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PHILOSOPHY
Syllabus
PAPER - I
History and Problems of Philosophy :
1. Plato and Aristotle: Ideas; Substance; Form and Matter;Causation;ActualityandPotentiality.
2. Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz): Cartesian MethodandCertainKnowledge;Substance;God;Mind-BodyDualism;DeterminismandFreedom.
3. Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume): Theory of Knowledge;SubstanceandQualities;SelfandGod;Scepticism.
4. Kant: Possibility of Synthetic a priori Judgments; Space andTime; Categories; Ideas of Reason; Antinomies; Critique ofProofs for the Existence of God Hegel: Dialectical Method;Absolute Idealism
5. Moore, Russell and Early Wittgenstein: Defence ofCommonsense; Refutation of Idealism; Logical Atomism;LogicalConstructions;IncompleteSymbols;PictureTheoryofMeaning;SayingandShowing.
6. LogicalPositivism:VerificationTheoryofMeaning;RejectionofMetaphysics;LinguisticTheoryofNecessaryPropositions.
7. Later Wittgenstein: Meaning and Use; Language-games;CritiqueofPrivateLanguage.
8. Phenomenology (Husserl): Method; Theory of Essences;AvoidanceofPsychologism.
9. Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger): ExistenceandEssence;Choice,ResponsibilityandAuthenticExistence;Being-in-the–worldandTemporality.
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10. QuineandStrawson:CritiqueofEmpiricism;TheoryofBasicParticularsandPersons.
11. Cārvāka : Theory of Knowledge; Rejection of TranscendentEntities.
12. Jainism: Theory of Reality; Saptabhaňginaya; Bondage andLiberation.
13. Schools of Buddhism; Pratītyasamutpāda; Ksanikavada,Nairātmyavāda
14. Nyāya-Vaiśesika:TheoryofCategories;TheoryofAppearance;Theory of Pramāna; Self, Liberation; God; Proofs for theExistence of God; Theory of Causation; Atomistic Theory ofCreation.
15. Sāmkhya:Prakrti;Purusa;Causation;Liberation
16. Yoga:Citta;Cittavrtti;Klesas;Samadhi;Kaivalya.
17. Mimāmsā:TheoryofKnowledge
18. SchoolsofVedānta:Brahman;Īśvara;Ātman;Jiva;Jagat;Māyā;Avidyā;Adhyāsa;Moksa;Aprthaksiddhi;Pancavidhabheda
19. Aurobindo:Evolution,Involution;IntegralYoga.
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PAPER – II
Socio-Political Philosophy
1. SocialandPoliticalIdeals:Equality,Justice,Liberty.
2. Sovereignty:Austin,Bodin,Laski,Kautilya.
3. IndividualandState:Rights;DutiesandAccountability
4. FormsofGovernment:Monarchy;TheocracyandDemocracy.
5. PoliticalIdeologies:Anarchism;MarxismandSocialism
6. Humanism;Secularism;Multiculturalism.
7. CrimeandPunishment:Corruption,MassViolence,Genocide,CapitalPunishment.
8. DevelopmentandSocialProgress.
9. GenderDiscrimination:FemaleFoeticide,LandandPropertyRights;Empowerment.
10. CasteDiscrimination:GandhiandAmbedkar
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Philosophy of Religion:
1. Notions ofGod: Attributes; Relation toMan and theWorld.(IndianandWestern).
2. ProofsfortheExistenceofGodandtheirCritique(IndianandWestern).
3. ProblemofEvil.
4. Soul:Immortality;RebirthandLiberation.
5. Reason,RevelationandFaith.
6. ReligiousExperience:NatureandObject(IndianandWestern).
7. ReligionwithoutGod.
8. ReligionandMorality.
9. ReligiousPluralismandtheProblemofAbsoluteTruth.
10. NatureofReligiousLanguage:AnalogicalandSymbolic;
11. CognitivistandNon-cognitive.
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WESTERN PHILOSOPHY
1. Plato and Aristotle: Ideas; Substance; Form and Matter; Causation; Actuality and Potentiality
1. IstherelationbetweentheIdeaandtheWorldasdiscussedbyPlato logically consistent?DiscussAristotle’s views regardingthisandalsogiveargumentsinfavourofyouranswer.(2018/15)
2. Inwhatsensecanideasbebothimmanentandtranscendent?Discuss in this context Plato’s theory of universal andparticulars.(2017/10)
3. Explain Aristotle’s theory of form and matter. How does ithelp him resolve the problem of change and permanence?(2017/15)
4. Does Plato’s ‘Theory of Form’ explain the ‘change’ and‘sensibility’ofmatter?Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2016/20)
5. DoesAristotletreatmatterasa‘Substance’?Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2016/20)
6. Aristotle’s distinction between ‘actuality’ and ‘potentiality’.(2015/10)
7. Explain Plato’s theory of forms? Does it entail a kind ofessentialism?Discuss.(2015/20)
8. ExplainthesignificanceofAristotle’sdoctrineofform&matterinhistheoryofcausation.(2014/15)
9. DiscussbetweenknowledgeandbeliefaccordingtoPlato.Howisitbasedonhismetaphysics?Explain.(2014/20)
10. ExplainPlato’sontologicaltheoryofForms.IsknowledgeoneoftheForms?Explain.(2013:12½)
11. Discuss how by refuting different concepts of SubstancesAristotleestablisheshisowntheoryofaSubstance?(2013/10)
12. Discuss Aristotle’s metaphysical theory as a polemic againstPlato’stheoryofideas.(2012/15)
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13. How does Plato relate the world of ideas to the empiricalworld?Discuss.(2011/15)
14. How does Aristotle’s notion of causation defer from themodernnotionofcausation.(2010/15)
15. Commenton-Plato’sanalogyofthecaveanditssignificanceinhistheoryofknowledge.(2009/20)
16. Aristotle’s teleological conception of causation. Short Notes(2008/20)
17. Plato’s recollection theory of knowledge. Short Notes.(2007/20)
18. Discuss the ‘theory of matter’ according to Aristotle. ShortNotes.(2006/20)
19. Distinction between opinion and knowledge. Short Notes.(2005/20)
20. StateanddiscussPlato’stheoryofforms.(2004/60)
21. ‘A universal exists only in the particular’. Discuss in thisconnection Aristotle’s notion of universal and the idea ofsubstancethatfollowsit.(2003/60)
22. ‘While Plato’s metaphysics is a visionary one, Aristotle’smetaphysics is a descriptive one.’ Explain fully giving theessential differences between the views of the two thinkersregardingthenatureofreality.(2002/60)
2. Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz): Cartesian Method and Certain Knowledge; Substance; God; Mind-Body Dualism; Determinism and Freedom.
1. What is the reason for the difference in the definitions andclassifications of substances made by Descartes, SpinozaandLeibniz in spiteof the fact that theyallbelonged to therationalistschoolofthought?Discuss.(2018/20)
2. IsthereanyplaceforfreedominLeibniz’sphilosophy,whenhespeaksof“pre-establishedharmony’?Discuss.(2018/10)
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3. WhataccordingtoDescartesisaclearanddistinctidea?whatistheepistemologicalstatusofclearanddistinctideas?DoesthisaccounthelpDescartesprovethatmaterialobjectsexist?Explain(2017/20)
4. Explain Leibnitz’s principle of ‘identity of indiscernible’.(2015/15)
5. DoesDescartescogitoprincipleentailthatheisanessentialist?Discuss.(2015/15)
6. ExplainthedoctrineofCartesianDualismandexaminecriticallyargumentsinfavourofit.(2014/15)
7. DoesLeibnitz’stheoryofpre-establishedharmonynecessarilyleadtodeterminism?Discuss.(2014/10)
8. WriteashortcriticalessayonSpinoza’sconceptionoffreedomofanindividual.(2013/12½)
9. ExplainDescarte’smethodofdoubt.CanthismethodbeusedtojustifyhisbeliefintheexistenceofGod?Argueyourcase.(2013/12½)
10. GiveacriticalaccountofLeibnitz’sprincipleoftheidentityofindiscernibles.(2013/12½)
11. DoesMonadologysufficientlyexplainthenatureofSubstance?Aremonadsindependentofeachother?Explain.(2012/15)
12. Does Leibnitz succeed in combining the mechanical withtheteleologicalviewoftheworld?ExplainhistheoryofPre-EstablishedHarmony.(2012/15)
13. If‘Everydeterminationisnegation‘thenhowcanSubstancehaveattributes?Explain.(2012/15)
14. HowdoesDescartes’‘cogitoergosum’affectHumeandKant’stranscendentalphilosophy?Explain(2012/12)
15. Is the concept of freedom consistent with the theory ofdeterminismofSpinoza?Supportyouranswerwitharguments.(2011/30)
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16. WhydoesDescartesnotdoubttheexistenceofGod?Explain.(2011/15)
17. Why does Spinoza think that God alone is absolutely real?Explain.(2010/20)
18. Interactionism in the philosophical context. Short notes(2009/20)
19. Compare theviewsof Leibnitz andHumeon the conceptofsubstance.(2009/30)
20. Compare the views of Spinoza and Sartre on Freedom.(2009/30)
21. ExplainLeibnitz’snotionofmonad.CanmonadberegardedasabasicparticularintheStrawsoniansense?(2008/60)
22. DiscussDescarte’sDualism.(2006/60)
23. ExplainSpinoza’stheoryofSubstance.(2006/60)
24. Mind and Body as two interacting substances. Short notes.(2005/20)
25. Spinoza’sconceptionoftheUltimateSubstance.ShortNotes.(2005/20)
26. ‘Ithink,thereforeIam.’ShortNotes.(2004/20)
27. StateandcriticallyexamineSpinoza’sdoctrineoftheidentityoftheSubstance,Godandnature.(2002/60)
3. Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume): Theory of Knowledge; Substance and Qualities; Self and God; Scepticism
1. Arethetwotruths-”TheSunwillrisetomorrow”and‘2+2-4’ofthesamenecessityforHume?Givereasonsinfavourofyouranswer.(2018/10)
2. HowdoesBerkeleyestablishthatMindanditsideasalonearereal?HowdoMooreandRussellreacttoBerkeley’sviewinthisregard?DoyoufindanydifferencebetweenMoore’sreactionandRussell’sone?Discuss.(2018/20)
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3. ShowhowHume’s analysis experience leaves no ground forbelief in any permanent reality either physical or mental.(2017/10)
4. How does Locke draw a distinction between primary andsecondaryqualities?Doeshealsodrawadistinctionbetweenthe Idea of primary qualities and primary qualities as wellas the Ideaof secondaryqualities and secondaryqualities ?Discuss(2017/20)
