(Paper) IAS Mains Previous Year Paper Philosophy (2001)

Paper: IAS Mains Previous Year Paper Philosophy (2001)

Paper-I- Philosophy-2001 (Mains)

SECTION A

1. Write short notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
(a) Kant’s conception of space and time
(b) Russell’s theory of logical construction
(c) Hume’s analysis of personal identity
(d) Descartes’ method of philosophy

2. Evaluate the logical positivists’ arguments for the elimination of metaphysics.

3. Bring out the philosophical significance of Husserl’s method of backetiting.

4. Examine Quince’s critique of the linguistic theory of a priori propositions.

SECTION B

5. Write short notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each
(a) The Carvaka theory of consciousn1ess
(b) Relation between anekantavada and saptabhangi - naya
(c) Nagarjuna’s defence of sunya - vada
(d) Kumarila Bhatta’s explanation of perceptual error

6. Evaluate the Samkhya justification for their theory of urusa.

7. Evaluate the Nyaya-Vaisesika theory of the nature of Vyapti 

8. Evaluate Sankara’s analysis of moksa in the light of Ramanuja’s arguments.

Paper-II- Philosophy-2001 (Mains)

SECTION A

1. Write critical notes on any three of the following in not more than 200 words each: 
(a) The idea of democracy is paradoxical
(b) The cause of gender inequality is entirely biological.
(c) ‘Politics bereft of ‘religion re absolute dirt, ever to be shunned.” — Mahatma Gandhi
(d) The deterrent theory of punishment has no justification.

2. Consider the following argument:
Justice means getting what one deserves. A person who contributes more to society deserves more than a person who contributes less to society. The only fair way to determine how much a person has contributed to society is to let people as a whole decide through free market. Therefore, free market is the only way to attain justice. Would you agree with the above point of view? Defend your answer. 

3. Some thinkers distinguish between two mutually irreducible senses of freedom, namely, “negative” freedom and ‘positive” freedom. Explain and critically consider the distinction. 

4. Explain the fundamental tenets of liberal democracy. Consider in this context the extent to which justice, which is one of the basic ideals of liberal democracy, can be realized.

SECTION B

5. Write critical notes on any three of the following in not more than 200 words each: 
(a) The possibility of ontological argument for the existence of supremely powerful devil.
(b) “If God does not exist, everything is permissible.” — Dostoevsky.
(c) To be religious means to belong to some religious order.
(d) Miracles (religious) are impossible.

6. State and evaluate the teleological argument for the existence of God. What does it indicate about the origin of the Universe? Is the hypothesis of the Designer plausible? Or, can the orderliness of the Universe be accounted in terms of the process of chance and necessity? Discuss.

7. What do you understand by religion? Do you think that the belief in the existence of God is an essential feature of religion? Discuss.

8. There are two incompatible views regarding the relationship between religion and morality. According to one view morality requires some divine transcendental source in order that it is binding and objective. The second view argues in favour of purely secular morality, based entirely on human reason. Which one of these two views is correct in your opinion and why? Discuss.