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PHILOSOPHY
Syllabus
PAPER - I
History and Problems of Philosophy:
1.
Plato and Aristotle: Ideas; Substance; Form and Matter; Causation;
Actuality and Potentiality.
2.
Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz): Cartesian Method and
Certain Knowledge; Substance; God; Mind-Body Dualism;
Determinism and Freedom.
3.
Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume): Theory of Knowledge;
Substance and Qualities; Self and God; Scepticism.
4.
Kant: Possibility of Synthetic a priori Judgments; Space and Time;
Categories; Ideas of Reason; Antinomies; Critique of Proofs for the
Existence of God Hegel: Dialectical Method; Absolute Idealism
5.
Moore, Russell and Early Wittgenstein: Defence of Commonsense;
Refutation of Idealism; Logical Atomism; Logical Constructions;
Incomplete Symbols; Picture Theory of Meaning; Saying and
Showing.
6.
Logical Positivism: Verification Theory of Meaning; Rejection of
Metaphysics; Linguistic Theory of Necessary Propositions.
7.
Later Wittgenstein: Meaning and Use; Language-games; Critique of
Private Language.
8.
Phenomenology (Husserl): Method; Theory of Essences; Avoidance of
Psychologism.
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9.
Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger): Existence and
Essence; Choice, Responsibility and Authentic Existence; Being-in-the
–world and Temporality.
10.
Quine and Strawson: Critique of Empiricism; Theory of Basic
Particulars and Persons.
11.
Cārvāka : Theory of Knowledge; Rejection of Transcendent Entities.
12.
Jainism: Theory of Reality; Saptabhaňginaya; Bondage and
Liberation.
13.
Schools of Buddhism
Nairātmyavāda
14.
Nyāya- Vaiśesika: Theory of Categories; Theory of Appearance;
Theory of Pramāna; Self, Liberation; God; Proofs for the Existence of
God; Theory of Causation; Atomistic Theory of Creation.
15.
Sāmkhya: Prakrti; Purusa; Causation; Liberation
16.
Yoga: Citta; Cittavrtti; Klesas; Samadhi; Kaivalya.
17.
Mimāmsā: Theory of Knowledge
18.
Schools of Vedānta: Brahman; Īśvara; Ātman; Jiva; Jagat; Māyā;
Avidyā; Adhyāsa; Moksa; Aprthaksiddhi; Pancavidhabheda
19.
Aurobindo: Evolution, Involution; Integral Yoga.
;
Pratītyasamutpāda;
Ksanikavada,
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PAPER – II
Socio-Political Philosophy
1.
Social and Political Ideals: Equality, Justice, Liberty.
2.
Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya.
3.
Individual and State: Rights; Duties and Accountability
4.
Forms of Government: Monarchy; Theocracy and Democracy.
5.
Political Ideologies: Anarchism; Marxism and Socialism
6.
Humanism; Secularism; Multiculturalism.
7.
Crime and Punishment: Corruption, Mass Violence, Genocide,
Capital Punishment.
8.
Development and Social Progress.
9.
Gender Discrimination: Female Foeticide, Land and Property
Rights; Empowernment.
10.
Caste Discrimination: Gandhi and Ambedkar
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Philosophy of Religion:
1.
Notions of God: Attributes; Relation to Man and the World.
(Indian and Western).
2.
Proofs for the Existence of God and their Critique (Indian and
Western).
3.
Problem of Evil.
4.
Soul: Immortality; Rebirth and Liberation.
5.
Reason, Revelation and Faith.
6.
Religious Experience: Nature and Object (Indian and Western).
7.
Religion without God.
8.
Religion and Morality.
9.
Religious Pluralism and the Problem of Absolute Truth.
10.
Nature of Religious Language: Analogical and Symbolic;
11.
Cognitivist and Non- cognitive.
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WESTERN PHILOSOPHY
1. Plato and Aristotle: Ideas; Substance; Form and Matter; Causation;
Actuality and Potentiality
1. Explain Plato’s ontological theory of Forms. Is knowledge one of the
Forms ? Explain. (2013: 12 ½)
2. Discuss how by refuting different concepts of Substances Aristotle
establishes his own theory of a Substance ? (2013/10)
3. Discuss Aristotle’s metaphysical theory as a polemic against Plato’s
theory of ideas.(2012/15)
4. How does Plato relate the world of ideas to the empirical world?
Discuss. (2011/15)
5. How does Aristotle’s notion of causation defer from the modern
notion of causation. (2010/15)
6. Comment on - Plato’s analogy of the cave and its significance in his
theory of knowledge. (2009/20)
7. Aristotle’s teleological conception of causation. Short Notes
(2008/20)
8. Plato’s recollection theory of knowledge. Short Notes. (2007/20)
9. Discuss the ‘theory of matter’ according to Aristotle. Short Notes.
(2006/20)
10. Distinction between opinion and knowledge. Short Notes.
(2005/20)
11. State and discuss Plato’s theory of forms. (2004/60)
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12. ‘A universal exists only in the particular’. Discuss in this connection
Aristotle’s notion of universal and the idea of substance that
follows it. (2003/60)
13. ‘While Plato’s metaphysics is a visionary one, Aristotle’s
metaphysics is a descriptive one.’ Explain fully giving the essential
differences between the views of the two thinkers regarding the
nature of reality. (2002/60)
2. Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz): Cartesian Method and
Certain Knowledge; Substance; God; Mind-Body Dualism; Determinism
and Freedom.
1. Write a short critical essay on spinoza’s conception of freedom of
an individual.(2013/12 ½)
2. Explain Descarte’s method of doubt. Can this method be used to
justify his belief in the existence of God ? Argue your case.(2013/12
½)
3. Give a critical account of Leibnitz’s principle of the identity of
indiscernibles . (2013/12 ½)
4. Does Monadology sufficiently exlain the nature of Substance ? Are
monads independent of each other ? Expain.(2012/15)
5. Does Leibnitz succeed in combining the mechanical with the
teleological view of the world? Explain his theory of Pre-Established
Harmony.(2012/15)
6. If ‘ Every determination is negation ‘ then how can Substance have
attributes ? Explain. (2012/15)
7. How does Descartes’ ‘cogito ergo sum’ affect Hume and Kant’s
transcendental philosophy? Explain (2012/12)
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8. Is the concept of freedom consistent with the theory of
determinism of Spinoza? Support your answer with arguments.
(2011/30)
9. Why does Descartes not doubt the existence of God? Explain.
(2011/15)
10. Why does Spinoza think that God alone is absolutely real? Explain.
(2010/20)
11. Interactionism in the philosophical context. Short notes (2009/20)
12. Compare the views of Leibnitz and Hume on the concept of
substance. (2009/30)
13. Compare the views of Spinoza and Sartre on Freedom. (2009/30)
14. Explain Leibnitz’s notion of monad. Can monad be regarded as a
basic particular in the Strawsonian sense? (2008/60)
15. Discuss Descarte’s Dualism. (2006/60)
16. Explain Spinoza’s theory of Substance. (2006/60)
17. Mind and Body as two interacting substances. Short notes.
(2005/20)
18. Spinoza’s conception of the Ultimate Substance. Short Notes.
(2005/20)
19. ‘I think, therefore I am.’ Short Notes. (2004/20)
20. State and critically examine Spinoza’s doctrine of the identity of the
Substance, God and nature. (2002/60)
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3. Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume): Theory of Knowledge; Substance
and Qualities; Self and God; Scepticism
1. Give a critical account of Hume’s theory of self. (2013/12 ½)
2. Critically examine John Locke’s categorization of primary and
secondary qualities and explain the problem it posed for later
empiricist.(2012/15)
3. If ‘to be is to be perceived’ then how does Berkeley explain the
permanence of things ? (2012/15)
4. Was Hume skeptic ? If not then what is his contribution to
philosophy ? (2012/15)
5. John Locke said that ‘ No man’s knowledge can go beyond his
experience’. Discuss critically the implications of this
statement.(2012/12)
6. What, according to Empiricists is the concept of Substance? Discuss.
(2011/20)
7. What metaphysical implications can be derived from Berkeley’s
statement “Esse Est Percipi”. (2010/30)
8. Does Hume deny the possibility of knowledge? Discuss. (2010/15)
9.
“To be is to be perceived”. Discuss. (2009/20)
10. Compare the view of Leibnitz and Hume on the concept of
substance. (2009/30)
11. Hume and Kant on metaphysics. Short notes. (2008/20)
12. State and discuss Locke’s views on Substance. (2007/60)
13. Explain the theory of knowledge according to Locke. Short Notes.
(2006/20)
14. Discuss Hume’s Scepticism. (2006/60)
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15. Hume’s views on Induction. Short Notes. (2004/20)
16. To be is to be perceived. Short Notes. (2003/20)
17. Hume’s Phenomenalism. Short Notes. (2002/20)
4. Kant: Possibility of Synthetic a priori Judgments; Space and Time;
Categories; Ideas of Reason; Antinomies; Critique of Proofs for the
Existence of God
1. Explain Kant’s view of causality. How far is Kant able to answer
Hume’s objection that causal relation lacks logical necessity.(2013 :
12 ½)
2. What is Antinomy ? Describe the major antinomies discussed by
Kant. (2013/10)
3. Why Kant’s philosophy known as Copernicus revolution in
metaphysics? What was revolutionary about Kantian philosophy?