5. WhatisthelogicalnecessityforLocketointroducetheconceptofsecondaryqualities?Givereasonsforyouranswer(2016/10).
6. CriticallyexamineHume’sviewsontherelationofcauseandeffect.(2016/15)qualities?
7. esseestpercipi.(2015/10)
8. Evaluate critically Hume’s criticism of theory of causation.(2014/15)
9. Give a critical account of Hume’s theory of self. (2013/12½)
10. CriticallyexamineJohnLocke’scategorizationofprimaryandsecondaryqualitiesandexplaintheproblemitposedforlaterempiricist.(2012/15)
11. If‘tobeistobeperceived’thenhowdoesBerkeleyexplainthepermanenceofthings?(2012/15)
12. Was Hume skeptic ? If not thenwhat is his contribution tophilosophy?(2012/15)
13. JohnLockesaidthat‘Noman’sknowledgecangobeyondhisexperience’.Discusscriticallytheimplicationsofthisstatement.(2012/12)
14. What, according to Empiricists is the concept of Substance?Discuss.(2011/20)
15. WhatmetaphysicalimplicationscanbederivedfromBerkeley’sstatement“EsseEstPercipi”.(2010/30)
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16. Does Hume deny the possibility of knowledge? Discuss.(2010/15)
17. “Tobeistobeperceived”.Discuss.(2009/20)
18. Compare the view of Leibnitz and Hume on the concept ofsubstance.(2009/30)
19. HumeandKantonmetaphysics.Shortnotes.(2008/20)
20. StateanddiscussLocke’sviewsonSubstance.(2007/60)
21. Explain the theory of knowledge according to Locke. ShortNotes.(2006/20)
22. DiscussHume’sScepticism.(2006/60)
23. Hume’sviewsonInduction.ShortNotes.(2004/20)
24. Tobeistobeperceived.ShortNotes.(2003/20)
25. Hume’sPhenomenalism.ShortNotes.(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. ExplainthesignificanceoftheKantiandictum,‘UnderstandingmakesNature’.HowfardoyouagreethatHegel’sAbsolutismistheculminationoftheKantianDualism?Discuss.Givereasonsinfavourofyouranswer.(2018/15)
2. How is ‘all bodies are extended’ an analytic judgement but‘allbodiesareheavy’asyntheticjudgement?Is‘everyeventhas a cause’ an analyticor a synthetic judgement ? Explain.(2017/20)
3. Elaborate Kant’s theory of space and time. How does thistheoryenablehimtoexplainhowmathematicalpropositionscanbebothsyntheticandapriori?(2017/20)
4. What,according toKant,are ‘pureconcepts’?Examine theirroleintheprocessofknowing.(2016/15)
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5. ExamineKant’scriticismonDescartes’viewofSelf.(2016/10)
6. ExplainKant’sdivisionofcategories.(2015/20).
7. How are synthetic apriori judgement justifiable according tokant?Explain.(2014/10)
8. ExplainKant’sviewofcausality.HowfarisKantabletoanswerHume’s objection that causal relation lacks logical necessity.(2013:12½)
9. WhatisAntinomy?DescribethemajorantinomiesdiscussedbyKant.(2013/10)
10. Why Kant’s philosophy known as Copernicus revolutionin metaphysics? What was revolutionary about Kantianphilosophy?Givereasonsforit.(2012/15)
11. “Hume aroused me from my dogmatic slumber”. In whatcontextKanthasmadethisstatement?Explain.(2011/20)
12. WhatisthebasicdifferencebetweenLeibnizandKantontheconceptofspaceandtime?(2010/30)
13. WhydoesKantsaythatexistenceisnotapredicate?(2010/15)
14. Comment on Kant’s objections against the ontologicalargumentfortheexistenceofGod.(2009/20)
15. HumeandKantonMetaphysics.ShortNotes.(2008/20)
16. Natureofsynthetica-prioryjudgmentaccordingtoKant.ShortNotes.(2007/20)
17. ExplainKant’scriticismoftheproofsfortheexistenceofGod.ShortNotes.(2006/20)
18. HowdoesKantrespondtoHume’sscepticism?(2005/60)
19. ThesignificanceofKant’sdistinctionbetweenphenomenaandnoumena.Notes.(2004/20)
20. How is synthetic apriori judgment possible? Short Notes.(2003/20)
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21. ‘Kant’s “Critical Philosophy” is a reconciliation betweenRationalism and Empiricism.’ Elucidate the remark fully andbring out the consequence of such a reconciliation for thepossibilityoftraditionalmetaphysics.(2002/60)
5. Hegel: Dialectical Method; Absolute Idealism
1. ElaborateHegel’sdictum“Allidentityisidentityanddifference.”(2017/10)
2. What is Hegel’s view on God ? Do you think that hisinterpretation of God was contributive to the colonial andimperialexpansionistdesigns?Explain(2016/15)
3. Comment:‘Movementiscontradictionitself’ExamineinthiscontextHegel’sdialecticalmethod.(2013/12½)
4. ExplainHegeliandialecticalmethodandshowhowitisusefulinexplainingthehistoricaldevelopmentprocess?(2012/15)
5. “The rational is real and the real is rational”. Short notes(2009/20)
6. Hegel’sDialecticalmethod.ShortNotes.(2007/20)
7. CriticallydiscusstheHegel’sDialecticalmethod.ShortNotes.(2006/20)
8. Hegel’sDialecticalMethod.Shortnotes.(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. How is Russell’s theory of definite description related to hisLogical Atomisin? Discuss and give reasons for your answer.(2018/15)
2. HowdoesWittgensteinapplythedistinctionbetween‘saying’and ‘showing’ to point to a singleway of apprehending themost decisive problems of philosophy? Is he justified? Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2018/15)
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3. Howisthestatement‘Imetaman’,semanticallyproblematicforRussell?Howdoesheaccountforthemeaningfulnessofthisstatement?(2017/10)
4. WhatisWittgenstein’stheoryofpicturetheoryofmeaning?Whatarehisreasonsforgivinguphistheoryandsuggestingtheusetheoryofmeaning?(2017/15)
5. Explain Russell’s view that “the physical object is a logicalconstruction from sense-data”. Why does he call hismetaphysicalview‘neutralmonism’?(2016/15)
6. Why does Wittgenstein reject the possibility of privatelanguage?(2016/10)
7. G.E.Moore’srefutationofidealism.(2015/10)
8. Whatdoyouunderstandbyincompletesymbols?WhatroledotheyplayinRussell’stheoryofmeaning?(2015/15)
9. Are G.E.Moore’s arguments in defence of common sensesatisfactory.Givereasons.(2014/15)
10. Why does Wittgenstein disagree Bertrand Russell’sinterpretation of atomism in the philosophy of Tractatus ?Discuss(2014/15)
11. Distinguish between atomic and general proposition. Showhowtheyarejustifiedtrue.(2013/12½)
12. Comment: ‘Moore’sdefenceofcommonsenseessentially isdefenceofcommonlanguage’(2013/12½)
13. ExplainthetheoryofdefinitedescriptionsaccordingtoRussell.(2012/15)
14. Are the arguments given by G.E. Moore against Idealismadequate?Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2011/30)
15. WhatisRussell’sideaof‘Incompletesymbols’inhistheoryofdescription?Discuss.(2011/15)
16. What does Moore want to establish when he asserts thatpropositionslike“Earthexistsorwehaveconsciousness”aretruism?Discuss.(2010/20)
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17. Explain the theory of logical construction. Does it provide asatisfactoryaccountofknowledge?(2008/60)
18. State and discuss Russell’s analysis of Definite Descriptions.(2007/60)
19. CriticallydiscussMoore’sRefutationofIdealism.(2004/60)
20. Distinction between ‘saying’ and ‘showing’. Short Notes.(2004/20)
21. WhatisRussel’sLogicalatomism?Bringoutinthisconnectiontheconceptionormetaphysicsinvolvedinit.(2003/60)
22. Moore’sDefenseofCommon-Sense.ShortNotes.(2002/20)
7. Logical Positivism: Verification Theory of Meaning; Rejection of Metaphysics; Linguistic Theory of Necessary Propositions
1. Howdothelogicalpositivistsshowthatmetaphysicalsentencesare meaningless? Can their verification theory of meaningaccount for the meaningfulness of all scientific sentences?Discuss.(2018/15)
2. Doesthesentence‘whateveriscolouredisextended’,satisfythe criterion of meaningfulness proposed by the logicalpositivists?Explain.(2017/15)
3. Explain verification theory. Does it lead to elimination ofmetaphysics?(2016/10)
4. Areempiricalstatementsverifiable?Discussthelimitationsof‘verificationtheoryofmeaning’.(2014/20)
5. Distinguish necessary from empirical proposition. How isnecessarypropositionisjustified?Explain(2013/10)
6. ‘Logical Positivism broadly claims that metaphysics andtheologyaremeaninglessbecausetheyareneithermattersoflogicnorverifiableempirically.’Criticallyexamine.(2012/12)
7. Discussthelimitationsofverificationtheory.(2011/20)
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8. Arenecessarypropositionslinguisticbynature?Discussinthelightoflogicalpositivism.(2010/20)
