(Download) UPSC (MAIN) EXAM:2017 PHILOSOPHY (Paper 1)

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(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM:2017 PHILOSOPHY (Paper 1)

SECTION ‘A’

Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks

Q1.(a) Elaborate Hegel's dictum : "All identity is identity and difference.” 10 marks
(b) Explain Husserl's reasons for advocating phenomenological reductionism. 10 marks
(c) ‘How is the statement, 'I met a man', semantically problematic for Russell ? How does he account for the meaningfulness of this statement ? 10 marks
(d) In what sense can ideas be both immanent and transcendent ? Discuss in this context Plato's theory of universals and particulars.10 marks
(e) Show how Hume's analysis of experience leaves no ground for belief in any permanent reality either physical or mental. 10 marks

Q2.(a) How is ‘all bodies are extended' an analytic judgement but ‘all bodies are heavy a synthetic judgement ? Is 'every event has a cause an analytic or a synthetic judgement ? Explain. 20 marks
(b) What is Wittgenstein's picture theory of meaning ? What are his reasons for giving up this theory and suggesting the use theory of meaning ? 15 marks
(c) Explain Aristotle's theory of form and matter. How does it help him resolve the problem of change and permanence ? 15 marks

Q3.(a) Elaborate Kant's theory of space and time. How does this theory enable him to explain how mathematical propositions can be both synthetic and a priori ? 20 marks
(b) What, according to Descartes, is a 'clear and distinct idea'? What is the epistemological status of clear and distinct ideas ? Does this account help Descartes prove that material objects exist ? Explain.15 marks
(c) What are the two dogmas of empiricism that Quine attacks ? What are his arguments against what he calls the second dogma ? 15 marks

Q4.(a) How does Locke draw a distinction between primary and secondary qualities? Does he also draw a distinction between the idea of primary qualities and primary qualities as well as the idea of secondary qualities and secondary qualities ? Discuss. 20 marks
(b) ‘Does the sentence, 'Whatever is coloured is extended', satisfy the criterion of meaningfulness proposed by the logical positivists ? Explain. 15 marks
(c) Discuss Heidegger's concept of authenticity and explain how an inauthentic Dasein regains the lost self? 15 marks

Philosophy Optional Printed Study Materials for UPSC Mains

SECTION 'B'

Q5. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks

(a) “The soul is nothing but conscious body." What are the reasons for Cārvāka in holding this view? 10 marks
(b) What are the necessary characteristics of padārtha according to Vaiseșika philosophy ? 10 marks
(c) Explain the conditions of valid hetu as propounded in Nyāya philosophy.10 marks
(d) What is meant by “yogaşcittavrttinirodhah” ? Explain cittavrtti and its effects according to Yoga philosophy.10 marks
(e) Elucidate the role of catuṣkoți in explaining the nature of reality according to Mādhyamika school of thought. 10 marks

Q6.(a) Explain the early Nyāya definition of perception. Why this definition is considered inadequate by the later Naiyāyikas ? 20 marks
(b) "The Jaina metaphysics is relativistic and realistic pluralism.” Discuss. 15 marks
(c) What are the arguments of the Buddhists to establish Kșaņikavāda ? Do they necessarily lead to krtanāśa and akstābhyupagama ?, 15 marks

Q7.(a) How do Mādhyamikas, Yogācāravādins and Sarvāstivādins differ among themselves concerning the nature of reality? How do Sarvāstivādins differ among themselves with regard to knowledgeability of reality? 20 marks
(b) How does Sri Aurobindo's integral yoga help in the realization of supramental consciousness ? Discuss. 15 marks
(c) Distinguish between vivartavāda and pariņāmavāda with reference to causation and explain how in the light of these theories Sankara and Ramanuja differ on the status of the world. 15 marks

Q8.(a) Explain the theory of Validity of Knowledge (prāmāṇyavāda) according to Mīmāṁsakas. How did they criticize the Nyāya theory of Validity ? 20 marks
(b) Explain Ramanuja's conception of God and examine the difficulties he faced in explaining the relation of God to matter and spirit. 15 marks
(c) Given its theory of causation, is it possible for Samkhya to explain the presence of consciousness in the world ? Discuss. 15 marks