Give reasons for it.(2012/15)
4. “Hume aroused me from my dogmatic slumber”. In what context
Kant has made this statement? Explain. (2011/20)
5. What is the basic difference between Leibniz and Kant on the
concept of space and time? (2010/30)
6. Why does Kant say that existence is not a predicate? (2010/15)
7. Comment on Kant’s objections against the ontological argument for
the existence of God. (2009/20)
8. Hume and Kant on Metaphysics. Short Notes. (2008/20)
9. Nature of synthetic a-priory judgment according to Kant. Short
Notes. (2007/20)
10. Explain Kant’s criticism of the proofs for the existence of God. Short
Notes. (2006/20)
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11. How does Kant respond to Hume’s scepticism? (2005/60)
12. The significance of Kant’s distinction between phenomena and
noumena. Notes. (2004/20)
13. How is synthetic apriori judgment possible? Short Notes. (2003/20)
14. ‘Kant’s “Critical Philosophy” is a reconciliation between Rationalism
and Empiricism.’ Elucidate the remark fully and bring out the
consequence of such a reconciliation for the possibility of
traditional metaphysics. (2002/60)
5. Hegel: Dialectical Method; Absolute Idealism
1. Comment : ‘ Movement is contradiction itself ’ Examine in this
context Hegel’s dialectical method . (2013/12 ½)
2. Explain Hegelian dialectical method and show how it is useful in
explaining the historical development process ? (2012/15)
3. “The rational is real and the real is rational”. Short notes (2009/20)
4. Hegal’s Dialectical method. Short Notes. (2007/20)
5. Critically discuss the Hegal’s Dialectical method. Short Notes.
(2006/20)
6. Hegal’s Dialectical Method. Short notes. (2002/20)
6. Moore, Russell and Early Wittgenstein: Defence of Commonsense;
Refutation of Idealism; Logical Atomism; Logical Constructions;
Incomplete Symbols; Picture Theory of Meaning; Saying and Showing.
1. Distinguish between atomic and general proposition. Show how
they are justified true . (2013 / 12 ½)
2. Comment : ‘ Moore’s defence of common sense essentially is
defence of common language ’ (2013/12 ½)
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3. Explain the theory of definite descriptions according to
Russell.(2012/15)
4. Are the arguments given by G.E. Moore against Idealism adequate?
Give reasons for your answer. (2011/30)
5. What is Russell’s idea of ‘Incomplete symbols’ in his theory of
description? Discuss. (2011/15)
6. What does Moore want to establish when he asserts that
propositions like “Earth exists or we have consciousness” are
truism? Discuss. (2010/20)
7. Explain the theory of logical construction. Does it provide a
satisfactory account of knowledge?(2008/60)
8. State and discuss Russell’s analysis of Definite Descriptions.
(2007/60)
9. Critically discuss Moore’s Refutation of Idealism. (2004/60)
10. Distinction between ‘saying’ and ‘showing’. Short Notes. (2004/20)
11. What is Russel’s Logical atomism? Bring out in this connection the
conception ormetaphysics involved in it. (2003/60)
12. Moore’s Defense of Common-Sense. Short Notes. (2002/20)
7. Logical Positivism: Verification Theory of Meaning; Rejection of
Metaphysics; Linguistic Theory of Necessary Propositions
1. Distinguish necessary from empirical proposition. How is necessary
proposition is justified? Explain (2013/10)
2. ‘Logical Positivism broadly claims that metaphysics and theology
are meaningless because they are neither matters of logic nor
verifiable empirically.’ Critically examine. (2012/12)
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3. Discuss the limitations of verification theory. (2011/20)
4. Are necessary propositions linguistic by nature? Discuss in the light
of logical positivism. (2010/20)
5. Examine how Ayer eliminates metaphysics. (2009/30)
6. Elimination of metaphysics at the hands Logical Positivists. Short
Notes. (2007/20)
7. State and discuss the logical positivist’s attempts to eliminate
metaphysics. (2005/60)
8. Later Wittgenstein: Meaning and Use; Language-games; Critique of
Private Language.
1. Explain Wittgenstein’s arguments against the possibility of private
language.(2013/10)
2. According to Wittgenstein ‘Philosophy is a battle against
bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language’. Explain the
function of philosophy in the above context.(2012/12)
3. “Meaning of the word lies in its use”. Explain in detail. (2011/30)
4. Are tautologies meaning according to Wittgenstein? (2010/15)
5. Wittgenstein’s notion of language-game. (2008/20)
9. Phenomenology (Husserl): Method; Theory of Essences; Avoidance of
Psychologism.
1. What, according to Husserl is Intentionality? Discuss its role in
arriving at the meaning of object. (2011/30)
2. What is the notion of transcendental ego according to Husserl?
How is it differentfrom Sarte’s notion of the ego? (2008/60)
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3. What is ‘epoche’? Bring out its significance for Husserl’s conception
of rigorous science. (2005/60)
4. Discuss Husserl’s conception of philosophy as rigorous science.
(2003/60)
10.
Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger): Existence and
Essence; Choice, Responsibility and Authentic Existence; Being-in-theworld and Temporality.
1. Examine Sartre’s distinction between Being-for-itself and Being-initself. (2013/12 ½)
2. Analyse Kierkegard’s concept of choice. Can there be , in his view ,
correct or incorrect choice ? Discuss. (2013/12 ½)
3. Elucidate Existentialism and indicate its strong and weak points in
your own words.(2012/15)
4. Soren Kierkegaard clarified that “ The function of prayers is not to
influence God but rather to change the nature of one who prays.”
Comment on this statement. (2012/12)
5. “I am responsible for myself and for everyone else.” Discuss this
statement in the light of Sartre’s existentialism. (2011/15)
6. How is the empirical ego and Heidegger different from the
transcendent ego in Husserl? (2010/30)
7. Compare the views of Spinoza and Sartre on Freedom. (2009/30)
8. “Existence precedes essence”. Comment. (2009/20)
9. Heidegger’s contention that essence of “Dasein is its existence”
.Short notes. (2008/20)
10. Discuss Sartre’s conception of freedom. (2004/60)
11. Existence precedes essence. Short Notes. (2003/20)
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11. Quine and Strawson: Critique of Empiricism; Theory of Basic
Particulars and Persons.
1. Explain and evaluate Strawson’s arguments for his conception of
the nature of Person. (2013/10)
2. Explain critically Quine’s rejection of the analytic synthetic
distinction and his subsequent philosophical arguments.(2012/15)
3. Is Strawson’s concept of person a refutation of Hume’s concept of
self? Discuss. (2010/30)
4. What are Quine’s objections with regards to the verification theory
of meaning? (2009/30)
5. State and discuss Strawson’s theory of Person. (2007/60)
6. Quine’s criticism of analytic-synthetic distinction. Short Notes.
(2005/20)
7. Strawson’s notion of person as primitive. Notes. (2003/20)
8. Quine’s attack on Analytic-Synthetic Distinction. Short Notes.
(2002/20)
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INDIAN PHILOSOPHY
12. Cārvāka: Theory of Knowledge; Rejection of Transcendent Entities.
1. Why do Carvaka do not believe in the validity of inference ? What
logic do they give for their belief ? (2012/15)
2. On what basis does Carvaka reject the cause-effect relationship ?
(2012/15)
3. Why do Carvakas reject the concept of Akasa. Discuss. (2011/30)
4. Just as the skepticism of Hume helped Kant to come out of his
dogmatic slumber, so also the Carvaka philosophy saved Indian
philosophy from dogmatism. Discuss. (2010/20)
5. Carvaka’s views on the nature of soul. Short Notes. (2007/20)
6. Discuss the theory of knowledge, according to Charvaka Philosophy.
Notes. (2006/60)
7. Dehatmavada of Carvakas. Short Notes. (2004/20)
8. Charvak’s refutation of anumana is itself a process of anumana.
Discuss. (2003/60)
9. State and evaluate critically Carvaka’s view that perception is the
only valid source ofknowledge. (2002/20)
10. The Charvak theory of consciousness. Short Notes. (2001)
13. Jainism: Theory of Reality; Saptabhanginaya; Bondage and Liberation.
1. Analse the relation between the theory of Saptabhanginaya and
Anekantvada. ( 2013/10)
2. Critically evaluate Jaina doctrine of relative pluralism or
Anekantvada ? (2012/15)
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3. Why is Saptabhangi Naya not treated as a doctrine of Scepticism?