9. ExaminehowAyereliminatesmetaphysics.(2009/30)
10. Elimination of metaphysics at the hands Logical Positivists.ShortNotes.(2007/20)
11. Stateanddiscussthelogicalpositivist’sattemptstoeliminatemetaphysics.(2005/60)
8. Later Wittgenstein: Meaning and Use; Language-games; Critique of Private Language.
1. Howdoesthenotionof‘familyresemblancehelpWittgensteintoupholdthat‘Languageisagame’?Discuss.(2018/10)
2. Bringouttherelationshipbetweenlanguagegamesandformsoflife.(2015/20)
3. Bringoutthesignificanceof‘LanguageGames’inWittgenstein’sUsetheoryofmeaning.(2014/10)
4. Explain Wittgenstein’s arguments against the possibility ofprivatelanguage.(2013/10)
5. According to Wittgenstein ‘Philosophy is a battle againstbewitchmentofourintelligencebymeansoflanguage’.Explainthefunctionofphilosophyintheabovecontext.(2012/12)
6. “Meaningofthewordliesinitsuse”.Explainindetail.(2011/30)
7. AretautologiesmeaningaccordingtoWittgenstein?(2010/15)
8. Wittgenstein’snotionoflanguage-game.(2008/20)
9. Phenomenology (Husserl) : Method; Theory of Essences; Avoidance of Psychologism.
1. What is Epoché?HowdoesHeidegger reject thismethodofphenomenological reduction? Explain Heidegger’s conceptof ‘being in the world’ as opposed to the concept of atranscendentalego.(2018/20)
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2. Explain Husserl’s reasons for advocating phenomenologicalreductionism.(2017/10)
3. Husserl’snotionof‘bracketing’.(2015/10)
4. Explain the significance of ‘bracketing’ in HusserlPhenomenology.(2014/10)
5. What,accordingtoHusserlisIntentionality?Discussitsroleinarrivingatthemeaningofobject.(2011/30)
6. WhatisthenotionoftranscendentalegoaccordingtoHusserl?HowisitdifferentfromSartre’snotionoftheego?(2008/60)
7. What is ‘epoche’? Bring out its significance for Husserl’sconceptionofrigorousscience.(2005/60)
8. DiscussHusserl’sconceptionofphilosophyasrigorousscience.(2003/60)
10. Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger): Existence and Essence; Choice, Responsibility and Authentic Existence; Being-in-the-world and Temporality.
1. HowdoesSartreconnect inauthenticitywithbadfaith?Whydoes Sartre show that inauthenticity and bad faith lead toalienation?Discuss.(2018/10)
2. DiscussHeidegger’sconceptofauthenticityandexplainhowaninauthenticDaseinregainsthelostself?(2017/15)
3. DiscussSartre’snotionof‘Nothingness’.(2016/15)
4. DiscusswhyHeideggerintroducestheconceptofDaseininhismetaphysics.(2015/15)
5. Bring out the relationship between existence and essenceincaseofhumanbeing.Explaintheissues itgivesrisetoforhumanbeingsaccordingtoSartre.(2015/15)
6. ExplainKierkegaard’sconceptofchoice.Howdoestheconceptofchoiceinmeta-ethicsdifferfromnormativeethics?Explain.(2014/20)
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7. State andevaluateHeidegger’s claim that temporality is thehorizonagainstwhich thebeingofanyentity isunderstood.(2014/15)
8. Examine Sartre’s distinction between Being-for-itself andBeing-in-itself.(2013/12½)
9. Analyse Kierkegaard’s concept of choice. Can therebe , in his view , correct or incorrect choice ? Discuss. (2013/12½)
10. ElucidateExistentialismandindicateitsstrongandweakpointsinyourownwords.(2012/15)
11. SorenKierkegaardclarifiedthat“ThefunctionofprayersisnottoinfluenceGodbutrathertochangethenatureofonewhoprays.”Commentonthisstatement.(2012/12)
12. “I am responsible formyself and foreveryoneelse.”DiscussthisstatementinthelightofSartre’sexistentialism.(2011/15)
13. How is the empirical ego and Heidegger different from thetranscendentegoinHusserl?(2010/30)
14. Compare the views of Spinoza and Sartre on Freedom.(2009/30)
15. “Existenceprecedesessence”.Comment.(2009/20)
16. Heidegger’scontentionthatessenceof“Daseinisitsexistence”.Shortnotes.(2008/20)
17. DiscussSartre’sconceptionoffreedom.(2004/60)
18. Existenceprecedesessence.ShortNotes.(2003/20)
11. Quine and Strawson: Critique of Empiricism; Theory of Basic Particulars and Persons.
1. How does Strawson explain the concept of person in hisphilosophy?Discuss.(2018/10)
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2. HowdoesQuine showthat thenotionofapriorknowledgeasdiscussedbyKant is ametaphysical articleof faith’?Givereasonsforyouranswer.15marks
3. What are the two dogmas of empiricism thatQuine attacks?What are his arguments againstwhat he calls the seconddogma?(2017/15)
4. Discuss Quine’s attack on the analytic-synthetic distinction.(2016/10)
5. Strawson’s distinction between ‘M’ and ‘P’ predicates.(2015/10)
6. Elucidate Quine’s arguments to show that analyticity is notsynonymity.(2015/15)
7. HowfarareQuine’sargumentsin‘twodogmasofempiricism’justified?Discuss.(2014/10)
8. ExplainandevaluateStrawson’sargumentsforhisconceptionofthenatureofPerson.(2013/10)
9. Explain critically Quine’s rejection of the analytic syntheticdistinction and his subsequent philosophical arguments.(2012/15)
10. IsStrawson’sconceptofpersonarefutationofHume’sconceptofself?Discuss.(2010/30)
11. What areQuine’s objectionswith regards to the verificationtheoryofmeaning?(2009/30)
12. StateanddiscussStrawson’stheoryofPerson.(2007/60)
13. Quine’scriticismofanalytic-syntheticdistinction.ShortNotes.(2005/20)
14. Strawson’snotionofpersonasprimitive.Notes.(2003/20)
15. Quine’sattackonAnalytic-SyntheticDistinction.ShortNotes.(2002/20)
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INDIAN PHILOSOPHY
12. Cārvāka: Theory of Knowledge; Rejection of Transcendent Entities.
1. Is Cārvāka rejection of inference acceptable to the othersystemsof Indianphilosophy? Ifnot,why?Doyou think theviewsofothersystemstobejustified?Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2018/15)
2. “Thesoulisnothingbutconsciousbody.”WhatarethereasonsforCarvakainholdingthisview?(2017/10)
3. Whatwould be Carvaka’s view on Vyapti? Can this view beacceptable to theNaiyayikas?Give reasons for your answer.(2016/15)
4. Explainthetheargumentsofcarvakatorejecttranscendentalentities.(2015/15)
5. “Limitsofknowledgeandworldaredeterminedbymysenseperception”.DiscussthisclaimofCarvaka.(2014/10)
6. WhydoCarvakadonotbelieve in thevalidityof inference?Whatlogicdotheygivefortheirbelief?(2012/15)
7. OnwhatbasisdoesCarvakarejectthecause-effectrelationship?(2012/15)
8. Why do Carvakas reject the concept of Akasa. Discuss.(2011/30)
9. JustastheskepticismofHumehelpedKanttocomeoutofhisdogmaticslumber,soalsotheCarvakaphilosophysavedIndianphilosophyfromdogmatism.Discuss.(2010/20)
10. Carvaka’sviewsonthenatureofsoul.ShortNotes.(2007/20)
11. Discuss the theory of knowledge, according to CharvakaPhilosophy.Notes.(2006/60)
12. DehatmavadaofCarvakas.ShortNotes.(2004/20)
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13. Charvak’srefutationofanumanaisitselfaprocessofanumana.Discuss.(2003/60)
14. StateandevaluatecriticallyCarvaka’sviewthatperceptionistheonlyvalidsourceofknowledge.(2002/20)
15. TheCharvaktheoryofconsciousness.ShortNotes.(2001)
13. Jainism: Theory of Reality; Saptabhanginaya; Bondage and Liberation.
1. How do the Jaina philosophers explain ‘bondage’? What,accordingtothem,isthedistinctionbetween“liberatedsoul’and‘boundsoul’?WhatdotheJainasthinkabouttheconditionofthe‘liberatedsoul’?Discuss.(2018/15)
2. “The Jainametaphysics is relativistic and realisticpluralism”.Discuss(2017/15)
3. Can the ‘Tattvartha’ theory of Jainism be acceptable forscientificexplanations?(2016/15)
4. Examine Jaina stance of ‘Naya’. How does it differ from‘Syadvada’?(2016/10)
5. Differentiatetheconceptof‘Kaivalya’asdiscussedinJainaandYogaphilosophies.(2016/10)
6. JainconceptofDravya.(2015/10)
7. Whatdosamvaraandnirjaramean?ExplaintheirsignificanceinJainatheoryofliberation.(2015/15)
8. Explain the concept of Karma and discuss various types ofaccordingtoJainaphilosophy.(2014/15)
9. AnalysetherelationbetweenthetheoryofSaptabhanginayaandAnekantvada.(2013/10)
10. Critically evaluate Jaina doctrine of relative pluralism orAnekantvada?(2012/15)
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11. Why is Saptabhangi Naya not treated as a doctrine ofScepticism?Discuss.(2011/20)
12. What according to Jainism is Path to Liberation? Discuss.(2011/15)
13. Issyadvadaaself-contradictorydoctrine?Discuss.(2010/30)
14. Anekantavada.ShortNotes.(2009/20)
15. NatureofPudgalainJainaphilosophy.ShortNotes.(2007/20)
16. Explain the theory of Substance according to Jainism. ShortNotes.(2006/20)
17. JainaDefinitionofDravya.ShortNotes.(2005/20)
18. StateanddiscusstheJainaDoctrineofjiva.(2004/60)
19. Expoundanekantvadaof Jainism. It is a consistent theoryofreality?Givereasons.(2003/60)
20. Relation between anekantvada and saptabhanginaya.Notes.(2001)
14. Schools of Buddhism; Pratītyasamutpāda; Ksanikavada, Nairātmyavāda
1. Is it consistent for the Buddhists to admit the theory ofNairātmyavāda and the doctrine of Nirvana simultaneously?Givereasonsinfavourofyouranswer.(2018/15)
2. How do the Madhyamika Buddhists apply the notion ofPratityasamutpada to establish their doctrine of Sunyata ?Discuss.(2018/10)
