss anarchism as a political ideology. Is it possible to dispense with political authority completely? Give reasons for your answer. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the distinctive features of Gandhian Socialism and its contemporary relevance. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss Kautilya's contribution regarding the concept of sovereignty. Is it applicable in a democratic form of government? Explain. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) एक राजनीतिक विचारधारा के रूप में अराजकतावाद की विवेचना कीजिए । क्या इससे राजनीतिक सत्ता का पूर्णतः निराकरण सम्भव है ? अपने उत्तर के पक्ष में तर्क दीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) गांधी के समाजवाद की मुख्य विशेषताओं और इसकी समकालीन प्रासंगिकता की विवेचना कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) संप्रभुता की अवधारणा के सम्बन्ध में कौटिल्य के योगदान की विवेचना कीजिए । क्या यह प्रजातांत्रिक शासन व्यवस्था में प्रयोज्य है ? व्याख्या कीजिए । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Mains Philosophy Paper II. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise terminology, strong counter-arguments, clear contemporary links.
Anarchism: rejection of state; voluntary association; decentralisation; main thinkers and strands
Arguments for dispensing: coercion, Kropotkin's mutual aid, experiments
Argued conclusion: complete abolition unrealistic; authority to be limited and accountable
(a) Discuss the views of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar regarding caste-discrimination in Indian society. What are the measures suggested by him for its elimination? Explain. (20 marks)
(b) What are the main causes of female foeticide in India? Is it the result of demonic application of technology only? Discuss. (15 marks)
(c) Evaluate whether the social contract theory adequately addresses the different issues of human rights. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारतीय समाज में जाति-भेद से सम्बन्धित डॉ. बी.आर. अम्बेडकर के विचारों की विवेचना कीजिए । इसके निराकरण के लिए उनके द्वारा सुझाए गए उपाय क्या हैं ? व्याख्या कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) भारत में महिला भ्रूणहत्या के मुख्य कारण क्या हैं ? क्या यह केवल प्रौद्योगिकी के आसुरी प्रयोग का परिणाम है ? विवेचना कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) क्या सामाजिक संविदा का सिद्धान्त मानवीय अधिकारों के विभिन्न मुद्दों को पर्याप्त रूप से सम्बोधित करता है ? मूल्यांकन कीजिए । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Mains Philosophy Paper II. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment Full marks: Precise reconstruction of arguments, specific examples, and critical evaluation.
Caste as division of labourers, graded inequality, endogamy, religious sanction
Effects: denies liberty, equality and fraternity
Measures: inter-caste marriage, ending Shastras' authority and reform of priesthood, education and agitation, legal safeguards, conversion to Buddhism
Social causes: son preference, patriliny, dowry, patriarchy, small-family norm
Technology as an enabler (ultrasound, weak PCPNDT enforcement)
Not only technology: roots are social; remedies need attitudinal change
Strengths: rights from consent and equality; limits on the state
Weaknesses: hypothetical consent, exclusion of women and others, those unable to contract, socio-economic and global rights
Conclusion that it is a foundation needing supplement
50M150wCompulsorydiscussPhilosophy of religion and God
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Discuss the nature of God as propounded in Nyāya philosophy. (10 marks)
(b) Discuss the possibility of Absolute Truth in the context of religious pluralism. (10 marks)
(c) Is religious freedom possible in a multireligious society? Explain. (10 marks)
(d) Is religious life possible without the belief in God? Discuss. (10 marks)
(e) Discuss the paradox of omnipotence of God in the context of the existence of evil. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) न्याय दर्शन द्वारा प्रतिपादित ईश्वर के स्वरूप की विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(b) धार्मिक बहुलवाद के प्रसंग में परम सत्य की संभावना की विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(c) क्या बहुधर्मी समाज में धार्मिक स्वतंत्रता संभव है ? व्याख्या कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(d) क्या ईश्वर में विश्वास के बिना धार्मिक जीवन संभव है ? विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(e) अशुभ के अस्तित्व के संदर्भ में ईश्वर की सर्वशक्तिमता के विरोधाभास की विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: State the position > Argument > Strongest objection > Evaluation. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (e) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise reconstruction, Sanskrit/Greek terms, strongest objection, balanced evaluation
Īśvara as special eternal self with eternal knowledge, desire and effort; omniscient
Efficient (nimitta) cause only; atoms, souls, space, time, adṛṣṭa eternal
(a) Discuss the concept of immortality of soul with special reference to Hindu tradition. (20 marks)
(b) Elucidate the concept of liberation according to Advaita Vedānta. Explain the role of knowledge in the attainment of liberation. (15 marks)
(c) Do you consider that religion and morality are inseparable? Give reasons for your answer. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) हिन्दू परम्परा के विशेष संदर्भ में आत्मा की अमरता की अवधारणा की विवेचना कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) अद्वैत वेदान्त के अनुसार मोक्ष की अवधारणा को स्पष्ट कीजिए । मोक्ष की प्राप्ति में ज्ञान की भूमिका की व्याख्या कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) क्या आप समझते हैं कि धर्म और नैतिकता अविभाज्य हैं ? अपने उत्तर के पक्ष में तर्क दीजिए । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Philosophy Paper II. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Precise technical vocabulary, strong textual references, clear argumentation, and balanced evaluation.