Discuss. (2011/20)
4. What according to Jainism is Path to Liberation? Discuss. (2011/15)
5. Is syadvada a self-contradictory doctrine? Discuss. (2010/30)
6. Anekantavada. Short Notes. (2009/20)
7. Nature of Pudgala in Jaina philosophy. Short Notes. (2007/20)
8. Explain the theory of Substance according to Jainism. Short Notes.
(2006/20)
9. Jaina Definition of Dravya. Short Notes. (2005/20)
10. State and discuss the Jaina Doctrine of jiva. (2004/60)
11. Expound anekantvada of Jainism. It is a consistent theory of reality?
Give reasons. (2003/60)
12. Relation between anekantvada and saptabhanginaya. Notes. (2001)
14.
Schools
Nairātmyavāda
of
Buddhism;
Pratītyasamutpāda;
Ksanikavada,
1. Explain the Buddhist notion of ‘Impermanence’ and show how the
idea of Impermanence leads to theory of momentariness of
reality.(2013/10)
2. Comment : ‘ Accepting Shunyavada makes one indifferent to the
pursuit of dharma’. Examine in this context , Nagarjuna’s arguments
for Shunyavada.(2013/12 ½)
3. Do you agree with the view that in early Buddhism more
importance was given to Four Noble Truths than to systematic
metaphysics ? Give reasons for your agreement or disagreement ?
(2012/15)
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4. Examine critically the statement that the doctrine of
‘paticcasamuppada was given only to explain the problem of sorrow
and not to solve the problems of metaphysics .’ (2012/15)
5. Explain the theory of illusion accepted by Buddhist . Is it consistent
with their philosophy ? Give reasons for your answer . (2012/15)
6. Write a note on Nagarjuna’s contribution Madhyamica School of
Buddhism. (2012/15)
7. Is the concept of Nirvana a logical necessity for the Buddhists? Give
reasons for your answer. (2011/30)
8. What is the importance of the Buddhist concept of ‘Nama-Rupa’ in
the exposition of the Doctrine of Dependent Origination? (2011/20)
9. Is Sunyavada a philosophical doctrine? Evaluate. (2011/15)
10. How does the Buddhist accept the possibility of rebirth in the
absence of an eternal soul? Discuss. (2010/20)
11. Bring out the metaphysical implication of the second noble truth of
the Buddhism. (2010/30)
12. An examination of Buddhist Nairatmyavada. Short notes. (2008/20)
13. “The Madhyamika philosophy tries to adopt the mean between
extreme affirmation and extremenegation.” Comment. (2008/60)
14. Four Arya Satya (Noble Truths) according to Buddhism. Short Notes.
(2007/20)
15. Discuss Pratityasamutpada in Buddhism. Short Notes. (2006/20)
16. State and discuss the Buddhist notion of Sunyata. (2005/60)
17. Nature and kinds of Nirvana. Short Notes. (2004/20)
18. State and discuss the Buddhist notion of momentariness. (2004/60)
19. Ksanikavada of Buddhism. Short Notes. (2003/20)
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20. Buddhistic doctrine of Pratitya-samutpada. Short Notes. (2002/20)
21. Nagarjuna’s defense of Sunya-vada. Notes. (2001)
15. Nyāya-Vaiśesika: Theory of Categories; Theory of Appearance; Theory
of Pramāna; Self, Liberation; God; Proofs for the Existence of God; Theory
of Causation; Atomistic Theory of Creation.
1. What is Samavaya ? What are the grounds for accepting samavaya
as distinct padartha ? (2013/10)
2. Analyse the Nyaya concept of vyapti and examine its relation with
tark .(2013/12 ½)
3. Examine Nyaya-Vaisesika’s arguments for the existence of
jivatma(soul).(2013/12 ½)
4. Do you find any inadequacy in the proofs for the existence of God
as given by Naiyayikas? Give reasons in support of your answer.
(2011/15)
5. Why do the Vaisesikas treat Abhava as an independent category?
Explain. (2011/15)
6. Explain the reason for introducing the notion of extraordinary
perception in nyaya-epistemology. (2010/30)
7. Can qualities exist without substance? Substantiate your views in
the light of Nyaya-Buddhism controversy? (2010/20)
8. Hetvabhasa according to Nyaya. (Short Notes ) (2009/20)
9. Compare the viewpoints of Nyaya , Vaisesika , Mimansha and
Buddhism on the issue of knowledge of abhava. (2009/60)
10. Samanya in Vaisesika. Short notes. (2008/20)
11. Discuss critically Nyaya notion of Vyapti. (2008/60)
12. Explain fully Nyaya’s Asatkaryavada. (2007/60)
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13. Explain Nyaya theory of Pramanas. (2006/60)
14. Nature and kinds of Pratyaksha according to Nyaya. Short Notes.
(2005/20)
15. State and discuss the nature and kinds of Dravyas according to
Vaisesikas. (2005/60)
16. Nature and kind of anumanas according to Nyaya. Short Notes.
(2004/20)
17. The Nyaya-vaisesika view of Samanya. Short Notes. (2003/20)
18. Nyaya view of Self. Short Notes. (2002/20)
19. Evaluate the Nyaya-Vaisesika theory of the nature of Vyapti. (2001)
16. Sāmkhya: Prakrti; Purusa; Causation; Liberation
1. Evaluate relation ‘if any’ between prakriti and purusha .(2013/12 ½)
2. Explain the possibility of jivanmukti . Critically compare it with the
Yoga account of kaivelya . (2013/10)
3. How Samkhya theory of causation is different from that of Nyaya
theory of causation ? Explain .( 2012/15 )
4. Examine Sankhya’s arguments for Bahupurusavada (Plurality of
Purusa). (2011/30)
5. Does the effect pre-exist in the cause? Discuss. (2010/15)
6. Compare Aristotle’s view regarding causation with that of the
Samkhya School’s view of Causation. (2009/60)
7. Explain the Samkhya doctrine of three gunas. (2007/60)
8. Critically discuss the Samkhya theory of Causation. (2006/60)
9. Samkhya conception of Purusha. Short notes. (2005/20)
10. The Samkhya doctrine of liberation. Short Notes. (2003/20)
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11. Samkhya theory of Evolution of Prakriti. Short Notes. (2002/20)
12. Evaluate the Samkhya justification for their theory of Purusa. (2001)
17. Yoga: Citta; Cittavrtti; Klesas; Samadhi; Kaivalya.
1. Giva a critical account of the accept of cittavritti in Yoga
philosophy.(2013/12 ½)
2. Critically evaluate the statement that ‘ Yoga sutra emphasis more
on praxis(action) than on theory ( reflection ). (2012/15)
3. Give your critical comments on the assertion that Yoga school
broadly accepts Samkhya ontology . (2012/15)
4. “Yoga is more than a psycho-physical exercise”. Analyse this
statement and support your conclusion with arguments. (2011/30)
5. Compare Patanjali’s Yoga with integral Yoga expounded by
Aurobindo, bringing out clearly points of similarity and dissimilarity.
(2009/60)
18. Mimāmsā: Theory of Knowledge
1. Evaluate Prabhakar Mimamsaka’s arguments for accepting sruti as
pramana. (2013/12 ½)
2. How is the pramanya (validity/truth) of a statement determined ?
Examine in this context the theory of paratah pramanyavada.
(2013/10)
3. Why does Mimamsa give utmost importance to SHABDA-PRAMANA
the verbal testimony ? Is it anything to do with Vedas ? Give your
comments.(2012/15)
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4. Discuss the views of Mimamsa and Nyaya on the theory of
Pramanyavada. Which of them do find adequate ? Give reasons for
your answer . (2012/15)
5. How do Mimamsakas defend Svatah Pramanyavada against the
Naiyayika criticism? Discuss. (2011/20)
6. Anupalabdhi as a pramana. Short Notes. (2008/20)
7. What is Svatahprmanyavada according in Mimansakas? Is their
explanation of errorconsistent with it? Discussfully. (2002/60)
8. Kumarila Bhatta’s explanation of perceptual error. Notes. (2001)
19. Schools of Vedānta: Brahman; Īśvara; Ātman; Jiva; Jagat; Māyā;
Avidyā; Adhyāsa; Moksa; Aprthaksiddhi; Pancavidhabheda
1. Describe the five types of differences (Panchvidbheda). Bring out
their philosophical significance for Madhva’s theory.(2013/12 ½ )
2. How can Isvara (God) be distinguished from Brahman( Absolute) ?
Which of the two concepts are philosophically better ?(2013/12 ½)
3. Distinguish between svarup lakshan and tatastha lakshan of
Brahman after Sankara.(2013/12 ½)