3. ElucidatetheroleofcatuskotiinexplainingthenatureofrealityaccordingtoMadhyamikaschoolofthought.(2017/10)?
4. What are the arguments of the Buddhists to establishKsanikvada ? Do they necessarily lead to krtanasa andakrtabhyupagam?(2017/15)
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5. HowdoMadhyamika,yogacaravadinsandsarvastivadinsdifferamongthemselves inconcerningthenatureofreality?Howdo sarvastivadins differ among themselves with regard toknowledgeofreality?(2017/20)
6. How does Ksanikavada strengthen the arguments for‘Nairatmyavada’?Explain.(2016/10)
7. Alayavijnana(2015/10)
8. What is theroleofPratityasamutpada inexplainingdukkha?Elucidatemeanstoovercomeit.(2015/15)
9. How does Nagarjuna explain the concept of sunyata ? (2014/15)
10. BringouttheepistemologicaldifferencebetweenSautrantikaandVaibhasikaschoolofBuddhism.(2104/10)
11. ExplaintheBuddhistnotionof‘Impermanence’andshowhowtheideaofImpermanenceleadstotheoryofmomentarinessofreality.(2013/10)
12. Comment : ‘AcceptingShunyavadamakesone indifferent tothepursuitofdharma’.Examine inthiscontext ,Nagarjuna’sargumentsforShunyavada.(2013/12½)
13. Do you agree with the view that in early BuddhismmoreimportancewasgiventoFourNobleTruthsthantosystematicmetaphysics?Givereasonsforyouragreementordisagreement?(2012/15)
14. Examine critically the statement that the doctrine of‘paticcasamuppada was given only to explain the problemof sorrow and not to solve the problems of metaphysics.’(2012/15)
15. Explain the theory of illusion accepted by Buddhist. Is itconsistent with their philosophy ? Give reasons for youranswer.(2012/15)
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16. WriteanoteonNagarjuna’scontributionMadhyamicaSchoolofBuddhism.(2012/15)
17. IstheconceptofNirvanaalogicalnecessityfortheBuddhists?Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2011/30)
18. WhatistheimportanceoftheBuddhistconceptof‘Nama-Rupa’in theexpositionof theDoctrineofDependentOrigination?(2011/20)
19. IsSunyavadaaphilosophicaldoctrine?Evaluate.(2011/15)
20. HowdoestheBuddhistacceptthepossibilityofrebirthintheabsenceofaneternalsoul?Discuss.(2010/20)
21. Bring out themetaphysical implication of the second nobletruthoftheBuddhism.(2010/30)
22. An examination of Buddhist Nairatmyavada. Short notes.(2008/20)
23. “TheMadhyamikaphilosophytriestoadoptthemeanbetweenextreme affirmation and extremenegation.” Comment.(2008/60)
24. FourAryaSatya(NobleTruths)accordingtoBuddhism.ShortNotes.(2007/20)
25. Discuss Pratityasamutpada in Buddhism. Short Notes.(2006/20)
26. StateanddiscusstheBuddhistnotionofSunyata.(2005/60)
27. NatureandkindsofNirvana.ShortNotes.(2004/20)
28. State and discuss the Buddhist notion of momentariness.(2004/60)
29. KsanikavadaofBuddhism.ShortNotes.(2003/20)
30. Buddhistic doctrine of Pratitya-samutpada. Short Notes.(2002/20)
31. Nagarjuna’sdefenseofSunya-vada.Notes.(2001)
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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. Howdo theVaišeșika philosophers explain the difference oftherelationshipsintheIwocases-(i)thebrowncolourofthetableand(ii)thebookonthetable?Discuss.(2018/10)
2. HowdotheBuddhistsandtheNyāyaphilosophersexplainourknowledgeof‘theabsenceofthejaronthetable’?Answerindetail.(2018/10)
3. How do thc Naiyāyikas prove the existence of God? Do theYogaphilosophersproveGod in the sameway? If yes,how?Andifno,why?Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2018/20)
4. Whatarethenecessarycharacteristicsofpadarthaaccordingtovaisesikaphilosophy?(2017/10)
5. Explain theconditionsofvalidhetuaspropounded inNyayaphilosophy.(2017/10)
6. Explain the early Nyaya definition of perception. Why thisdefinition is considered inadequateby the laterNaiyayikas?(2017/20)
7. ‘Our knowledge is confined to gunas only’. Examine thisstatement in the lightofVaisesikaandBuddhistcontroversy.(2015/15)
8. Is anyathakhyativada an adequate explanation oferror?(2015/15)
9. Bring out the philosophical implications of introducingextraordinary(aluakik) perception in Nyaya philosophy.(2014/20)
10. What is Samavaya ? What are the grounds for acceptingsamavayaasdistinctpadartha?(2013/10)
11. AnalysetheNyayaconceptofvyaptiandexamineitsrelationwithtark.(2013/12½)
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12. Examine Nyaya-Vaisesika’s arguments for the existence ofjivatma(soul).(2013/12½)
13. DoyoufindanyinadequacyintheproofsfortheexistenceofGodasgivenbyNaiyayikas?Givereasons insupportofyouranswer.(2011/15)
14. Why do the Vaisesikas treat Abhava as an independentcategory?Explain.(2011/15)
15. Explainthereasonforintroducingthenotionofextraordinaryperceptioninnyaya-epistemology.(2010/30)
16. Canqualitiesexistwithoutsubstance?SubstantiateyourviewsinthelightofNyaya-Buddhismcontroversy?(2010/20)
17. HetvabhasaaccordingtoNyaya.(2009/20)
18. Compare theviewpointsofNyaya ,Vaisesika ,MimansaandBuddhismontheissueofknowledgeofabhava.(2009/60)
19. SamanyainVaisesika.Shortnotes.(2008/20)
20. DiscusscriticallyNyayanotionofVyapti.(2008/60)
21. ExplainfullyNyaya’sAsatkaryavada.(2007/60)
22. ExplainNyayatheoryofPramanas.(2006/60)
23. Nature and kinds of Pratyaksha according to Nyaya. ShortNotes.(2005/20)
24. StateanddiscussthenatureandkindsofDravyasaccordingtoVaisesikas.(2005/60)
25. NatureandkindofanumanasaccordingtoNyaya.ShortNotes.(2004/20)
26. TheNyaya-vaisesikaviewofSamanya.ShortNotes.(2003/20)
27. NyayaviewofSelf.ShortNotes.(2002/20)
28. Evaluate theNyaya-Vaisesika theoryof thenatureofVyapti.(2001)
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16. Sāmkhya: Prakrti; Purusa; Causation; Liberation
1. IsPurusaoneormany?Explain theSámkhyaposition inthisregardandgiveargumentsinsupportofyouranswer.(2018/10)
2. Given the theoryof causation , is itpossible forSamkhya toexplainthepresenceofconsciousnessintheworld?Discuss.(2017/15)
3. Critically examine the role of ‘Prakriti’ in the process ofevolution.(2016/10)
4. Satkaryavada(2015/10)
5. StateandexamineSamkhyaproofsfortheexistenceofPurusa.(2015/15)
6. Examine the Samkhya view about liberation that “ self isneitherboundnorliberates,nortransmigrate.”(2014/15)
7. Howistheoryofcausationcentraltothetheoryofreality inclassicalIndiantradition.?Discuss.(2014/20)
8. Are the arguments given in favour of existence of PrakritiadequateinSamkhya’sphilosophy?Discuss.(2014/10)
9. Evaluate relation ‘if any’ between prakriti and purusha.(2013/12½)
10. Explainthepossibilityofjivanmukti.CriticallycompareitwiththeYogaaccountofkaivelya.(2013/10)
11. How Samkhya theory of causation is different from that ofNyayatheoryofcausation?Explain.(2012/15)
12. ExamineSankhya’sargumentsforBahupurusavada(PluralityofPurusa).(2011/30)
13. Doestheeffectpre-existinthecause?Discuss.(2010/15)
14. CompareAristotle’sviewregardingcausationwiththatoftheSamkhyaSchool’sviewofCausation.(2009/60)
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15. ExplaintheSamkhyadoctrineofthreegunas.(2007/60)