Ātman unborn and eternal: Kaṭha 1.2.18, Gītā 2.20 and 2.22, Bṛhadāraṇyaka
Rebirth, karma and liberation; immortality as freedom from birth and death
Differences among schools, and Cārvāka denial
Mokṣa as realisation of ātman-Brahman identity; bondage as avidyā; nitya-prāpta-prāpti
Jñāna alone liberates; karma cannot produce mokṣa; samuccaya rejected
Sādhana-catuṣṭaya, śravaṇa, manana, nididhyāsana
Arguments for: divine command, dharma and karma, Kant's postulates, motivation
Arguments against: Euthyphro dilemma, secular ethics, conduct not tracking belief
(a) Discuss the role of reason and faith in religion. Can reason be a regulative force in the formulation of religious beliefs? Explain. (20 marks)
(b) Give a critical account of moral argument to prove the existence of God. (15 marks)
(c) Explain the concept of religious experience in the light of Vedāntic tradition. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) धर्म में तर्क एवं आस्था की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए । क्या तर्क धार्मिक विश्वासों के प्रतिपादन में नियामक तत्व हो सकता है ? व्याख्या कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) ईश्वर के अस्तित्व को सिद्ध करने के लिए नैतिक तर्क का आलोचनात्मक विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) वेदांती परंपरा के आलोक में धार्मिक अनुभूति की अवधारणा की व्याख्या कीजिए । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Philosophy Paper II. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise reconstruction of arguments, strong counter-arguments, clear evaluation, and use of technical vocabulary.
Positions on faith and reason: fideism, evidentialism, complementarity, Kant, James or Plantinga
Indian view: śruti and tarka in Śaṅkara, śraddhā in bhakti, Nyāya reasoned theism
Reason as a regulative (not constitutive) force: tests coherence, removes superstition, moral check; limits
Kant: highest good, ought implies can, postulates of immortality and God
Other versions: Newman, Sorley, Rashdall, C.S. Lewis
Criticisms: practical postulate only; impersonal order (karma); Euthyphro; evolutionary accounts
Anubhūti or aparokṣa-jñāna central; religion as realisation
Advaita: brahma-sākṣātkāra via mahāvākya; Rāmānuja and Madhva: bhakti vision
50Mcritically examineReligious language and karma doctrine
(a) What is non-cognitive theory of religious language? Explain critically in the light of R.B. Braithwaite's views. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss and evaluate the doctrine of Karma as an essential postulate of Hinduism. (15 marks)
(c) Explain the symbolic nature of religious language with special reference to Paul Tillich. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) धार्मिक भाषा संबंधी असंज्ञानात्मक सिद्धांत क्या है ? आर.बी. ब्रेथवेट के विचारों के आलोक में आलोचनात्मक व्याख्या कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) हिंदू धर्म की एक आवश्यक पूर्व-मान्यता के रूप में कर्म के सिद्धांत की विवेचना एवं मूल्यांकन कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) पॉल टिलिच के विशेष संदर्भ में धार्मिक भाषा के प्रतीकात्मक स्वरूप की व्याख्या कीजिए । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Philosophy Paper II. (a) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion | (b) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise reconstruction, strong critical evaluation, technical vocabulary, concrete examples.
Non-cognitive theory: religious statements express attitudes or intentions, not facts; verificationist origin
Braithwaite: statements declare an intention to follow a policy of life (agape); stories support it without being believed
Evaluation: answers verification challenge but reductionist, collapses into ethics, distorts believers' meaning
Karma as moral causation; roots in ṛta and Upaniṣads; sañcita, prārabdha, kriyamāṇa
Role: explains inequality, responsibility, rebirth, link to liberation (niṣkāma karma)
Evaluation: moral order versus fatalism, unverifiability, social misuse, beginningless reply
Faith as ultimate concern; literal language inadequate; 'God is being-itself' only non-symbolic statement