4. Evaluate Ramanuja’s critique of Sankara’s theory of maya.
(2013/12 ½)
5. Do you agree with Ramanuja’s view that the nature of Brahman is
qualified ? Give reasons for your reasons . (2012/15)
6. Write a note on Shankara’s Vivartavada and discuss its implications
. ( 2012/15)
7. Explain why avidya and maya are considered
(indescribable) in advait vada ? (2012/15 )
anirvachniya
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8. Explain the notion of egoor ahankara and its role in the doctrine of
Vedanta.(2012/15)
9. “Both Shamkar and Ramanuja are right in their affirmation, but
wrong in their denial.” Critically evaluate. (2010/30)
10. Is Shamkar’s concept of adhyasa logical or psychological? Discuss.
(2010/15)
11. How is Ramanuja’s concept of dharmabhutajnana different from
Shamkar’s concept of swarupajnana? Explain. (2010/15)
12. Explain Sankara’s view on the status of Jagat and Ramanuja’s
response to it. (2008/60)
13. State and explain the difference between Saguna and Nirguna
Brahman. (2007/60)
14. Examine Shankara’s Mayavada. Short Notes. (2006/20)
15. Discuss the Metaphysics of Acharya Ramanuja. (2006/60)
16. The nature of Brahman, Jiva and Jagat according Madhava. Short
Notes. (2005/20)
17. Elucidate Shankara’s conception of Adhyasa. (2005/60)
18. Why is Ramanuja’s philosophy called Visistadvaita? Discuss fully.
(2004/60)
19. Madhava’s conception of moksha. Notes. (2004/20)
20. Ramanuja criticism of Advaita concept of maya. Short Notes.
(2003/20)
21. Describe Sankara’s explanation of jiva. Is the justification offered
rational? Explain.(2003/60)
22. Ramanuja’s refutation of Mayavada. Short Notes. (2002/20)
23. Evaluate Sankara’s analysis of moksha in the light of Ramanuja’s
arguments. (2001)
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20. Aurobindo: Evolution, Involution; Integral Yoga.
1. Explain Sri Aurobindo’s conception of cosmic salvation through
spiritual salvation of individual. (2013/10)
2. ‘Involution is the precondition of Evolution’ . Explain the role of
involution in the world process .(2012/15)
3. How are evolution and involution related in Sri Aurobindo’s
philosophy? (2010/15)
4. Sri Aurobindo’s conception of evolution and involution. (2008/20)
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SOCIO – POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
1. Social and Political Ideals: Equality, Justice, Liberty
1. Explain evaluate Aristotle’s concept of justice. (2013/15)
2. What is meant by ‘justice’ as fairness ? Explain the basic tenets of
Rawls’ theory of justice . (2013/15)
3. How is Amartya Sen’s approach to justice is different from that of
Rawls ? (2013/20)
4. The Fundamental idea of the conception of justice is fairness.
Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
5. Can issue relating to gender discrimination be me by the conception
of justice as fairness? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
6. Which principle of justice can, in your view, be most helpful in
addressing the issues related to caste discrimination and why? 2011
– 20 marks
7. Discuss the nature of relationship between liberty and equality.
2010 - 15 marks.
8. Comment on the relationship between equality and freedom. 2009
– 30 marks.
9. “Justice is treating equals as equals and unequals as unequals.”
2008 – 20 marks.
10. Free market economy is the only way to attain social justice. 2007 –
20 marks.
11. Negative freedom can perhaps ensure freedom to choose, but
without any credible assurance for its actual fulfillment. 2007 – 20
marks.
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12. According to some liberal political thinkers, social and economic
inequalities can be justified only if they work to the advantage of
the least advantaged members of the society. Is this view consistent
with the liberalism’s cardinal advocacy of individual freedom?
Discuss. 2007 – 60 marks.
13. Critically examine - “Unless the ideal of equality is embedded within
a broader theory of politics and society, it can be given no specific
content.” 2004 – 20 marks.
14. Despite their self-proclaimed commitment to the ideal of individual
of freedom, this ideal is one of the most contentious issues
between socialism and liberalism. Why? Discuss. 2004 – 60 marks.
15. Critically examine – “Freedom from” and “Freedom to” are
mutually exclusive. 2003 – 20 marks.
16. Critically examine – “Freedom as liberation from samsara.” 2003 –
20 marks.
17. Critically examine – “The concept of equality as a political ideal.”
2002 – 20 marks.
18. What is meant by justice? What are the necessary and sufficient
conditions for its availability? Discuss. 2002 – 60 marks.
19. 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
above point of view? Defend your answer. 2001 – 60 marks.
20. Some thinkers distinguish between two mutually irreducible senses
of freedom, namely negative freedom and positive freedom.
Explain
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and critically consider the distinction. 2001 – 60 marks.
2. Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya.
1. Who amongst Austin , Bodin and Laski is the most consistent in his
analysis of the concept of sovereignty ? (2012/12)
2. Compare and contrast Kautilya's Saptanga Theory of the Sovereign
State with Bodin's theory of Sovereignty. 2011 – 15 marks
3. Why did Kautilya think that sovereignty is hierarchical? Explain.
2010 – 15 marks.
4. Does Bodin’s theory of sovereignty float in the air? Critically
examine. 2010 – 20 marks.
5. Compare Bodin’s and Austin’s views on sovereignty. 2009 – 20
marks.
6. Critically examine Kautilya’s saptang theory of sovereign state. 2008
– 20 marks.
7. Explain the notion of sovereignty. Critically consider in this context
the claim that sovereignty is illimitable and logically indivisible.
2006 – 60 marks.
3. Individual and State: Rights; Duties and Accountability
1. What is the significance of including duties of citizens in the Indian
constitution ? (2013/10)
2. Can we dissociate rights of citizens from their duties. (2012/12)
3. Can citizens have rights without duties? Discuss with examples.
2011 – 20 marks
4. Discuss Kant’s distinction between duties of perfect and imperfect
obligation.2011 – 20 marks
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5. Can the conception of ‘rights’ of citizens be sustained in a society
characterized by caste discrimination? Discuss.2011 – 20 marks
6. Does accountability necessarily contribute to moral perfection?
Offer your views. 2010 – 15 marks.
7. Which type of individual according to you can contribute more to
strengthen the state – a liberalist or a socialist? 2010 – 20 marks.
8. “Rights and duties are complementary.” Explain. 2009 – 20 marks.
9. Do rights necessarily imply corresponding obligations? To whom
does one primarily own obligations – individuals or state? Discuss.
2008 – 60 marks.
10. Critically examine – “The conception of a good political order rests
upon an objectively true account of human nature.” 2006 – 20
marks.
11. Critically examine – “State is the actuality of concrete freedom”.
2005 – 20 marks.
4. Forms of Government: Monarchy; Theocracy and Democracy.
1. What is meant by democracy ? What are various forms of
democratic governments ? (2013/15)
2. Is a democratic government able to represent the interest of
minority groups ? (2013/15)
3. Is a democratic government better than a benevolent dictatorship?
Give reasons for your answer . (2013/20)
4. Does the combination of democracy and socialism lead to a more
equitable society ? (2013/10)
5. Democracy , committed to treating everybody equally , is
ineffective as a system of government . (2012/12)
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6. In a Democracy does a citizen ever have the moral right to break a
law? Discuss citizens right to civil disobedience. 2011 – 15 marks
7. Is majority rule meaningfully reflected in present-day democratic
governments? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples?
2010 – 20 marks.
8. Define monarchy. Is it ethically justified? 2009 – 20 marks.
9. Is theocracy an outdated ideology? Discuss. 2009 – 30 marks.
10. Democratic government claims to be promoting the principles of
political philosophy of democracy. 2008 – 20 marks.
11. Critically examine - democracy that gives equal weight to
everyone’s opinion is inefficient in determining the right or wrong
thing to do. 2007 – 20 marks.
12. Critically examine – democracy which treats everybody’s opinion
equally is inefficient in determining the right thing to do. 2006 – 20
marks.
13. Political democracy is hollow unless accompanied with power in the
area of economics. 2005 –20 marks.
14. Critically examine - The concept of democracy is an essentially
contested concept. 2004 - 20 marks.
15. Do you think that democracy is the best form of government? Is
there any scope of “beyond democracy”? In this context, analyze
the notion of meritocracy. 2002 – 60 marks.
16. Critically examine - “The idea of democracy is paradoxical.” 2001 20 marks.
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5. Political Ideologies: Anarchism; Marxism and Socialism
1. Political ideology of Anarchism. (2012/12)
2. What are the basic differences between Marxism and Socialism?
2011 – 20 marks
3. Can it be said that Socialism is a weaker version of Marxism?
Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
4. Is Democratic Socialism a contradiction in terms? Discuss. 2011 – 20
marks
5. Which type of socialism, according to you, is superior – utopian or
democratic? Why? 2010 – 20 marks.
6. Critically examine - ‘Acceptance of the authority of the state is
inconsistent with the highest duty of mankind, “the duty to act
autonomously”’ (Robert Paul Wolff). 2007 – 20 marks.
