All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Philosophy 2024 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2024Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Western political philosophy and social issues (1)Humanism, liberty, equality and Gandhi's secularism (1)Aristotle vs Plato, capital punishment, economic development and social progress (1)Women empowerment, Arthaśāstra on sovereignty, multiculturalism (1)Philosophy of religion fundamentals (1)Liberation, Spinoza's God, problem of evil (1)Buddhism, revelation, ontological argument (1)Religious language, God's physical manifestation, Advaita Vedanta (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorydiscussWestern political philosophy and social issues
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 Contract Theory. (10 marks)
(c) Discuss the main factors responsible for caste discrimination. (10 marks)
(d) Present an exposition of the concept of alienation as propounded by Marx. (10 marks)
(e) Compare socialism and communism as two distinct political ideologies. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) प्लेटो की न्याय की अवधारणा का संक्षेप में विवेचन कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(b) सामाजिक अनुबंध सिद्धांत के उद्भव एवं विकास का संक्षिप्त विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(c) जातीय भेदभाव के मुख्य उत्तरदायी कारकों की विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(d) मार्क्स द्वारा प्रदत्त परकीयकरण की अवधारणा की व्याख्या प्रस्तुत कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(e) समाजवाद तथा साम्यवाद की दो भिन्न राजनीतिक विचारधाराओं के रूप में तुलना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Mains Philosophy Paper II. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) account for: state the phenomenon > the causes in order of weight > conclusion | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) compare: paired headings or point-wise contrast > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Precise technical vocabulary, clear reconstruction of arguments, and strong analytical depth.
Rejection of Cephalus, Polemarchus, Thrasymachus (interest of the stronger); Glaucon's challenge
Justice as each doing one's own (ta heautou prattein)
Tripartite soul and three classes; justice as harmony under reason
Critique (Popper, Aristotle, neglect of individual rights)
Ancient roots (Glaucon/Sophists, Epicurus) and early modern (Grotius, Althusius)
Hobbes: state of nature, absolute sovereign
Locke: natural rights, limited government, consent and trust; Rousseau: inequality, general will
50MdiscussHumanism, liberty, equality and Gandhi's secularism
(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 liberty and equality as political ideals. (15 marks)
(c) Present an exposition of Gandhi's views on secularism as one of the foundational principles of democracy. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) मानववाद के प्रमुख सिद्धांतों का निरूपण कीजिए । यूरोप में प्रबोधन का प्रादुर्भाव किस प्रकार मानववाद का मार्ग प्रशस्त करता है ? विवेचना कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) राजनीतिक आदर्शों के रूप में स्वतंत्रता (लिबर्टी) एवं समानता की अवधारणाओं का समीक्षात्मक विवेचन कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) प्रजातंत्र के आधारभूत सिद्धांत के रूप में धर्म निरपेक्षवाद पर गांधी के मतों का निरूपण कीजिए । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: null. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise reconstruction of arguments, strong counter-arguments, and concrete application.
Tenets: human dignity and worth, reason, autonomy/freedom, this-worldliness, secular ethics, education, human rights (Protagoras' 'man is the measure')
Renaissance humanism (Pico, Erasmus, Petrarch)
Enlightenment: scientific revolution, Kant's 'Sapere aude', natural rights, critique of dogma and authority, secular knowledge, progress
50MdiscussAristotle vs Plato, capital punishment, economic development and social progress
(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)
(b) On what grounds would you accept or reject the idea of capital punishment as an effective deterrent? Discuss. (15 marks)
(c) Is economic development a necessary condition, sufficient condition, both or neither, in order to achieve social progress? Give reasons and justifications for your answer. (10+5=15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) क्या आप इस मत से सहमत हैं कि अरस्तू, प्लेटो की अपेक्षा 'राज्यवाद' और 'व्यक्तिवाद' के मध्य मध्यम मार्ग को प्रशस्त करने में अधिक सफल है ? युक्तियुक्त विवेचन कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) किन आधारों पर आप मृत्युदंड के प्रत्यय को एक प्रभावशाली निवारक के रूप में स्वीकार या अस्वीकार करेंगे ? विवेचना कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) सामाजिक प्रगति प्राप्त करने के लिए आर्थिक विकास क्या एक अनिवार्य आवश्यकता, पर्याप्त आवश्यकता, दोनों अथवा दोनों में से कोई नहीं है ? अपने उत्तर के पक्ष में तर्क तथा प्रमाण प्रस्तुत कीजिए । (10+5=15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Philosophy Paper II. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c(i)) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (c(ii)) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Precise reconstruction of arguments, strong counter-arguments, and clear evaluation.