16. CriticallydiscusstheSamkhyatheoryofCausation.(2006/60)
17. SamkhyaconceptionofPurusha.Shortnotes.(2005/20)
18. TheSamkhyadoctrineofliberation.ShortNotes.(2003/20)
19. SamkhyatheoryofEvolutionofPrakriti.ShortNotes.(2002/20)
20. EvaluatetheSamkhyajustificationfortheirtheoryofPurusa.(2001)
17. Yoga: Citta; Cittavrtti; Klesas; Samadhi; Kaivalya.
1. What ismeant by ‘yogacittavrittinirodha’ ? Explain cittavrittianditseffectsaccordingtoyogaphilosophy.(2017/10)
2. What is bondage according to Yoga philosophy? Explain themethodofattainingKaivelyainPatanjali’sYogasutra.(2015/20)
3. Explain the nature and levels of samprajnata Samadhi. HowdoeseachlevelleadmoretowardstoasamprajnataSamadhi?(2014/15)
4. Give a critical account of the accept of cittavritti in Yogaphilosophy.(2013/12½)
5. Critically evaluate the statement that ‘ Yoga sutra emphasismoreonpraxis(action)thanontheory(reflection).(2012/15)
6. GiveyourcriticalcommentsontheassertionthatYogaschoolbroadlyacceptsSamkhyaontology.(2012/15)
7. “Yoga ismore than a psycho-physical exercise”. Analyse thisstatement and support your conclusion with arguments.(2011/30)
8. Compare Patanjali’s Yoga with integral Yoga expoundedby Aurobindo, bringing out clearly points of similarity anddissimilarity.(2009/60)
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18. Mimāmsā: Theory of Knowledge
1. Explain the theory of validity of knowledge (pramanyavada)accordingtomimamsa.HowdotheycriticizetheNyayatheoryofvalidity?(2017/15)
2. What is the logical necessity for the Mimamsas to treat‘Arthapatti’asanindependentPramana?Discuss.(2016/15)
3. Elaborate Nyaya-Mimamsa debate on Pramanyavada.(2015/20)
4. HowisanabsenceofanobjectknownaccordingtoNaiyayikasandMimamsakas?Discuss.(2014/15)
5. CanArthapatti(postulation)bereducedtoAnumana(inference)?DiscussitfromMimamsapointofview.(2014/10)
6. Evaluate Prabhakar Mimamsaka’s arguments for acceptingsrutiaspramana.(2013/12½)
7. Howisthepramanya(validity/truth)ofastatementdetermined?Examineinthiscontextthetheoryofparatahpramanyavada.(2013/10)
8. Why does Mimamsa give utmost importance to SHABDA-PRAMANA the verbal testimony ? Is it anything to do withVedas?Giveyourcomments.(2012/15)
9. Discuss the views ofMimamsa and Nyaya on the theory ofPramanyavada.Whichofthemdofindadequate?Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2012/15)
10. How do Mimamsakas defend Svatah Pramanyavada againsttheNaiyayikacriticism?Discuss.(2011/20)
11. Anupalabdhiasapramana.ShortNotes.(2008/20)
12. WhatisSvatahprmanyavadaaccordinginMimansakas?Istheirexplanationoferrorconsistentwithit?Discussfully.(2002/60)
13. Kumarila Bhatta’s explanation of perceptual error. Notes.(2001)
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19. Schools of Vedānta: Brahman; Īśvara; Ātman; Jiva; Jagat; Māyā; Avidyā; Adhyāsa; Moksa; Aprthaksiddhi; Pancavidhabheda
1. What is the difference between the indescribability(Anirvacaniyatā) of Brahman and the indescribability(Anirvacaniyata) of Māya in the Advaita Vedānta system?Discuss(2018/10)
2. Give a comparative cxposition of the concept of Moksa asfoundinthesystemsofVišistādvaita,Dvaita,SuddhadvaitaandAcintyabhedābheda.(2018/20)
3. HowdotheAdvaitaVedāntinsreacttothePrakrtiparināmavādaof the Samkhya philosophy? How do the Särhkhyas defendtheirownpositioninthisregard?Discuss.(2018/15)
4. HowdoesRāmānujarefutethedoctrineofMayaaspropoundedby Sankara? Whyis Māyā needed by both Råmånuja andSankaraloestablishtheirdoctrincs?Discuss.(2018/15)
5. Does the admission of Svayamprakaśavada necessarily leadto the admission of Svatahprāmānyavāda? Discuss after theNaiyayikas, the Mimāmsakas and the Advaita Vedantins.(2018/20)
6. Distinguish between vivartavada and parinamvada withreference to causationandexplainhow in the lightof thesetheories Sankara and Ramanuja differ on the status of theworld.(2017/15)
7. Explain Ramanuja’s conception of God and examine thedifficultieshefacedinexplainingtherelationofGodtomatterandspirits.(2017/15)
8. EvaluateSankara’spositiononIsvara.(2016/10)
9. Pancavidhbheda.(2015/10)
10. Compareand contrast thenotionofBrahman in SankarandRamanuja.(2015/20)
11. How does nature of Brahman differ in the philosophy ofShankar,RamanujaandMadhva?Discusscritically.(2014/20)
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12. BringoutthesignificanceoftheconceptofadhyasainSankara’sphilosophytodevelophismetaphysics.(2014/10)
13. Describethefivetypesofdifferences(Panchvidbheda).Bringout their philosophical significance for Madhva’s theory.(2013/12½)
14. How can Isvara (God) be distinguished from Brahman(Absolute) ? Which of the two concepts are philosophicallybetter?(2013/12½)
15. Distinguish between svarup lakshan and tatastha lakshan ofBrahmanafterSankara.(2013/12½)
16. Evaluate Ramanuja’s critique of Sankara’s theory of maya.(2013/12½)
17. DoyouagreewithRamanuja’sviewthatthenatureofBrahmanisqualified?Givereasons.(2012/15)
18. Write a note on Shankara’s Vivartavada and discuss itsimplications.(2012/15)
19. Explain why avidya andmaya are considered anirvachniya(indescribable)inadvaitvada?(2012/15)
20. Explain the notion of ego or ahankara and its role in thedoctrineofVedanta.(2012/15)
21. “BothShamkarandRamanujaarerightintheiraffirmation,butwrongintheirdenial.”Criticallyevaluate.(2010/30)
22. Is Shamkar’s concept of adhyasa logical or psychological?Discuss.(2010/15)
23. How is Ramanuja’s concept of dharmabhutajnana differentfromShamkar’sconceptofswarupajnana?Explain.(2010/15)
24. ExplainSankara’sviewonthestatusofJagatandRamanuja’sresponsetoit.(2008/60)
25. StateandexplainthedifferencebetweenSagunaandNirgunaBrahman.(2007/60)
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26. ExamineShankara’sMayavada.ShortNotes.(2006/20)
27. DiscusstheMetaphysicsofAcharyaRamanuja.(2006/60)
28. The nature of Brahman, Jiva and Jagat according Madhava.ShortNotes.(2005/20)
29. ElucidateShankara’sconceptionofAdhyasa.(2005/60)
30. Why is Ramanuja’s philosophy called Visistadvaita? Discussfully.(2004/60)
31. Madhava’sconceptionofmoksha.Notes.(2004/20)
32. RamanujacriticismofAdvaitaconceptofmaya.ShortNotes.(2003/20)
33. Describe Sankara’s explanation of jiva. Is the justificationofferedrational?Explain.(2003/60)
34. Ramanuja’srefutationofMayavada.ShortNotes.(2002/20)
35. EvaluateSankara’sanalysisofmokshainthelightofRamanuja’sarguments.(2001)
20. Aurobindo: Evolution, Involution; Integral Yoga.
1. What is Evolution according to Sri Aurobindo? Describe theprocess of triple transformation and the nature of gnosticbeinginhisphilosophy.(2018/15)
2. HowdoesSriAurobindo’sintegralyogahelpintherealizationofsupramentalconsciousness?Discuss(2017/15)
3. DiscussAurobindo’sviewson‘Evolution’and‘Involution’.HowdotheydifferfromtraditionalYogaphilosophy?(2016/20)
4. SriAurobindo’sIntegralYoga(2015/10)
5. HowisSriAurobindo’s integralyoga isanadvancementoverPatajala’syoga?Discuss.(2014/15)
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6. ExplainSriAurobindo’sconceptionofcosmicsalvationthroughspiritualsalvationofindividual.(2013/10)
7. ‘InvolutionisthepreconditionofEvolution’.Explaintheroleofinvolutionintheworldprocess.(2012/15)
8. How are evolution and involution related in Sri Aurobindo’sphilosophy?(2010/15)
9. 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. Howfarcan libertyandequalitybeconsideredasdistinctivefeaturesofdemocracy?Discuss.(2018/20)
2. Discuss the different aspects of the fundamental distinctionbetween democratic equality and the Marxian notion ofequality.(2017/10)
3. HowfardoMarx,GandhiandAmartyaSenagreeanddisagreeon the concept of justice in the Indian democracy ?Discuss(2017/15)
4. “Equality does not mean treating everyone equal”. Discuss.(2015/10)
5. “Equalitywill be of no valuewithout fraternity and liberty.”Discuss.(2015/15)
6. Discuss Amartya Sen’s principle of Niti as critique of Nyaya.(2014/15)
7. ExplainevaluateAristotle’sconceptofjustice.(2013/15)
8. Whatismeantby‘justice’asfairness?ExplainthebasictenetsofRawls’theoryofjustice.(2013/15)
9. HowisAmartyaSen’sapproachtojusticeisdifferentfromthatofRawls?(2013/20)
10. TheFundamentalideaoftheconceptionofjusticeisfairness.Discuss.2011–20marks
11. Can issue relating to gender discrimination be me by theconceptionofjusticeasfairness?Discuss.2011–20marks
12. Whichprincipleofjusticecan,inyourview,bemosthelpfulinaddressingtheissuesrelatedtocastediscriminationandwhy?2011–20marks
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13. Discussthenatureofrelationshipbetweenlibertyandequality.2010-15marks.
14. Commentontherelationshipbetweenequalityandfreedom.2009–30marks.
15. “Justiceistreatingequalsasequalsandunequalsasunequals.”2008–20marks.
16. Freemarketeconomyistheonlywaytoattainsocial justice.2007–20marks.
17. Negativefreedomcanperhapsensurefreedomtochoose,butwithoutanycredibleassuranceforitsactualfulfillment.2007–20marks.
18. Accordingtosomeliberalpoliticalthinkers,socialandeconomicinequalitiescanbejustifiedonlyiftheyworktotheadvantageof the leastadvantagedmembersof thesociety. Is thisviewconsistentwiththeliberalism’scardinaladvocacyofindividualfreedom?Discuss.2007–60marks.
19. Criticallyexamine-“Unlesstheidealofequalityisembeddedwithinabroadertheoryofpoliticsandsociety,itcanbegivennospecificcontent.”2004–20marks.
20. Despite their self-proclaimed commitment to the ideal ofindividualoffreedom,thisidealisoneofthemostcontentiousissuesbetweensocialismandliberalism.Why?Discuss.2004–60marks.
21. Critically examine – “Freedom from” and “Freedom to” aremutuallyexclusive.2003–20marks.
22. Critically examine – “Freedom as liberation from samsara.”2003–20marks.
23. Critically examine – “The concept of equality as a politicalideal.”2002–20marks.
24. Whatismeantbyjustice?Whatarethenecessaryandsufficientconditionsforitsavailability?Discuss.2002–60marks.
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25. Consider the following argument – “Justice means gettingwhat one deserves. A person who contributes more tosocietydeservesmorethanapersonwhocontributeslesstosociety. Theonly fairway to determinehowmuch a personhascontributedtosociety isto letpeopleasawholedecidethrough freemarket. Therefore, freemarket is theonlywaytoattainjustice.”Wouldyouagreewithabovepointofview?Defendyouranswer.2001–60marks.