7. Describe your understanding of socialism. Must it be defined in
normative terms of a set of values and ideals which socialists seek
to realize, or in descriptive terms of the specific economic and
political institutions of socialist society? Can the tension between
the two be adequately resolved? Discuss. 2007 – 60 marks.
8. Critically examine - ‘Acceptance of the authority of the state is
inconsistent with the highest duty of mankind, “the duty to act
autonomously”’ (Robert Paul Wolff). 2006 – 20 marks.
9. Describe your understanding of socialism. Must it be defined in
normative terms of a set of values and ideals which socialists seek
to realize, or in descriptive terms of the specific economic and
political institutions of socialist society? Can the tension between
the two be adequately resolved? Discuss. 2006 – 60 marks.
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6. Humanism; Secularism; Multiculturalism.
1. Does the idea of equal respect to all religion provide a viable and
consistent state policy ? (2013/10)
2. “ Secularism in Indian context is not a rejection of religion but
fellowship of religions.” Discuss. (2012/20)
3. In what ways is humanism different Marxism ? Discuss . (2012/20)
4. What is multiculturalism ? Can it be impediment for development
and progress ? Discuss . (2012/20)
5. The Term 'multi-culturalism' has been used in both a descriptive
and a normative sense. Discuss. 2011 – 15 marks
6. Is secularism analogous to atheism? Examine in Indian context.
2009 – 30 marks.
7. Is multiculturalism a boon or a bane? Discuss. 2008 – 60 marks.
8. Critically examine - “Christian humanism is a contradiction in
terms.” 2006 – 20 marks.
9. What is humanism? What are its different kinds? In what way if any
is M. N. Roy’s radical humanism different from Marxism? Discuss.
2005 – 60 marks.
7. Crime and Punishment: Corruption, Mass Violence, Genocide,
Capital Punishment.
1. Does corruption have not only a moral dimension but also an
economic dimension ? (2013/10)
2. What can be the causes of mass violence ? can mass violence be
justified on moral ground ? Discuass (2012/30)
3. Can capital punishment be justified? Answer with reference to the
theories of punishment. 2011 – 15 marks
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4. If capital punishment is legally awarded, then no ethico-politico
consideration should subvert it. Express your opinion for or against.
2010 – 20 marks.
5. List the various sanctions permitting genocide and clearly bring out
the ethical counter-arguments against it. 2010 – 20 marks.
6. “You are not punished for stealing the sheep, but you are punished
so that no sheep is stolen.” Discuss as to which theory of
punishment this statement belongs. 2009 – 20 marks.
7. Is capital punishment in your view ethically justified? 2009 – 30
marks.
8. “Punishment rules all creatures, punishment preserves them all.”
2008 – 20 marks.
9. Consider why punishment is generally thought to require
justification. In this context, give your critical and comparative
account of the main theories of punishment. 2007 – 60 marks.
10. Describe the tension between consequentialist and retributivist
theory of punishments. Discuss critically in this context the view
that argues that since no existing penal system for crimeprevention has adequate justification, state punishment cannot be
justified; and therefore, it should be completely abolished. 2006 –
60 marks.
11. Discuss the notion of punishment. Consider in this context the
importance and implications of the principle of proportionality of
punishment which requires that severity of punishment be
proportionate to the seriousness of the crime. 2004 – 60 marks.
12. Critically examine - “Retributive and deterrent theories of
punishment are mutually complementary.” 2003 – 20 marks.
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8. Development and Social Progress
1. Is social progress possible without humanism? Examine. 2010 – 15
marks.
2. What do you understand by progress? Have human beings made
progress in all fields of their activity? Discuss. 2005 – 60 marks.
9. Gender Discrimination: Female Foeticide, Land and Property Rights;
Empowernment
1. What do you understand by ‘gender equality’ and why is it
important ? (2013/15)
2. Is economic independence essential for equality between men and
women ? (2013/15)
3. Why is adequate reprentation of women in political institution
important in this context ? (2013/20)
4. Woman empowerment and social justice. (2012/12)
5. Is there any necessary connection between social progress and
protection against female foeticide ? Discuss. (2012/20 )
6. “Denial of access and inheritance of land and property to women is
denial of their fundamental as human.” Discuss (2012/20)
7. Does the right to property bring economic disparity and threat
human fraternity? Discuss. 2010 – 20 marks.
8. Can only the political empowerment of women wipe out gender
discrimination in a male-dominated Indian society? 2010 – 20
marks.
9. Examine the land and property rights of women in India. How far do
they contribute to empower women? 2009 – 60 marks.
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10. Critically examine – “sex is the biological category whereas gender
is a culturally shaped expression of sexual difference.” 2005 - 20
marks.
11. Critically examine – “Gender equality can be realized only within a
socialist regime.”
12. What, in your view, is the source(s) of gender inequality? Is it
primarily rooted in human biology? In what way, if at all? Can this
inequality be bridged? Explain and defend your position on these
issues.
13. Critically examine - “Gender equality: meaning and need.”
14. Critically examine - “The cause of gender inequality is entirely
biological.”
10. Caste Discrimination: Gandhi and Ambedkar
1. Is there any impact of caste discrimination on democracy in Indian
context ? (2013/10)
2. What were Gandhi’s views on varna and jati ? Critically discuss
Ambedkar’s disagreement with Gandhi’s treatment of varna.
(2012/30)
3. “Caste is not a sin, but caste-discrimination is.” As a concerned
citizen, comment critically on this statement. 2010 – 20 marks.
4. Discuss the impact of caste-discrimination – affirmative or
otherwise on the harmony of the society as a whole. 2008 – 60
marks.
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PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
1. Notions of God: Attributes; Relation to Man and the World (Indian and
Western).
1. Is god indispensible for religion ?(2013/10)
2. Explain the distinction between deism and theism . (2012/20)
3. Discuss the salient features of traditional orthodox religion. 2011 –
15 marks
4. “Religion is not just false, it is harmful.” Discuss. 2011 – 15 marks
5. “To be man is to strive to be God.” Discuss. 09-30
6. Comment on the statement – “Religion only promised, but never
fullfilled the promise.” 08-30
7. Can deism be satisfactory theory in the context of God of grace and
devotion? Discuss. 08-20.
8. God is not the subject to the law of logic. Critical notes. 07/20.
9. Traditionally omnipotence has been seen as one of the attributes of
God. But, according to some critic, the notion of omnipotent being
is paradoxical. In response some theist has tried to resolve the
alleged paradox. Describe the paradox and explain the attempt to
resolve it. 07/60.
10. Traditionally omnipotence has been seen as one of the attributes of
God. But, according to some critic, the notion of omnipotent being
is paradoxical. In response some theist has tried to resolve the
alleged paradox. Describe the paradox and explain the attempt to
resolve it. 06/60.
11. The difference between impersonalistic and naturalistic conception
of God. Critical notes. 06/20.
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12. “If God is omniscient, then humans are not free.”
13. Is God dead (Nietzsche) or living (faithful people)?
14. What do the immanence and transcendence mean in talking about
God? Is God really immanent or transcendent?
15. Impersonalistic conception of God.
2. Proofs for the Existence of God and their Critique (Indian and Western).
1. State and elucidate cosmological argument for the existence of god
in Western and Indian philosophy . (2013/15)
2. Discuss two main objections against this argument . aAre theist able
to answer these satisfactorily. (2013/15)
3. Critically evaluate three main objections against the argument from
design for the existence of god . (2013/20)
4. Can God’s existence be proved with cogent and convincing rational
arguments ? (2012/12)
5. Why is a proof for the existence of God necessary for the growth of
a religion? Discuss. 2011 – 15 marks
6. Is contingent argument for the existence of God anything more
than a logical exercise? Discuss. 10/20
7. If each and every argument has to take that its premises are true,
would the causal argument for the existence of God as the first
cause be different from assuming that it is true? Argue in favour of
your position. 10/20
8. Human mind is such that it naturally observes order in nature.
Given this can one use arguments from design for the existence of
God? Discuss. 10/20.
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9. Critically examine the causal argument as a proof for the existence
of God. 09/20.
10. Analyse the teleological argument as a proof for the existence of
God. 09/30
11. Different versions of ontological arguments and Kant’s critique of
these arguments. Critical note. 08/20
12. State and evaluate the cosmological argument for the existence of
God. What are its two forms? What is the difference between a
dependent being and self-existent being? Why is the self-existent
being theo-centric? Can the nature itself be conceived as selfexistent being? Discuss. 07/60
13. State and evaluate the cosmological argument for the existence of
God. What are its two forms? What is the difference between a
dependent being and self-existent being? Why is the self-existent
being theo-centric? Can the nature itself be conceived as selfexistent being? Discuss. 06/60.
