All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Philosophy 2025 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2025Year
Paper IPaper
Topics covered
Western Philosophy - Plato to Hegel (1)Rationalism, Spinoza, Hume and Kant on causation (1)Analytic Philosophy - Wittgenstein, Logical Positivism, Moore (1)Phenomenology, Quine, and Berkeley (1)Indian Philosophy - Epistemology and Metaphysics (1)Nyaya, Advaita Vedanta, and Mimamsa (1)Samkhya, Yoga, and Jaina Philosophy (1)Vedanta, Sri Aurobindo, and Buddhist Philosophy (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsoryelucidateWestern Philosophy - Plato to Hegel
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) "Ideas are timeless and spaceless." Elucidate this statement with reference to Plato. 10
(b) "In the empirical world, everything is a compound of Matter and Form." Evaluate this statement with reference to Aristotle. 10
(c) Explain the difference between being-for-itself and being-in-itself as presented by Sartre. 10
(d) "The golden mountain is very high." Discuss this statement in the context of Russell's theory of descriptions. 10
(e) How does Hegel challenge Kant's distinction between Phenomena and Noumena ? Discuss 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) "प्रत्यय कालातीत तथा देशातीत है।" प्लेटो के संदर्भ में इस कथन पर प्रकाश डालिए। 10
(b) "आनुभविक संसार में प्रत्येक वस्तु द्रव्य तथा आकार का संयुक्त रूप होती है।" अरस्तु के संदर्भ में इस कथन का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। 10
(c) सार्त्र द्वारा प्रस्तुत स्व-हेतु-अस्तित्व (बीइंग-फॉर-इटसेल्फ) तथा स्व-स्थित-अस्तित्व (बीइंग-इन-इटसेल्फ) के बीच अंतर की व्याख्या कीजिए। 10
(d) "सोने से निर्मित पर्वत बहुत ऊँचा है।" इस वाक्य की रसेल के वर्णन के सिद्धांत (थियोरी ऑफ डिस्क्रिप्शन्स) के संदर्भ में विवेचना कीजिए। 10
(e) कांट द्वारा प्रदत्त घटना-संबुति (फेनोमेना) तथा परमार्थसत् (नोमेना) के बीच विभेद को हेगेल किस प्रकार चुनौती देते हैं ? विवेचना कीजिए। 10
Answer approach & key points
Framework: State the position > Argument > Strongest objection > Evaluation. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (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 technical vocabulary, clear argument structure, strong counter-arguments, exact Greek/Sanskrit terms.
Idea/eidos defined as eternal, unchanging, intelligible (Realm of Being)
Contrast with sensible particulars in space-time (Realm of Becoming)
Timeless aspect: eternal, not generated/destroyed; grasped by recollection/dialectic
Spaceless aspect: non-spatial realm; methexis; Form of Good as highest
Matter (hyle) as substratum/potentiality; prime matter as pure potentiality
Form (morphe/eidos) as actuality/principle of identity and intelligibility
50MdiscussRationalism, Spinoza, Hume and Kant on causation
(a) What are the basic tenets of Rationalism ? How does Descartes build a system of Philosophy in consonance with them ? Discuss. 20
(b) "All determination is negation." Comment with reference to Spinoza. 15
(c) Examine Hume's refutation of Causal relation and Kant's response to it. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) बुद्धिवाद की मूल मान्यताएँ क्या हैं ? देकार्त किस प्रकार उनके अनुरूप में एक दर्शन तंत्र का निर्माण करते हैं ? विवेचना कीजिए। 20
(b) "सभी परिच्छेदन/गुण निषेधात्मक है।" स्पिनोजा के संदर्भ में टिप्पणी कीजिए। 15
(c) कारणता संबंध का ह्यूम द्वारा खंडन तथा उस पर कांट के प्रत्युत्तर का परीक्षण कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Philosophy Paper 1. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Precise technical vocabulary, clear reconstruction of arguments, strong counter-arguments, and balanced evaluation.
50MexplainAnalytic Philosophy - Wittgenstein, Logical Positivism, Moore
(a) "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
(b) 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". 15
(c) "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. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "हमें एक ऐसी आदर्श भाषा जो अपना अर्थ तथ्यों से प्राप्त करती हो तथा जिसका सुनिश्चित तार्किक आकार हो, की ओर नहीं देखना चाहिए बल्कि हमें अनुभववादी परिपेक्ष्य से उन तरीकों को देखना चाहिए जिनसे भाषा वास्तविक रूप से प्रयोग में लाई जाती है।" इस कथन के संदर्भ में विटगेंस्टाइन के पूर्ववर्ती विचारों से उनके उत्तरवर्ती विचारों की ओर परागमन की व्याख्या कीजिए। 20
(b) तार्किक भाववादियों द्वारा प्रतिपादित अर्थ के सत्यापन सिद्धांत का विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए । इस संदर्भ में "सत्यापनीय" (वेरिफाइबल) शब्द के "सुदृढ़" तथा "दुर्बल/क्षीण" अर्थ को भी विभेदित कीजिए । 15
(c) "नीला संवेदना की एक वस्तु है तथा हरा दूसरी, तथा चेतना जो दोनों संवेदनाओं में विद्यमान है, उन दोनों से भिन्न है ।" इस कथन के संदर्भ में मूर द्वारा प्रत्ययवाद के खण्डन का विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Philosophy Paper 1. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) account for: state the phenomenon > the causes in order of weight > conclusion Full marks: Precise technical vocabulary, clear distinction between views, strong counter-arguments, and accurate application of the quote.