26. Some thinkers distinguish between twomutually irreduciblesenses of freedom, namely negative freedom and positivefreedom.Explainandcriticallyconsiderthedistinction.2001–60marks.
2. Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya.
1. CriticallyevaluateLaski’sviewonsovereigntyasasatisfactorypositioninpoliticaltheory.(2018/15)
2. DiscussKautilya’sconceptofsovereigntyinthelightofDanda-neeti’.(2018/10)
3. Discusswhether Kautilya’s concept of sovereignty turns intoadespoticrule.HowfarisitcomparabletoBodin’sconcept?Discuss(2017/15)
4. ExplainHaroldLaski’scritiqueofsovereignty.(2015/10)
5. ExplainthesignificanceofJohnAustin’stheoryofsovereignty.HowdoesitdifferfromthatofHobbes?(2014/10)
6. WhoamongstAustin,BodinandLaskiisthemostconsistentinhisanalysisoftheconceptofsovereignty?(2012/12)
7. Compare and contrast Kautilya’s Saptanga Theory of theSovereignStatewithBodin’stheoryofSovereignty.2011–15marks
8. WhydidKautilyathinkthatsovereigntyishierarchical?Explain.2010–15marks.
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9. DoesBodin’s theoryof sovereigntyfloat in theair?Criticallyexamine.2010–20marks.
10. CompareBodin’sandAustin’sviewsonsovereignty.2009–20marks.
11. CriticallyexamineKautilya’ssaptangtheoryofsovereignstate.2008–20marks.
12. Explain the notion of sovereignty. Critically consider in thiscontext the claim that sovereignty is illimitable and logicallyindivisible.2006–60marks.
3. Individual and State: Rights; Duties and Accountability
1. “Human rights and human dignity would no longer be theproduct of a particular culture, rather a common humanaspirationforanidealworld.”Discuss.(2018/20)
2. Out of rights and duties which one is prior to the other ?Discussinthecontextofaccountability.(2017/10)
3. Howareindividualandgrouprightsreconciledindemocracy?Explain.(2015/10)
4. “Allhumanrightsarecenteredon individual rights.”Discuss.(2014/20)
5. What is thesignificanceof includingdutiesofcitizens in theIndianconstitution?(2013/10)
6. Canwedissociaterightsofcitizensfromtheirduties.(2012/12)
7. Cancitizenshaverightswithoutduties?Discusswithexamples.2011–20marks
8. Discuss Kant’s distinction between duties of perfect andimperfectobligation.2011–20marks
9. Can the conception of ‘rights’ of citizens be sustained in asocietycharacterizedbycastediscrimination?Discuss.2011–20marks
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10. Doesaccountabilitynecessarilycontributetomoralperfection?Offeryourviews.2010–15marks.
11. Whichtypeofindividualaccordingtoyoucancontributemoretostrengthenthestate–aliberalistorasocialist?2010–20marks.
12. “Rights and duties are complementary.” Explain. 2009 – 20marks.
13. Do rights necessarily imply corresponding obligations? Towhom does one primarily own obligations – individuals orstate?Discuss.2008–60marks.
14. Criticallyexamine–“Theconceptionofagoodpoliticalorderrestsuponanobjectivelytrueaccountofhumannature.”2006–20marks.
15. Criticallyexamine–“Stateistheactualityofconcretefreedom”.2005–20marks.
4. Forms of Government: Monarchy; Theocracy and Democracy.
1. Whatismeantbyliberaldemocracy?Doesitrequiredeeperprinciples for social cohesion to balance its own strongaffirmationofindividualrights?GivereasonsfromtheIndiancontext.(2018/10)
2. Discusswhether a blending ofmonarchywith democracy isconceivabletoavoidtheirundesirabledefectsformakingthegovernancebetterforcitizensandstate.(2017/10)
3. Iscivildisobedienceinademocraticstatejustifiable?Discuss.(2015/10)
4. Evaluate the nature o and functions of parliamentarydemocracy.(2015/20)
5. Inwhatsense isdemocracybetter formofgovernmentthantheocracy?(2014/15)
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6. What is meant by democracy ? What are various forms ofdemocraticgovernments?(2013/15)
7. Isademocraticgovernmentabletorepresenttheinterestofminoritygroups?(2013/15)
8. Is a democratic government better than a benevolentdictatorship?Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2013/20)
9. Does the combinationofdemocracyand socialism lead to amoreequitablesociety?(2013/10)
10. Democracy ,committed to treating everybody equally , isineffectiveasasystemofgovernment.(2012/12)
11. In a Democracy does a citizen ever have themoral right tobreakalaw?Discusscitizensrighttocivildisobedience.2011–15marks
12. Is majority rule meaningfully reflected in present-daydemocratic governments? Substantiate your answer withsuitableexamples?2010–20marks.
13. Definemonarchy.Isitethicallyjustified?2009–20marks.
14. Istheocracyanoutdatedideology?Discuss.2009–30marks.
15. Democraticgovernmentclaimstobepromotingtheprinciplesofpoliticalphilosophyofdemocracy.2008–20marks.
16. Critically examine - democracy that gives equal weight toeveryone’s opinion is inefficient in determining the right orwrongthingtodo.2007–20marks.
17. Critically examine – democracy which treats everybody’sopinionequallyisinefficientindeterminingtherightthingtodo.2006–20marks.
18. Politicaldemocracyishollowunlessaccompaniedwithpowerintheareaofeconomics.2005–20marks.
19. Criticallyexamine-Theconceptofdemocracyisanessentiallycontestedconcept.2004-20marks.
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20. Doyouthinkthatdemocracyisthebestformofgovernment?Is there any scope of “beyond democracy”? In this context,analyzethenotionofmeritocracy.2002–60marks.
21. Critically examine - “The idea of democracy is paradoxical.”2001-20marks.
5. Political Ideologies: Anarchism; Marxism and Socialism
1. Are Marxian Socialism and individual freedom consistent ?Discusscritically.(2018/15)
2. DoyousubscribetothepoliticalideologyofAnarchists?Justifyyouranswer.(2018/15)
3. Discuss in the context of Anarchy whether the freedom ofanindividualisconsistentwiththesovereigntyofthestate?(2017/10)
4. Does Marxism curb individual freedom in the name ofprotectingsocialjustice?Discuss(2017/20)
5. PoliticalideologyofAnarchism.(2012/12)
6. What are the basic differences between Marxism andSocialism?2011–20marks
7. CanitbesaidthatSocialismisaweakerversionofMarxism?Discuss.2011–20marks
8. IsDemocraticSocialismacontradictioninterms?Discuss.2011–20marks
9. Whichtypeofsocialism,accordingtoyou,issuperior–utopianordemocratic?Why?2010–20marks.
10. Criticallyexamine-‘Acceptanceoftheauthorityofthestateisinconsistentwiththehighestdutyofmankind,“thedutytoactautonomously”’(RobertPaulWolff).2007–20marks.
11. Describeyourunderstandingofsocialism.Mustitbedefinedinnormativetermsofasetofvaluesandidealswhichsocialists
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seektorealize,orindescriptivetermsofthespecificeconomicandpolitical institutionsof socialist society?Can the tensionbetweenthetwobeadequatelyresolved?Discuss.2007–60marks.
12. Criticallyexamine-‘Acceptanceoftheauthorityofthestateisinconsistentwiththehighestdutyofmankind,“thedutytoactautonomously”’(RobertPaulWolff).2006–20marks.
13. Describeyourunderstandingofsocialism.Mustitbedefinedinnormativetermsofasetofvaluesandidealswhichsocialistsseektorealize,orindescriptivetermsofthespecificeconomicandpolitical institutionsof socialist society?Can the tensionbetweenthetwobeadequatelyresolved?Discuss.2006–60marks.
6. Humanism; Secularism; Multiculturalism.
1. What form of humanism do you approve as relevant in thepresentdaycontext?Discussindetail.(2018/15)
2. What do you understand by multi-culturalism ? How areglobalization andmulti-culturalism related ?Howdoes theirrelationshipaffectculturalchanges?(2018/20)
3. DoyousubscribetotheviewthatIndianculturalidentityneedstointegratetheprinciplesofmulticulturalismandrespectforthedignityofeachperson?Justifyyouranswer.(2018/10)
4. DoyouagreewiththeviewthatsecularismasawesternidealisredundantintheIndiancontext?DiscussinthecontextofthemulticulturalIndiansociety.(2017/20)
5. Ismulticulturalismaneedofglobalsociety?Discuss.(2015/15)
6. How is religious nationalism a threat to secular society?Explain.(2015/20)
7. Explain descriptive and normative perspectives onmulticulturalism.(2014/15)
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8. How does multiculturalism redefine liberal notions likeidentity,freedomandequalityandreformulateitsassumptions?(2014/10)
9. HowdowedistinguishliberalhumanismandMarxisthumanism?(2014/10)
10. Doestheideaofequalrespecttoallreligionprovideaviableandconsistentstatepolicy?(2013/10)
11. “SecularisminIndiancontextisnotarejectionofreligionbutfellowshipofreligions.”Discuss.(2012/20)
12. In what ways is humanism different Marxism ? Discuss .(2012/20)
13. What is multiculturalism ? Can it be impediment fordevelopmentandprogress?Discuss.(2012/20)
14. TheTerm‘multi-culturalism’hasbeenusedinbothadescriptiveandanormativesense.Discuss.2011–15marks
15. Issecularismanalogoustoatheism?ExamineinIndiancontext.2009–30marks.
16. Ismulticulturalismaboonorabane?Discuss.2008–60marks.
17. Criticallyexamine-“Christianhumanismisacontradictioninterms.”2006–20marks.
18. Whatishumanism?Whatareitsdifferentkinds?InwhatwayifanyisM.N.Roy’sradicalhumanismdifferentfromMarxism?Discuss.2005–60marks.