14. “God is the first reason of things.” Critical notes. 05/20
15. “If God exists only in someone’s mind, the greatest conceivable
being is not after all the greatest conceivable being.” Critical notes.
05/20.
16. Some theists question the relevancy of proofs and arguments for
theistic beliefs. Believers in their view are not irrational for want of
proof for their belief in God because proofs are neither necessary
nor sufficient for religious life. Would you agree with such a view?
Discuss.
17. Is the ontological argument for the existence of God really invalid?
Critical notes.
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18. Do any of these received proofs for the existence of God succeed in
proving God’s existence? Discuss. In this context, critically consider
especially the cosmological argument.
19. Ontological proof for the existence of God. Critical notes.
3. Problem of Evil
1. Do theist succeed in explaining the natural evil in the world as a
necessary counterpart to good ? (2013/10)
2. “ God permitted suffering to discipline the human being .”
(2012/12)
3. “The problem of evil arises when we attribute infinite knowledge,
power and goodness to God acknowledging the fact of innocent
persons’ suffering. One cannot be mistaken about one’s own
experience and suffering is an experience. Hence, God cannot have
at least one of the three attributes; infinite knowledge, power and
goodness.” Evaluate this argument. 10/15
4. If evil and sufferings are the real experiences of individual self, what
role do they play in realising self-transcendence? 09/20.
5. How can a theist resolve the problem of evil? Does evil not tell
upon omnipotence and omniscience of God? Can God be thought of
as imperfect and powerless in this regard? Discuss critically for and
against the two possible opposite views and justify your own
position. 08/60
6. “God permitted evil to exist in order to bring about greater good,
Adam’s fall was felix culpa (happy sin).” – Leibnitz. Critical notes.
07/20.
7. “The problem of evil is the problem of reconciling the imperfect
world with the goodness of God.” Critical notes. 05/20
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8. Describe the problem of evil. Some theologicians utilise the freewill argument to resolve this problem. How? Discuss.
4. Soul: Immortality; Rebirth and Liberation.
1. Is there anything else other than human efforts which may be
conducive to attainment of liberation ? (2013/10)
2. Are rebirth and liberation analogous concepts ? Explain (2012/12)
3. Is a belief in the immortality of the soul a necessary precondition
for religion? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
4. Is a belief in rebirth and reincarnation possible without a belief in
the immortality of the soul? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
5. Can Buddhism, because of its doctrine of 'anatta', be regarded as a
religion or not? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
6. What sort of criteria can one provide for identifying rebirth as
opposed to birth? Discuss. 10/15
7. Why is grace of God needed for liberation? Discuss with an
example. 10/20
8. Distinguish between Indian concept of jivatma and Plato’s concept
of soul. 10/20
9. If ignorance is the cause of suffering, knowledge should remove
suffering. What is the notion of knowledge which a liberated person
acquires? Discuss. 10/20
10. Explain why man has a desire for immortality. 09/30
11. Possibility of rational understanding of immortality and liberation.
Critical notes. 08/20.
12. Without some conception of immortality, religion has no meaning.
Critically examine. 07/20.
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13. Explain the doctrine of the law of karma. Is it compatible with the
freedom of will? Discuss. 07/60.
14. Without some conception of immortality, religion has no meaning.
Critically examine. 06/20.
15. Explain the doctrine of the law of karma. Is it compatible with the
freedom of will? Discuss. 06/60.
16. Without some conception of immortality, religion has no meaning.
Critically examine. 05/20.
17. Is Christian doctrine of the immortality of soul compatible with the
Gita’s doctrine of atman? Discuss. 05/60.
18. What do you understand by liberation? Is it possible for one to be
liberated in this very life? If it is, what are the characteristics of a
liberated person? Discuss. 05/60.
19. Relation between religion and salvation. Critical notes.
20. Can the results of a finite action of an individual (karma) determine
the nature of the immortal soul (atman)? Critical notes.
21. Advaita Vedanta theory of jivanmukti. Critical notes. 02/20.
22. What is meant by immortality of soul? Analyse the argument of the
Bhagvad Gita in this regard.
5. Reason, Revelation and Faith
1. Is religious faith opposed to reason ? (2013/10)
2. The concept of revelation is essentially opposed to religious
pluralism . Do you agree ? Give reasons for your answer. (2012/30)
3. Discuss the role of reason, revelation and faith in the sphere of
religion. Are they compatible? If not, how to resolve their apparent
inconsistency? 08/60
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4. “Religious faith consists of a set of profoundly unfalsifiable
assumptions that govern all of a person’s other beliefs.” (R. M.
Hare). Critical notes. 06/20
5. Explain the notion of revelation. Does revelation stand in need of
confirmation? Discuss and also explain the difference or similarity
between revelation and shruti. 06/60
6. Point out the relative importance of reason and revelation in
religion. Are the two compatible? Discuss.
6. Religious Experience: Nature and Object (Indian and Western)
1. What is the nature of mystical experience? (2013/15)
2. Is mystical experience open to different interpretations? (2013/15)
3. Can mystical experience be regarded as valid source of knowledge ?
(2013/20)
4. What is the object of religious experience ? Is it empirical or transempirical ? Explain in detail . (2012/30)
5. If religious experience is unique, what makes it an experience? How
is this experience logically different from the experience of
loneliness, happiness, etc.? 10/20
6. Explain the nature of religious experience. Can this experience be
validated? 09/20
7. The difference between numinous and mystical experience. Critical
notes. 07/20.
8. The difference between numinous and mystical experience. Critical
notes. 06/20.
9. “Mysticism is the power of spiritual access to domains of
knowledge closed off to ordinary thought.” Critical notes. 05/20.
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7. Religion without God
1. Is the idea of immortality of soul utopian or it is realizable ? Discuss
(2012/20)
2. What is the central concept in a religion without God? Discuss.
10/15
3. Can atheism be a religion? Discuss. 05/60.
4. When a religion is defined as relegare, is Buddhism or Jainism a
religion? What are the criteria for an organisation to be called a
religion? Should there be a transcendental reality in a religion?
Discuss.
5. Religion without God. Critical notes.
8. Religion and Morality
1. Is religious consistent with individual freedom ? (2013/10)
2. “ If God does not exist then why one should one be moral all the
time ?” Discuss (2012/20)
3. “ I can be moral without being religious, but I cannot be religious
without being moral.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer .
(2012/20 )
4. Examine the view that the foundation of morality is possible only in
a religious framework. 2011 – 15 marks
5. If morality has to follow from religion, can there a rational
justification for moral actions? Discuss. 10/15
6. Proprietary of religion without morality. Critical notes. 08/20.
7. Distinguish between religious and secular ethics. Discuss in this
context the view that holds that secular ethics are superior to
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religious ethics because religious ethics are essentially based on
rules without decisive regard for consequences whereas secular
ethics as their best aim at producing the best over-all
consequences. 06/60.
8. Secular ethics cannot satisfactorily answer the question – “Why
should I be moral all the time?”
9. Are God and religion necessary presuppositions of morality?
Elucidate your answer following Kant. Also consider critically in this
context the possible grounds of morality following atheists.
10. Religion without morality is empty and morality without religion is
blind. Do you agree with this contention? Give reasons in support of
your view.
9. Religious Pluralism and the Problem of Absolute Truth
1. Can the notion of absolute truth be justified on rational grounds ?
(2012/12)
2. Do the concept of Ishvara and Brahman signify the same reality in
Advait Vedanta ? (2012/12)
3. Explain the notion of truth as "Ekam Sat Viprah Bahudha Vadanti"
(Truth is one, the learned interpret it differently.) 2011 – 20 marks
4. Does the notion of absolute truth give rise to intolerance and
religious conflicts? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
5. How can religious conflicts about truth be resolved? Discuss. 2011 –
20 marks
6. Is William James right in holding that religious disputes are like
conflicts in aesthetic appreciation? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
7. Are religious doctrines and debates verifiable? Discuss. 2011 – 20
marks
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8. Examine the view that, religious doctrines are not 'quasi-scientific'
doctrines but represent a form of life. 2011 – 20 marks
9. The fact that different religions originated at different places and in
different centuries prove that plurality of religion is a fact. How
correct would it be to say that all religions are essentially the same?
Discuss. 10/20
10. “There are no whole truths, all truths are half-truths. It is trying to
treat them as whole truth that plays the devil.” Discuss. 09/30.
11. Can the God of religion be identified with the absolute of
philosophy? 09/30.
12. In a pluralistic society, how can religious pluralism be practised?
Point out distinction among (a) sarvadharmasamanvaya (b)
sarvadharmasambhava (c) sarvadharmasadbhava. 08/60
13. What is the central issue in the debate between religious pluralist
and religious exclusivist? Discuss in this context the arguments they
advance in support of their views.