Plato: ideal state, communism of property and family for guardians, excessive unity
Aristotle's critique (Politics II): unity destroys the polis; private property with common use; family
Man as political animal; state prior by nature yet exists for good life of citizens; polity/mixed constitution and the middle class
Evaluation: limits (slavery, exclusion of women/labourers) and verdict
Deterrence theory (Bentham; Mill's 1868 defence) and arguments for
Evidence and arguments against: certainty over severity (Beccaria), lack of reliable evidence, crimes of passion, irreversibility and wrongful convictions, discrimination
Retributive and rights-based perspectives (Kant, Hegel; human dignity; abolitionist trend)
Indian position: Bachan Singh 'rarest of rare', Mithu (mandatory death struck), Law Commission 262nd report (2015), BNS retains; reasoned stance
Clarify concepts (development, social progress) and meaning of necessary/sufficient
Case for importance: resources for health, education, welfare; HDI
Not strictly necessary: Kerala/Sri Lanka 'support-led security'; social reform movements
Enabling-condition view for sustained progress
Not sufficient: jobless growth, inequality, ecological damage
50MdiscussWomen empowerment, Arthaśāstra on sovereignty, multiculturalism
(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=20 marks)
(b) What insights does the Arthaśāstra offer with regard to the concept of sovereignty? Does it have any relevance in the modern times? Critically discuss. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss the role of ethical principles of tolerance and coexistence for the rise of multicultural societies. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) महिलाओं के सशक्तिकरण को उपलब्ध करने के लिए लैंगिक समानता की एक अनिवार्य शर्त के रूप में विवेचना कीजिए । स्त्री भ्रूणहत्या के खतरे की रोकथाम में महिला सशक्तिकरण की भूमिका का परीक्षण भी कीजिए । (10+10=20 अंक)
(b) संप्रभुता की अवधारणा के संदर्भ में 'अर्थशास्त्र' क्या अंतर्दृष्टि प्रदान करता है ? क्या आधुनिक समय में उसकी कोई प्रासंगिकता है ? समालोचनात्मक विवेचना कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) बहुसांस्कृतिक समाजों के उत्थान के लिए सहिष्णुता तथा सहअस्तित्व के नैतिक सिद्धांतों की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Mains Philosophy Paper II. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise, analytical, and well-structured with strong arguments and counter-arguments.
Relevance (realism, strategic autonomy, welfare administration) and critique (monarchical, surveillance, amoral means vs popular/constitutional sovereignty)
Tolerance (Locke's Letter, Mill) vs recognition/respect (Taylor, Parekh, Kymlicka)
Indian traditions: Aśoka's Rock Edict XII, sarva dharma samabhāva, Gandhi
Constitutional morality: Arts 25–30, 51A(e),(f), fraternity
Limits and challenges: paradox of tolerance (Popper), majoritarianism, overlapping consensus (Rawls); evaluation
50M150wCompulsorydiscussPhilosophy of religion fundamentals
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 context of religion. (10 marks)
(c) Discuss the concept of liberation (Apavarga) according to Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika. (10 marks)
(d) Discuss the role of reason in religion. (10 marks)
(e) Explain the analogical nature of religious language. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) क्या नैतिकता के बिना धर्म संभव है ? विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(b) धर्म के संदर्भ में निरपेक्ष सत्य की अवधारणा पर टिप्पणी लिखिए । (10 अंक)
(c) न्याय-वैशेषिक के अनुसार मोक्ष (अपवर्ग) की अवधारणा का विवेचन कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(d) धर्म में तर्क की भूमिका का विवेचन कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(e) धार्मिक भाषा के सादृश्यमूलक स्वरूप की व्याख्या कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Philosophy Paper II: State position > Argument > Strongest objection > Evaluation. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise reconstruction of arguments, strong counter-arguments, and balanced evaluation.
Clarify religion (belief, ritual, experience) and morality
Cases for separability: ritualism (Pūrva Mīmāṃsā), Durkheim, Kierkegaard's teleological suspension of the ethical, some antinomian cults
Cases for inseparability: Kant (duties as divine commands), Buddhism/Jainism ethics-centred, Radhakrishnan, Gandhi
Euthyphro/divine command debate and reasoned verdict
Meaning: ultimate, unconditional, universal truth (Brahman, God as Truth)
Exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism (Hick)
Indian perspectives: Advaita (satyaṃ jñānam anantam), Gandhi 'Truth is God', Jaina anekāntavāda, Buddhist two truths
Critique: relativism, fundamentalism; truth as regulative ideal
50Mcritically discussLiberation, Spinoza's God, problem of evil
(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. (20 marks)
(b) How does the notion of God in Spinoza's philosophy embedded in his metaphysics of substance and attributes? Critically discuss. (15 marks)
(c) "The problem of evil is a direct offshoot of how God is conceptualised in a system." Critically discuss. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) क्या मोक्ष की सुगठित अवधारणा के लिए आत्मा की अमरता तथा पुनर्जन्म की अवधारणाओं को मानना आवश्यक है ? अपने उत्तर के पक्ष में तर्क तथा प्रमाण प्रस्तुत कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) स्पिनोजा के दर्शन में ईश्वर की अवधारणा किस प्रकार उनकी द्रव्य तथा गुण की तत्त्वमीमांसा में अन्तर्बद्ध है ? आलोचनात्मक विवेचना कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) "अशुभ की समस्या, ईश्वर की किसी मत में किस प्रकार अवधारणा की जाती है, उसका सीधा परिणाम है ।" आलोचनात्मक व्याख्या कीजिए । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Philosophy Paper II. (a) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (b) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (c) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Precise technical vocabulary, strong reconstruction of arguments, clear critical evaluation, and specific examples.