Early: picture theory and logical atomism; saying vs showing
Later: meaning as use (PI 43), language-games, forms of life
Family resemblances; private language argument
Rejection of ideal language in favour of actual usage (applies the quote)
Verification principle of logical positivism (Vienna Circle, Ayer)
50Mcritically discussPhenomenology, Quine, and Berkeley
(a) How is Husserl's account of "I think" different from that of Descartes ? Critically discuss. 20
(b) "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'. 15
(c) Explain Berkeley's doctrine of nominalism and his refutation of Abstract ideas. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "मैं सोचता हूँ" इस विषय पर हुसर्ल की व्याख्या देकार्त की व्याख्या से किस प्रकार भिन्न है ? समालोचनात्मक विवेचन कीजिए । 20
(b) "चाहे अनुभव की अवस्था किसी भी प्रकार की हो, हमारे परिपूर्ण तंत्र में हम किसी भी वाक्य के सत्य को प्रतिज्ञापित कर सकते हैं, जब तक कि हम अन्यत्र समायोजन/सामंजस्य करने के लिए तैयार हैं ।" इस वाक्य की क्वाइन के 'टू डॉग्मास ऑफ एम्पीरिसिज्म' के प्रकाश में विवेचन कीजिए । 15
(c) बर्कले के नाममात्रवाद के सिद्धांत तथा उनके द्वारा अमूर्त प्रत्ययों के खण्डन की व्याख्या कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Philosophy Paper 1. (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 Full marks: Precise technical vocabulary, clear reconstruction of arguments, strong counter-arguments, and balanced evaluation.
Descartes' cogito as foundation of substance dualism
Husserl's epoché and intentional consciousness (consciousness-of)
Noesis–noema correlational structure; critique of solipsism risk
Intersubjectivity and Lifeworld resolve the Cartesian isolation
The Two Dogmas: analytic-synthetic distinction and reductionism
Web of belief: periphery vs core; statements face experience corporately
Any statement revisable; no statement wholly immune
50M150wCompulsoryexplainIndian Philosophy - Epistemology and Metaphysics
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) Explain the ground on which Cārvāka rejects inference (anumāna) as a valid source of knowledge. 10
(b) Present an exposition of the debate between Naiyāyikas and Buddhists with reference to the notion of Pramāṇa and Pramāṇaphala. 10
(c) Delineate the main points of difference between the theory of intrinsic validation (svataḥ prāmāṇyavāda) and theory of extrinsic validation (prataḥ prāmāṇyavāda) in classical Indian philosophy. 10
(d) Examine Rāmānuja's seven objections against Māyāvāda of Advaita. 10
(e) Present an exposition of Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika's theory of causation. 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए :
(a) उन आधारों की व्याख्या कीजिए जिनके बल पर चार्वाक ज्ञान के वैध स्रोत के रूप में अनुमान का निषेध करता है । 10
(b) नैयायिकों एवं बौद्धों के मध्य प्रमाण एवं प्रमाणफल सम्बन्धी संवाद का विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए । 10
(c) शास्त्रीय भारतीय दर्शन में स्वतः प्रामाण्यवाद तथा परतः प्रामाण्यवाद के सिद्धांतों के मध्य विभेद के प्रमुख बिन्दुओं को रेखांकित कीजिए । 10
(d) अद्वैत के मायावाद के विरुद्ध रामानुज की ससानुपपत्तियों की परीक्षा कीजिए । 10
(e) न्याय-वैशेषिकों के कारणता के सिद्धान्त की व्याख्या प्रस्तुत कीजिए । 10
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Philosophy Paper 1. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (d) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise technical vocabulary, clear argument reconstruction, strongest counter-arguments, and exact Sanskrit terms.