10. Nature of Religious Language: Analogical and Symbolic; Cognitivist
and Non- cognitive
1. What is meant by saying that religious is non-cognitive ? (2013/15)
2. Can religious language can said to be verifiable ? (2013/15)
3. Do cognitivist provide cogent answer to the objection based on
falsifiablity ? (2013/20)
4. Analyse Paul Tillich’s statement that “ symbolic language alone is
able to express the ultimate.” (2012/20)
5. Discuss the cognitivist account of the nature of religious language .
(2012/20)
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6. Religious language is dependent on natural language for an analogy
and a symbol of work. Why not treat religious language as a
specialised language like telegraphic language? Discuss. 10/20
7. Is religious language symbolic? Discuss. 09/20.
8. “Man’s ultimate concern must be expressed symbolically because
symbolic language alone is able to express the ultimate.” – Paul
Tillich. Critical notes. 04/20
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Summarised lectures
Through
MIND MAPS
“ These answer formats will prove themselves as the
most effective tools for revisions during exams.”
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CHARVAKA
Theory of Knowledge
Perception :the only pramana
Rejects:
Inference
No vyapti
i.
Perception
ii.
Inference
iii.
Shabda
iv.
Samanya lakshan
v.
Uniformity of experience
vi.
Causal relation
2. upamana
3. Vedas
4. Sabda
Critical Comment
Metaphysics
Materialism
World
God
• Soul
• Dehatmavada
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BUDDHISM
Pratityasamutpada
•
•
•
•
Theory of Dependent origination
Second and Third Noble Truth
Bodhi;Dharma
Causal Wheel of Dependent Origination(Twelve Links) :
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Ignorance (avidya)
Impressions of Karmic forces (Samskara)
Initial consciounsness of the embryo (Vijnana)
Psycho-physical organism (Nama-rupa)
Six sense-organs including mind (Sadayatana)
Sense- object-contact(Sparsha)
Sense-experience(Vedana)
Thirst for sense-enjoyment(Trsna)
Clinging to this enjoyment(Upadana)
Will to reborn(Bhava)
Birth of rebirth(Jati)
Old age and death(Jara-Marana)
Bhava-Chakra , janama-Marana-Chakra
Bondage , Liberation
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•
Foundation of all teachings
1
Ksanikvada
o Theory of Momentariness
o Santanvada , Sanghatvada
o Everything is momentary
o Illusion of unity
o Applicable to phenomena only
o Critical comment
2
Nairatmyavada
o Theory of No-ego
o Bodhi / Prajna: the only reality
o Upanishads- Buddha: Misunderstanding
o Idea of re –birth ?
3. Theory of karma
4. Sanghatvada
5. Arthkriya- karitva
Critical comments
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JAINISM
•
Realistic and Relativistic Pluralism
•
Anekantavada : Metaphysical side
•
Syadvada : Logical & Epistemological side
1
2
3
4
Theory of Relativity of knowledge
Use of syat
Saptabhanginaya
– Theory of seven folded judgement
Justification
•
No skepticism –
•
Catholic and Tolerant
•
Critical comment
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JAINISM – JIVA
•
What
Conscious spirit
Consciousness being the Essence
Qualitative alike; Quantitative different
– Comparative study : Indian & Western
Inherently perfect
- anantchatusteya
Astikaya
Proofs for the existence
•
Bondage
Ignorance
Asrava
Bandhan
•
Liberation
-Three jewels
-Samvara
-Nirjara
-Kaivelya
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JAINISM- DRAVYA
•
What
•
Characters
•
Application of Jaina philosophy
•
Dravya is sat
•
Classification
Jiva
Ajiva :
Pudgala
Space
Time
Motion ( dharma )
Rest ( adharma )
•
Astikaya: jiva& ajiva
•
Anastikaya:Time
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SAMKHYA – PRAKRITI
•
Description
Root Cause
Independent, Absolute, One, Eternal
Unintelligent, unconscious ,ever active
•
Unity of three gunas
1
2
3
•
sattva
Rajas
Tamas
Pralaya awastha
Vishamawasstha
Proofs
1
2
3
4
5
Bhedanam parimanat
Samanvyat
Karyatah pravrttescha
Karan karya vibhagat
Avibhagat Vishvarupyasya
•
Significance
•
Critical Comments
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SAMKHYA – PURUSA
•
Description
Soul, Self, spirit
Consciousness is its essence
Comparative study
Intelligent, eternal, inactive , nitya- mukta
Bondage, liberation
Sopadhika Purusa
•
Proof
1 Teleological
2 Logical
3 Ontological
4 Ethical
5 Mystical
•
Plurality of Purusa
Arguments
•
Significance
•
Critical Comments
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SAMKHYA
SARGA : Theory of Creation
•
Two ultimate Principles
•
Teleological
1 Darshanartham
2 Kaivalyartham
•
Pralaya Awastha
Visham Awastha
•
Evolutes
Prakrti: Mahat (first evolute)
Ahankar
: Vaikarika or sattvika : ekadas indriya
: Taijasik or Rajas
: energy
: Bhutadi or Tamasa
: 5 Subtle physical elements
(Tan matras)
: 5 gross physical elements
(Mahabhuta)
Total 23 evolutes + Prakriti + Purusa = philosophy of 25 principles
•
Not new Creation – satkaryavada form of causation Prakritiparinamvada
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•
Evolution is cyclic
•
Critical comment
- Not consistent
(i)
Real Contact ?
(ii)
Proximity
(iii)
Theory of semblance of contact
-Asatkaryavada
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SAMKHYA - LIBERATION
Bondage
Sufferings / Pain
1. Ahdyatmaika
2. Adhibhautika
3. Adhidaivika
•
Guna, pleasure, heaven
Liberation
Jiven mukti
Videhamukti
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YOGA
Samkhya – Yoga
End & means
First evolute
Chitta vritti
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Pramana
Viparaya
Vikalpa
Nidra
smriti
Klesa
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
avidya
asmita
raga
dvesha
abhinivesh
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Chitta Bhumi
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ksipta
Muddha
Viksipta
Ekagra
Niruddha
Astanga Yoga
1. Yama
2. Niyama
3. Asan
4. Pranayama
5. Pratyahara
6. Dharana
7. Dhyana
8. Samadhi – 1. Conscious
2. Supraconscious
•
SPECIAL PURUSA
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NYAYA – VAISESIKA
THEORY OF PRAMANA : NYAYA
PRAMANA
1.
2.
3.
4.
Pratyaksha (Perception)
Anumana (Inference)
Upamana(Comparison)
Sabda(Testimony)
PERCEPTION
What
Process
Stages
1. Nirvikalpa
2. Savikalpa
Comparative study : western
Kinds
1.
Laukika perception
i
ii
2.
Internal
External
Alaukika perception
i.
ii.
iii.
Samanyalakshana
Jnanalakshan
Yogaja
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INFERENCE
•
What
Pada – hetu , paksa , sadhya
Vyapti
Pakshadharmata
Paramarsha
•
Classification
1
Swarth
Pararth anumana - panchavyavas
2
3
(i)
puravat
(ii)
sheshvat
(iii)
samanytadrsta
On the basis of vyapti
(i)
keval anvayi
(ii)
keval vyatireki
(iii)
Anvaya vyatireki
•
Fallacy
•
Critical Comment
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VAISESIKA
VYAPTI
What
• 3 Pada
• Significance
Kinds
1) Asam vyapti
2) Sam vyapti
Methods of establishing
1) Anvaya
2) Vyatireki
3) Vyabhicaragraha
4) Upadhinirasa
5) Trak
6) Samanya lakshan pratyaksha pramana
Critical comments
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HETVABHASA
What
Characteristic of valid Hetu
Kinds
1.Asiddha
ii.
Ashrayasiddha
iii.
Svarupasiddha
iv.
Vyapyatvasiddha
2.Savyabhicara
ii.
Sadharan
iii.
Asadharan
iv.
Anupasamhari
3. Satpratipaksha
4. Badhita
5. Virudha
Fomal / Material Fallacy ?
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CATEGORIES / PADARTH
What
Two Classes
A.
B.
Bhava / Being
Abhava / non-being
Bhava / Being
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Dravya
Guna
Karma
Vishesha
Samanya
a.
b.
c.
d.