7. Crime and Punishment: Corruption, Mass Violence, Genocide, Capital Punishment.
1. What measures do you suggest to eradicate corruption inIndiandemocracy?(2018/10)
2. Canyoujustifycapitalpunishmentforcrimeslikerape,murderandcorruption?Discuss(2017/15)
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3. “Theaimofpunishmentistodefendthemorallawandtodojusticetocriminal.”Discuss.(2015/15)
4. Analyse the statement with reasons that “Power corrupts ,absolutepowercorruptsabsolutely”.(2014/20)
5. Whichtheoryofpunishmentretributiveorrestorative,doyourecommendandwhy?(2014/20)
6. Can we say that racial supremacy is the main reason forgenocide?Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2014/10)
7. Doescorruptionhavenotonlyamoraldimensionbutalsoaneconomicdimension?(2013/10)
8. Whatcanbethecausesofmassviolence?canmassviolencebejustifiedonmoralground?Discuss(2012/30)
9. Cancapitalpunishmentbejustified?Answerwithreferencetothetheoriesofpunishment.2011–15marks
10. If capital punishment is legally awarded, then no ethico-politicoconsiderationshouldsubvertit.Expressyouropinionfororagainst.2010–20marks.
11. List the various sanctions permitting genocide and clearlybring out the ethical counter-arguments against it. 2010–20marks.
12. “You are not punished for stealing the sheep, but you arepunishedsothatnosheepisstolen.”Discussastowhichtheoryofpunishmentthisstatementbelongs.2009–20marks.
13. Iscapitalpunishmentinyourviewethicallyjustified?2009–30marks.
14. “Punishmentrulesall creatures,punishmentpreserves themall.”2008–20marks.
15. Consider why punishment is generally thought to requirejustification.Inthiscontext,giveyourcriticalandcomparativeaccountofthemaintheoriesofpunishment.2007–60marks.
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16. Describethetensionbetweenconsequentialistandretributivisttheory of punishments. Discuss critically in this context theviewthatarguesthatsincenoexistingpenalsystemforcrime-preventionhasadequatejustification,statepunishmentcannotbejustified;andtherefore,itshouldbecompletelyabolished.2006–60marks.
17. Discussthenotionofpunishment.Considerinthiscontexttheimportanceandimplicationsoftheprincipleofproportionalityof punishment which requires that severity of punishmentbeproportionate to theseriousnessof thecrime.2004–60marks.
18. Critically examine - “Retributive and deterrent theories ofpunishmentaremutuallycomplementary.”2003–20marks.
8. Development and Social Progress
1. Critically evaluatewhether the ideal of social progress givesa secondary significance to an individual’s freedom over hisduties.(2017/15)
2. Evaluatetheconceptofsocialdevelopmentasrootedinethicalprinciplesagainsttheconceptofsocialprogressbeingbasedoneconomicandpoliticalideals.(2017/20)
3. “Inequitabledevelopmentleadstosocialconflictsratherthansocialprogress.”Explain.(2015/10)
4. By eliminating alienation can we bring social progress ?(2014/15)
5. Issocialprogresspossiblewithouthumanism?Examine.2010–15marks.
6. What do you understand by progress? Have human beingsmade progress in all fields of their activity? Discuss. 2005–60marks.
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9. Gender Discrimination: Female Foeticide, Land and Property Rights; Empowerment
1. Is feminism an ideology for empowerment or for equality ?Discuss.(2018/15)
2. Howdoyouevaluategenderdiscriminationinthecontextoffemalefoeticide?(2018/15)
3. Isempowermentofwomenasufficientmeanstotheirequalrightstoland,propertyanddivorce?Discussinthecontextofreligioussanction.(2017/15)
4. Will a severe punishment for crimes againstwomen changethemindsetofsociety?Justifyyourposition.(2017/15)
5. Whatdoesgenderdiscriminationmean?Isnotaviolationofequalityandsocialjustice?Discuss.(2015/15)
6. Does economic empowerment of women eliminate genderdiscrimination?Discuss.(2015/15)
7. “Oneisnotbornwoman,butshebecomesawoman.Criticallycommentonit.(2014/15)
8. What do you understand by ‘gender equality’ andwhy is itimportant?(2013/15)
9. Iseconomicindependenceessentialforequalitybetweenmenandwomen?(2013/15)
10. Why is adequate representation of women in politicalinstitutionimportantinthiscontext?(2013/20)
11. Womanempowermentandsocialjustice.(2012/12)
12. Isthereanynecessaryconnectionbetweensocialprogressandprotectionagainstfemalefoeticide?Discuss.(2012/20)
13. “Denial of access and inheritance of land and property towomen is denial of their fundamental as human.” Discuss(2012/20)
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14. Doestherighttopropertybringeconomicdisparityandthreathumanfraternity?Discuss.2010–20marks.
15. Can only the political empowerment of women wipe outgender discrimination in a male-dominated Indian society?2010–20marks.
16. ExaminethelandandpropertyrightsofwomeninIndia.Howfardotheycontributetoempowerwomen?2009–60marks.
17. Critically examine – “sex is the biological category whereasgenderisaculturallyshapedexpressionofsexualdifference.”2005-20marks.
18. Critically examine – “Gender equality can be realized onlywithinasocialistregime.”
19. What,inyourview,isthesource(s)ofgenderinequality?Isitprimarilyrootedinhumanbiology?Inwhatway,ifatall?Canthisinequalitybebridged?Explainanddefendyourpositionontheseissues.
20. Criticallyexamine-“Genderequality:meaningandneed.”
21. Criticallyexamine-“Thecauseofgenderinequalityisentirelybiological.”
10. Caste Discrimination: Gandhi and Ambedkar
1. It is said that the traditional hold of caste-based groups onIndian social behaviour has survived all attempts to buildalternate identities. Discuss in the light of M.K. Gandhi.(2018/10)
2. Iscastediscriminationaresultofthesuperioritycomplexofaprivilegedclassofthesocietyorofreligiousrituals?DiscusswithreferencetotheviewsofpropoundedbyDrB.R.Amebkar.(2017/10)
3. EvaluateAmbedkar’scritiqueofcastesystem.(2015/20)
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4. “Manmustgrowmateriallyaswellasspiritually.”EvaluatethisstatementofAmbedkar.(2015/15)
5. WhatarethebasicdifferencesbetweenGandhiandAmbedkarregardingcastediscrimination?(2014/15)
6. Ifcastediscriminationhasanycontinuityandhierarchywhichprincipleofjusticecandissolvethisproblem?(2014/10)
7. Is there any impact of castediscriminationondemocracy inIndiancontext?(2013/10)
8. WhatwereGandhi’sviewsonvarnaandjati?CriticallydiscussAmbedkar’sdisagreementwithGandhi’s treatmentofvarna.(2012/30)
9. “Casteisnotasin,butcaste-discriminationis.”Asaconcernedcitizen,commentcriticallyonthisstatement.2010–20marks.
10. Discuss the impact of caste-discrimination – affirmative orotherwiseontheharmonyofthesocietyasawhole.2008–60marks.
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PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
1. Notions of God: Attributes; Relation to Man and the World (Indian and Western).
1. Is Hinduism polytheistic ? Give reasons for your answer.(2018/10)
2. Theterms“Sacred’and‘Holy’havecometoserveasgenericnames for theobjectof religion.Doyouagree thatonecanhaveGodastheobjectofreligion?Discuss.(2018/20)
3. CriticallydiscusstherelationshipofmanwithGodintheYogasystemofphilosophy.(2017/10)
4. Whatisanon-theologicalconceptofGod?Howisitdifferentfrom theological concept of God ? Discuss with arguments.(2017/15)
5. WriteacriticalnoteontheattributesofGod.(2015/10)
6. Elucidatethestatusofmanintherealmofbetweenimmanenceandtranscendence.(2014/20)
7. Isgodindispensableforreligion?(2013/10)
8. Explainthedistinctionbetweendeismandtheism.(2012/20)
9. Discuss the salient features of traditional orthodox religion.2011–15marks
10. “Religion is not just false, it is harmful.” Discuss. 2011/ 15marks
11. “TobemanistostrivetobeGod.”Discuss.09/30
12. Comment on the statement – “Religion only promised, butneverfulfilledthepromise.”08/30
13. CandeismbesatisfactorytheoryinthecontextofGodofgraceanddevotion?Discuss.08/20
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14. Godisnotthesubjecttothelawoflogic.Criticalnotes.07/20.
15. Traditionally omnipotence has been seen as one of theattributesofGod.But,accordingtosomecritic,thenotionofomnipotentbeingisparadoxical.Inresponsesometheisthastriedtoresolvetheallegedparadox.Describetheparadoxandexplaintheattempttoresolveit.07/60.
16. Traditionally omnipotence has been seen as one of theattributesofGod.But,accordingtosomecritic,thenotionofomnipotentbeingisparadoxical.Inresponsesometheisthastriedtoresolvetheallegedparadox.Describetheparadoxandexplaintheattempttoresolveit.06/60.
17. The difference between impersonalistic and naturalisticconceptionofGod.Criticalnotes.06/20.
18. “IfGodisomniscient,thenhumansarenotfree.”