Carvaka accepts only pratyaksa; inference rejected as a valid pramana
Vyāpti cannot be known by perception (no universal, past/future cases), inference (anavasthā), or testimony/comparison
Upādhi (e.g., wet fuel for smoke) can never be ruled out; inference yields only probability
Sources and nuance: Sarvadarśanasaṃgraha, Jayarāśi; Purandara accepts inference about the perceivable
Nyaya: pramana (instrument) and pramanaphala (resultant valid cognition) are distinct
Nyāya phala: pramā and further hāna-upādāna-upekṣā-buddhi; instrument and result causally distinct
Dignāga/Dharmakīrti: pramāṇa and phala one cognition; sārūpya as pramāṇa, svasaṃvitti/object-awareness as phala
Relation vyavasthāpya–vyavasthāpaka, not cause–effect; Nyāya's anuvyavasāya reply; realism vs momentariness
(a) Present a detailed account of Gautama's definition of Perception. 20
(b) How is Brahman conceptualised in Advaita philosophy as both Nimitta and Upādāna Kāraṇa of the World ? Discuss with suitable examples. 15
(c) Discuss the debate between the Bhatta and the Prabhākara mīmāṃsakas with reference to the nature of Non-existence (Abhāva) and its knowledge. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) गौतम की प्रत्यक्ष की परिभाषा का विस्तृत विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए । 20
(b) अद्वैत दर्शन में किस प्रकार जगत के निमित्तोपादान कारण के रूप में ब्रह्म की अवधारणा की गयी है, उपयुक्त उदाहरण के साथ विवेचन कीजिए । 15
(c) 'अभाव' के स्वरूप एवं इसके ज्ञान के संदर्भ में भट्ट एवं प्रभाकर मीमांसकों के बीच संवाद का विवेचन कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: State the position > Argument > Strongest objection > Evaluation. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise Sanskrit terms, clear argument reconstruction, strong counter-arguments.
50Mcritically examineSamkhya, Yoga, and Jaina Philosophy
(a) Why does Śaṃkara consider Sāṃkhya Philosophy as his chief opponent (pradhāna malla) ? Examine his arguments against Sāṃkhya Philosophy. 20
(b) Explain the nature of God and its role in Kaivalya in yoga philosophy. 15
(c) Is Jaina philosophy pluralistic and realistic ? Critically discuss. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) शंकर सांख्य दर्शन को अपना प्रधान मल्ल क्यों मानते हैं ? सांख्य दर्शन के विरुद्ध उनके तर्कों का परीक्षण कीजिए । 20
(b) योग दर्शन में ईश्वर के स्वरूप एवं कैवल्य में इसकी भूमिका की व्याख्या कीजिए । 15
(c) क्या जैन दर्शन बहुतत्ववादी एवं यथार्थवादी है ? आलोचनात्मक विवेचना कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Philosophy Paper 1. (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise Sanskrit terminology, clear reconstruction of arguments, and strong critical evaluation.
'Pradhāna malla' context (BSB I.4.28): Sāṃkhya's claim to Upaniṣadic support (BS I.1.5), smṛti respect, structural proximity and shared soteriology
Brahmasutra-bhasya II.2.1–10 critique of parinamavada (not satkaryavada as such)
Arguments: independent prakrti makes Brahman unnecessary; insentient cannot be efficient/teleological cause
Purus a-prakrti interaction unintelligible; one prakrti/many purusas needs intelligent controller; jiva-brahma-aikya vs dualism
Isvara as viseṣa-purus a free from klesa-karma-vipaka-asaya (YS I.24)
Distinguished from ordinary purus as and from prakrti
Isvara-pranidhana as upaya (YS I.23–29); devotion aids samadhi
Kaivalya = isolation of purusa in its own nature; Isvara is support/exemplar, not the giver of liberation
50MdiscussVedanta, Sri Aurobindo, and Buddhist Philosophy
(a) Discuss the idea of Bimba-pratibimbavāda as presented in Vedanta philosophy along with its soteriological significance. 20
(b) '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. 15
(c) Is Buddhist notion of Nirvāṇa in consonance with their conception of Kṣaṇikavāda (momentariness) and Nairātmyavāda (no-soul theory) ? Critically discuss. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) वेदान्त दर्शन में प्रस्तुत बिम्ब-प्रतिबिम्बवाद की अवधारणा की उसके मोक्षशास्त्रीय महत्व सहित विवेचना कीजिए । 20
(b) 'संन्यासी एवं जड़वादी दोनों परस्पर निषेध में एकांगी हैं ।' इस कथन के आलोक में श्री अरविन्द के समग्र दर्शन की व्याख्या कीजिए । 15
(c) क्या बौद्धों की निर्वाण की अवधारणा उनके क्षणिकवाद एवं नैरात्म्यवाद की अवधारणा के साथ संगत है ? समालोचनात्मक विवेचना कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
(a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, precise, and critical analysis with strong use of technical vocabulary and clear examples.
Bimba-pratibimbavada defined (Vivarana school; Pratyabhijña)
Jiva as real reflection of Brahman on upadhi/antahkarana
Soteriology: sublation of upadhis reveals identity; pratyabhijña as recognition
Distinguished from avacchedavada (Bhamati) and abhasavada
Aurobindo: 'Denial of the Materialist' and 'Refusal of the Ascetic' as partial truths
Integral Advaita/Purnadvaita: Matter as involved Spirit; evolution as self-unveiling of Sachchidananda
Supermind (Vijñana) link; 'All life is Yoga'
Triple Transformation: psychic, spiritual, supramental; Divine Life on earth