Class concept, class essence, universal
Subsists in
Samanya lakshan alaukika perception
Buddhist concept of Apoha
6. Samavaya
a. Eternal relation
b. Samyoga and vibhag
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Abhava /Non-Being
7. Abhava
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Negative category
Non- existence of any thing
Types
A) Anyonyabhava
B) Samsargabhava
1. Pragabhava
2. Pradhavamsabhava
3. Atyantabhav
Critical Comment
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NYAYA THEOLOGY
God
One, infinite,eternal,efficient cause
Sadaisvarya
Karmaphaldata
Proofs for God’s existence
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Causal arguments
Adrsta arguments
Authoritativeness of the scriptures
Testimony of shruti
Dynamism to atoms
Numerical concept
Support of the world
Word-meaning
Critical comment
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MIMANSA
Theory of Knowledge
1. Perception
2. Inference
3. Upamana
4. Shabda
5. Arthaptti (Implications/ Postulation)
6. Anupalabdhi
Validity of Knowledge : Pramanyavada
1. Svatahpramanyavada
2. Paratahpramanyavada
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BRAHMAN & MAYA
Shankaracharya
“Brahman satyam jagat mithya
Jivo Brahmaiva na parah”
Brahman
-Indeterminate & non-dual
-Indescribable
-Nirguna
-Sacchidananda
-3 levels of reality
-Trikalabadhita
-Abheda - distinctionless
Brahman conditioned by maya
Jagat
Isvara
Dualism between Brahman & Atma
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Characteristics of Maya
1. Material and unconscious
2. Maya and Brahman: Tadatmya
3. Dual aspects
4. Indescribable
5. Relative
6. Removable by Right knowledge
7. Adhyasa
8. Ashraya and visaya
Ramanuja
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Maya
Avidya
Refutation (Anupapatti)
Ashrayanupapatti
Tirodhananupapatti
Svarupanupapatti
Anirvachaniyatvanupapatti
Pramananupapatti
Nivartakanupapatti
Nivrtyanupapatti
Evaluation
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PLATO : THEORY OF IDEAS
What
•
Ideas , Forms , Being
•
Explanation through metaphors
-
Copy theory
-
Participation theory
Analogy / Allegory of the cave
•
Basis
•
Perceptual v/s Transcendental world
•
Dichotomy of existence
•
Rational insight
•
Validity / Justification
Characteristics
I.
Substance
II.
Universal
III.
Eternal
IV.
Simple , pure
V.
Supersensible
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VI.
One , unique , indivisible
VII.
Invariable , constant
VIII.
Essence
IX.
Beyond space and time
X.
Hierarchical : Idea of Good
•
To know is to be
•
Comparative study
•
Critical comment
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ARISTOTLE
Aristotle aimed at the teleological explanation of the universe . He
recounciles teleology and the mechanistic explanation given science
through his conception of matter and form which has been deduced from
the analysis of causation .
Four causes
•
Material
•
Efficient
•
Formal
•
Final
Form & matter : Actuality & Potentiality
•
Form : universal asoect
•
Matter : particular aspect
•
Inseparable , Relative
•
Matter : potentiality
•
Form : auctualisation
•
Unmoved Mover
•
Doctrine of unfoldment
•
Comparative study
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DESCARTE
CARTESIAN METHOD
•
•
•
Purpose
Mathematical Method
Four Rules
CARTESIAN METHOD OF DOUBT
•
•
Deliberate & Universal
Cogito ergo sum
I think, therefore, I am
First self evident truth
•
•
•
Dualism Mind &Body
External world
God Exist: Ontological proof
Cosmological proof
Deductions
Importance
Epistemological approach
Critical comment
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SPINOZA
SUBSTANCE
Geometrical method
Definition & Deductions
1) Substance is one.
2) Infinite & unlimited.
3) Self-determined & self contained
4) Every determination is negation
5) Causa sui, self explanatory
6) Eternal
Implications
ATTRIBUTES
What are attributes
Infinite attributes
Theory of Parallelism
MODES
Descarte & Spinoza
Spinoza & Leibnitz
Implications of Geoometrical Method
CRITICAL COMMENT
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LEIBNITZ
Monads
•
•
•
Monads are the ultimate substance
Pluralism as opposed to monism of Spinoza
Spiritual atoms
CHARACTERISTICS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Eternal
Individual
Only cogito is the attribute
All monads are active
Self contained & self determined
Infinite
Windowless : world in miniature
Kinds of Monads
1. Sleeping
2. Dreaming
3. Walking
Principal of continuity
Activities : Perception
Appetition
Pre-Established Harmony
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LOCKE
Empiricist
Theory of “Tabula Rasa”
Rejection of theory of innate ideas
Knowledge: Consists of ideas
i simple - types
ii complex - types
Substance
•
•
•
Complex idea
Supposed support of qualities
I-Know-Not-What
Primary & Secondary qualities
Knowledge: Types
Limitation to our knowledge
Is Locke a consistent Philosopher ?
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BERKELEY
ESSE EST PERCIPI
‘To be to perceived’
Existence implies being perceived
1. Percipi is not personal
2. Perception is not limited to the
present
3. Ultimate perception is in God
4. Theory of Notion
5. Objects confirm knowledge and
knowledge confirm objects
Development from Locke
Doubts answered by Berkeley
Implications
1. Refutation of materialism
2. subjective idealism
3. Establishing theism
Critical comment
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HUME
Climax of empiricism
Analyses the nature of human knowledge & man’s capacity to
achieve it
Subjects in the mind
1. Impressions: (a) simple
2. idea
(b) complex
Refutation of self / notion of personal identity
•
•
•
•
•
Logical development of empiricist thought
No self
‘Self’ according to Hume
Comparative study
Arguments
1. Self is not the subject of perception
2. Self is not absolute
3. Thought experiences itself
•
Criticism
1. Merely concretizes psychological feelings
2. Confuses between the knower& the known
3. Fails to explain memory
4. Fail to explain the process o0f knowing
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Causality
•
•
Refutation of the philosophical conceptions
Analyses the basis of causality
1. A-priori reasoning
2. Demonstration
3. sensory experience does not establish the
invariability
4. Not proved by internal experience
5. Relation of antecedent & consequent
6. The basis of causality is habit & custom
7. law of Association
Was Hume skeptic ?
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KANT
Real problem of Kant
Failure of Empiricism & Rationalism
Kant: “Both are right in what they affirm,
But wrong in what they deny”
Reconciliation
1. By defining knowledge
2. knowledge formation
Synthetic a- priori judgment
Knowledge is judgmental & judgements are of two types:
a. Synthetic judgment
b. Analytic judgment
•
Synthetic judgment may be:
a. A- posteriori
b. A- priori
So, kant defines knowledge as the system of synthetic a priori
judgments e.g. ‘5+7=12’
‘Every event has a cause’
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•
Implications
Comment
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•
“ All our knowledge begins with senses ,
proceeds to understanding and ends with
reason”
Three levels –
ii. Level of sensibility
1. Discreet sensations
2. Space & Time
iii. Level of understanding
1. 12 categories
2. Knowledge proper
iv. Level of reason
1. 3 ideas of reason
2. Pseudo knowledge / illusions
Comparative study : Perception of Nyaya-Vaisesika
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IDEAS OF REASON
Reason
Three ideas of Reason
Regulative but not constitutive of knowledge
Paralogisms
Antinomies
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World: the ultimate Reality
Phenomena-Noumena
4 antinomies – thesis & antithesis
Function / Significance
Ideal of pure reason
Significance/functions of the ideas of Reason
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HEGEL: DIALECTICAL METHOD
What
Absolute idea
• The Ultimate reality
• Dynamic
• Dialectical evolution
Principal of Negation
Characteristic
1. Triad
2. Rational
3. Automatic
4. continuous
5. Nothing is lost
6. Universal
Absolute idealism
Objective idealism
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MOORE: REFUTATION OF IDEALISM
Realist
Defence of commonsense philosopher
Refutation of Idealism
1.
Analytic or logical method
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Percipi
Est
Esse est percipi:
1.
2.
3.
That existence of a thing is its sense perception
That existence is one of the basic quality of perception
That existence is an inference form the fact of
perception
2.
Metaphysical arguments
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LOGICAL ATOMISM
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
What
Philosophical method
fundamental elements
Logical analysis
Logical atom
Comparative study
Facts
Negative & Positive
Particular & Universal
Simple & Universal
to
discover
Propositions
Atomic
Molecular
Truthful functions of molecular
proposition
Symbols
Complex
Incomplete symbols
Logical Construction
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THEORY OF PERSON : STRAWSON
Linguistic philosopher
Basic Particular
Rejects
1. No-ownership Theory
2. Ownership Theory
Theory
•
Concept of person
•
Basic particular
•
Union of Body & Mind
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LOGICAL POSITIVISTS
Recent trend
Two Aspects
1. Positive
2. Negative
Aims
1. No speculation
2. No metaphysics
3. Evaluating scientific assertion
Elimination of Metaphysics , verification principle
Wittgenstein
• Pseudo-proposition
• Devoid of objective reference
• Not based upon internal experience
Rudolf Carnap
• Devoid of any meaning or sense
• Pseudo concepts
• Not based on experience of highly
spiritual persons
A . J. Ayer
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PHENOMENOLOGY: E. HUSSERL
What
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•
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A priori investigation
Primitive outlook
Phenomenological reduction
Chief Characteristic
Method
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Rigorous science
Two basic internal moments
i. Epochy
ii. Reduction proper
-Psychological Reduction
-Eidetic Redution
-Transcendental Reduction
Phenomena
Doctrine of intentionality
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