Concepts: mokṣa as freedom from saṃsāra presupposes rebirth in most Indian schools
Soul-based views: Advaita, Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika, Sāṃkhya-Yoga, Jaina; rebirth as karmic justice
Counter-cases: Buddhism (rebirth without ātman), Cārvāka (maraṇam eva apavargaḥ), jīvanmukti, modern naturalist/existential freedom
Reasoned verdict: immortality not strictly necessary; rebirth needed only for liberation defined as release from saṃsāra
Definitions: substance, attribute, mode; God as absolutely infinite substance (E1D6)
Only one substance (E1P14); thought and extension as attributes; modes; natura naturans/naturata
God as immanent cause; necessity, no teleology or free will in God; freedom as self-determination
Critique: pantheism/acosmism, determinism, subjective vs objective reading of attributes, amor Dei intellectualis
Logical and evidential problems (Epicurus, Hume, Mackie, Rowe) from omnipotence, omniscience, omnibenevolence
Theodicies within classical theism: privation (Augustine), free-will defence (Plantinga), soul-making (Hick), best possible world (Leibniz)
Alternative conceptions: process theology; Indian karma theodicy (BS 2.1.34), Sāṃkhya, Buddhism, Advaita (māyā)
Critical verdict: formulation depends on concept of God, though suffering remains an existential problem
(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 own comments. (15 marks)
(c) Present an exposition of ontological proof for the existence of God along with its criticism. (10+5=15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) बौद्ध-धर्म का प्रतिपादन एवं मूल्यांकन ईश्वर रहित धर्म के रूप में कीजिये । (20 अंक)
(b) इल्हाम के दावों के सम्बन्ध में किस प्रकार की ज्ञानमीमांसीय प्रामाणिकता सम्भव है ? अपनी टिप्पणियों सहित विवेचना कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) ईश्वर की सत्ता के लिए सत्तामूलक युक्ति का आलोचना सहित निरूपण कीजिए । (10+5=15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: State the position > Argument > Strongest objection > Evaluation. (a) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c(i)) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c(ii)) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Precise reconstruction with technical vocabulary, strongest objections, balanced evaluation, Sanskrit/Greek terms where apt
Rejection of creator God (Brahmajāla critique of Mahābrahmā), eternal soul; devas within saṃsāra; avyākṛta questions
Religion via Four Noble Truths, pratītyasamutpāda, Eightfold Path, sangha, nirvāṇa by self-effort
(a) 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. (10+10=20 marks)
(b) "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. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss the main features of religious experience according to Advaita Vedanta. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) धार्मिक भाषा के संज्ञानात्मक एवं असंज्ञानात्मक विवरण के मध्य भेद को स्पष्ट कीजिये । क्या संज्ञानात्मक दृष्टि किसी व्याघात की ओर ले जाती है ? आर. बी. ब्रेथवेट के दार्शनिक मत के संदर्भ में उत्तर दीजिये । (10+10=20 अंक)
(b) "जगत का सर्वोपरि कारण होने के लिए, ईश्वर की अनिवार्यतः किसी प्रकार की भौतिक अभिव्यंजना होनी चाहिए ।" क्या आप इस मत से सहमत हैं ? अपने उत्तर के पक्ष में तर्क तथा प्रमाण प्रस्तुत कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) अद्वैतवेदान्त के अनुसार धार्मिक अनुभूति की मुख्य विशेषताओं का विवेचन कीजिये । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Philosophy Paper II: Reconstruct > Objection > Evaluation. (a) compare: paired headings or point-wise contrast > key differences > significance > conclusion | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise technical vocabulary, strong counter-arguments, exact Sanskrit/Greek terms where apt.
Braithwaite (1955): verification challenge – religious statements neither empirical nor logically necessary nor metaphysical-but-meaningful; 'meaning is use'
Religious assertions as declarations of intention to follow an agapeistic way of life, associated with 'stories' entertained, not necessarily believed
Contradiction: cognitivist claims to state facts yet refuses empirical falsification; evaluation and critiques of Braithwaite (reductionism, believers' self-understanding)
Clarify ultimate cause (efficient/material) and physical manifestation
Arguments against: Aristotle's unmoved mover, creation ex nihilo, Nyāya God as nimitta-kāraṇa, Advaita Brahman as cause through vivarta without being physical; Plotinus
Arguments that seem to support: Spinoza's extension as divine attribute, Viśiṣṭādvaita world as God's body, avatāra doctrines, process theology
Reasoned verdict distinguishing necessity from possibility of manifestation
Anubhava as realisation of identity of ātman and Brahman; non-dual, self-luminous, not an object
Arises from knowledge (śruti/mahāvākya) removing avidyā; sādhana-catuṣṭaya; śravaṇa-manana-nididhyāsana
Transforms, not produces, reality; jīvanmukti; sākṣī; beyond subject–object; ineffable yet knowledge, not emotion
Critique: Rāmānuja's objections, ineffability, Vivekananda's emphasis on experience vs Śaṅkara's on śruti