UPSC Philosophy 2024

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) Differentiate between Plato's and Aristotle's conceptions of form. 10 marks (b) How does Kant respond to Hume's sceptic…

(a) 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 d…

(a) Explain Russell's notion of incomplete symbols. Also explain how this notion leads to the doctrine of logical atomism. 20 marks (b) Is the sentence "All objects are either red…

(a) What do the existentialist thinkers mean by the slogan "existence precedes essence" ? How is human existence related to human freedom according to them ? Discuss. 10+10 marks…

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) Do you think Cārvāka's philosophy is positivistic in nature ? Give reasons and justifications for your answer. 10 marks…

(a) Differentiate between the Cārvākas' refutation of self as a transcendental category and the Buddhist rejection of ātmā. 20 marks (b) How do the two schools of Buddhism arrive…

(a) Present an account of evolution of Prakṛti as propounded in Sāṃkhyakārikā. In this context, also explain the difference between buddhi, mahat and ahaṃkāra. 10+10 marks (b) "So…

(a) How do I know that I know ? Answer this question with reference to the Naiyāyikas, the Bhāṭṭa Mīmāṃsākas and the Prābhākaras. 20 marks (b) "A candidate who is never seen to be…

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) Briefly discuss Plato's concept of justice. (10 marks) (b) Present a brief account of origin and development of Social…

(a) Delineate the central tenets of Humanism. How does advent of enlightenment in Europe pave the way for Humanism? Discuss. (20 marks) (b) Critically evaluate the concepts of lib…

(a) 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)…

(a) 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. (10+10=…

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) Can there be a religion without morality? Discuss. (10 marks) (b) Write a note on the notion of absolute truth in the c…

(a) 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…

(a) State and evaluate Buddhism as a religion without God. (20 marks) (b) What kind of epistemic justifications are possible with regard to claims to revelation? Discuss with your…

(a) Distinguish between cognitivist and non-cognitivist account of religious language. Does the cognitivist account lead to any contradiction? Answer with reference to the philoso…