19. IsGoddead(Nietzsche)orliving(faithfulpeople)?
20. Whatdothe immanenceandtranscendencemeanintalkingaboutGod?IsGodreallyimmanentortranscendent?
21. ImpersonalisticconceptionofGod.
2. Proofs for the Existence of God and their Critique (Indian and Western).
1. DoestheconceptofGodentailtheexistenceofGod?Examinefromtheperspectiveofontologicalargument.(2018/15)
2. CompareSt.ThomasAquinas’fivewaysofknowingGodwiththeargumentsoftheNyāyaSchoolofIndianPhilosophyfortheexistenceofGod.(2018/20)
3. Compare and contrast the different forms of cosmologicalargumentsfortheexistenceofGod.(2017/15)
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4. Is existenceofGodanecessary condition for the survival ofreligion?Explain.(2015/10)
5. Examine the Nyaya arguments in favour of the existence ofGod.(2015/20)
6. ExaminetheontologicalandcosmologicalargumentsinfavourofexistenceofGod.(2015/15)
7. DiscusstheontologicalargumentfortheexistenceofGod,andshowitsmeritsanddemerits.(2014/15)
8. Canitself-contradictorytoaccepttheideaofGodbutdenytheexistenceofGod?(2014/15)
9. StateandelucidatecosmologicalargumentfortheexistenceofgodinWesternandIndianphilosophy.(2013/15)
10. Discusstwomainobjectionsagainstthisargument.Aretheistabletoanswerthesesatisfactorily.(2013/15)
11. Criticallyevaluatethreemainobjectionsagainsttheargumentfromdesignfortheexistenceofgod.(2013/20)
12. Can God’s existence be proved with cogent and convincingrationalarguments?(2012/12)
13. Why is a proof for the existence of God necessary for thegrowthofareligion?Discuss.2011/15marks
14. IscontingentargumentfortheexistenceofGodanythingmorethanalogicalexercise?Discuss.10/20
15. Ifeachandeveryargumenthastotakethat itspremisesaretrue,wouldthecausalargumentfortheexistenceofGodasthefirstcausebedifferentfromassumingthatitistrue?Argueinfavourofyourposition.10/20
16. Humanmindissuchthatitnaturallyobservesorderinnature.GiventhiscanoneuseargumentsfromdesignfortheexistenceofGod?Discuss.10/20.
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17. Critically examine the causal argument as a proof for theexistenceofGod.09/20.
18. AnalysetheteleologicalargumentasaprooffortheexistenceofGod.09/30
19. DifferentversionsofontologicalargumentsandKant’scritiqueofthesearguments.Criticalnote.08/20
20. Stateandevaluatethecosmologicalargumentfortheexistenceof God. What are its two forms? What is the differencebetween a dependent being and self-existent being?Why istheself-existentbeing theo-centric?Can thenature itselfbeconceivedasself-existentbeing?Discuss.07/60
21. Stateandevaluatethecosmologicalargumentfortheexistenceof God. What are its two forms? What is the differencebetween a dependent being and self-existent being?Why istheself-existentbeing theo-centric?Can thenature itselfbeconceivedasself-existentbeing?Discuss.06/60.
22. “Godisthefirstreasonofthings.”Criticalnotes.05/20
23. “IfGodexistsonlyinsomeone’smind,thegreatestconceivablebeing isnotafterall thegreatestconceivablebeing.”Criticalnotes.05/20.
24. Sometheistsquestiontherelevancyofproofsandargumentsfortheisticbeliefs.BelieversintheirviewarenotirrationalforwantofprooffortheirbeliefinGodbecauseproofsareneithernecessarynorsufficientforreligiouslife.Wouldyouagreewithsuchaview?Discuss.
25. Is the ontological argument for the existence of God reallyinvalid?Criticalnotes.
26. Do any of these received proofs for the existence of Godsucceed in provingGod’s existence?Discuss. In this context,criticallyconsiderespeciallythecosmologicalargument.
27. OntologicalprooffortheexistenceofGod.Criticalnotes.
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3. Problem of Evil
1. Howdoyoudefineanon-theologicalconceptofevil?Explain(2017/10)
2. IsGodthecauseofnaturalevil?Explain.(2015/10)
3. Do you think that evil is a bitter pill which no theist canswallow?Discuss.(2015/15)
4. IsevilreconcilablewiththebenevolentGod?(2014/20)
5. Dotheistsucceedinexplainingthenaturalevilintheworldasanecessarycounterparttogood?(2013/10)
6. “God permitted suffering to discipline the human being.”(2012/12)
7. “The problem of evil arises when we attribute infiniteknowledge, power and goodness toGod acknowledging thefact of innocent persons’ suffering.One cannot bemistakenabout one’s own experience and suffering is an experience.Hence,Godcannothaveat leastoneofthethreeattributes;infinite knowledge, power and goodness.” Evaluate thisargument.10/15
8. Ifevilandsufferingsaretherealexperiencesofindividualself,whatroledotheyplayinrealisingself-transcendence?09/20.
9. How can a theist resolve theproblemof evil?Does evil nottelluponomnipotenceandomniscienceofGod?CanGodbethoughtofasimperfectandpowerlessinthisregard?Discusscriticallyforandagainstthetwopossibleoppositeviewsandjustifyyourownposition.08/60
10. “God permitted evil to exist in order to bring about greatergood,Adam’sfallwasfelixculpa(happysin).”–Leibnitz.Criticalnotes.07/20.
11. “TheproblemofevilistheproblemofreconcilingtheimperfectworldwiththegoodnessofGod.”Criticalnotes.05/20
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12. Describe the problemof evil. Some theologicians utilise thefree-willargumenttoresolvethisproblem.How?Discuss.
4. Soul: Immortality; Rebirth and Liberation.
1. Evaluate the concept of Bhakti (Devotion) as a pathway toattainliberation.(2018/15)
2. Howfarisitplausibletoarguethattheanti-theisticreligions’standontheconceptofrebirthisphilosophicallysignificant?(2018/10)
3. Discuss whether the doctrine of immortality of soul isindispensableforareligion.(2017/10)
4. Is there an essential difference between the concept ofliberationintheologicalandnon-theologicalapproachesoflife?Discuss(2017/20)
5. Doesthe‘DoctrineofDependentOrigination’reconcilethetwoextremeviewsonthelawofcausation,namelySatkaryavadaandAsatkaryavada?Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2016/20)
6. “Immortalitymeans absenceof karmaand rebirth.”Discuss.(2015/15)
7. What is liberation? Briefly discuss the ways to attain it asoutlinedinthesystemofVedanta.(2015/20)
8. Howdoyoujustifyrebirthwithorwithoutthesoul?(2014/10)
9. Whataretheargumentsgiveninfavourofimmortalityofsoul?(2014/10)
10. Compareandcontrasttheconceptof liberationaccordingto‘Advait’and‘Visishtadvait’.(2014/15)
11. Isthereanythingelseotherthanhumaneffortswhichmaybeconducivetoattainmentofliberation?(2013/10)
12. Are rebirth and liberation analogous concepts ? Explain(2012/12)
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13. Is the ideaof immortalityofsoulutopianor it is realizable?Discuss(2012/20)
14. Isabeliefintheimmortalityofthesoulanecessarypreconditionforreligion?Discuss.2011–20marks
15. Isabeliefinrebirthandreincarnationpossiblewithoutabeliefintheimmortalityofthesoul?Discuss.2011–20marks
16. CanBuddhism,becauseofitsdoctrineof‘anatta’,beregardedasareligionornot?Discuss.2011–20marks
17. Whatsortofcriteriacanoneprovideforidentifyingrebirthasopposedtobirth?Discuss.10/15
18. Why is grace of God needed for liberation?Discusswith anexample.10/20
19. Distinguish between Indian concept of jivatma and Plato’sconceptofsoul.10/20
20. Ifignoranceisthecauseofsuffering,knowledgeshouldremovesuffering.Whatisthenotionofknowledgewhichaliberatedpersonacquires?Discuss.10/20
21. Explainwhymanhasadesireforimmortality.09/30
22. Possibility of rational understanding of immortality andliberation.Criticalnotes.08/20.
23. Without some conception of immortality, religion has nomeaning.Criticallyexamine.07/20.
24. Explainthedoctrineofthelawofkarma.Isitcompatiblewiththefreedomofwill?Discuss.07/60.
25. Without some conception of immortality, religion has nomeaning.Criticallyexamine.06/20.
26. Explainthedoctrineofthelawofkarma.Isitcompatiblewiththefreedomofwill?Discuss.06/60.
27. Without some conception of immortality, religion has nomeaning.Criticallyexamine.05/20.
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28. IsChristiandoctrineoftheimmortalityofsoulcompatiblewiththeGita’sdoctrineofatman?Discuss.05/60.
29. Whatdoyouunderstandbyliberation?Isitpossibleforonetobeliberatedinthisverylife?Ifitis,whatarethecharacteristicsofaliberatedperson?Discuss.05/60.
30. Relationbetweenreligionandsalvation.Criticalnotes.
31. Can the results of a finite action of an individual (karma)determine thenatureof the immortal soul (atman)? Criticalnotes.
32. AdvaitaVedantatheoryofjivanmukti.Criticalnotes.02/20.
33. Whatismeantbyimmortalityofsoul?AnalysetheargumentoftheBhagvadGitainthisregard.
5. Reason, Revelation and Faith
1. Discuss whether the voluntarist’s theories of faith areadequate.(2017/15)
2. Doreasonandfaithgotogether?Discuss.(2015/10)
3. Canrevelationbejustifiedbyreason?Discuss(2015/15)
4. Canreasonbeusedtojustifyfaith?(2014/15)
5. Isreligiousfaithopposedtoreason?(2013/10)
6. The concept of revelation is essentially opposed to religiouspluralism. Do you agree ? Give reasons for your answer.(2012/30)
7. Discusstheroleofreason,revelationandfaith inthesphereofreligion.Aretheycompatible? Ifnot,howtoresolvetheirapparentinconsistency?08/60
8. “Religious faith consists of a set of profoundly unfalsifiableassumptionsthatgovernallofaperson’sotherbeliefs.”(R.M.Hare).Criticalnotes.06/20
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9. Explainthenotionofrevelation.Doesrevelationstandinneedof confirmation? Discuss and also explain the difference orsimilaritybetweenrevelationandshruti.06/60
10. Pointouttherelativeimportanceofreasonandrevelationinreligion.Arethetwocompatible?Discuss.
6. Religious Experience: Nature and Object (Indian and Western)
1. In order to make expressions of religious experiencescommunicable,whatkindoflanguageneedstobeconsideredandused?Explain.(2017/15)
2. ExplainthenatureofmysticismHinduismandIslam.(2015/15)
3. Discuss the conflicting nature of religious experience withspecialreferencetoBuddhismandJainism.(2014/15)
4. Whatisthenatureofmysticalexperience?(2013/15)
5. Is mystical experience open to different interpretations?(2013/15)
6. Can mystical experience be regarded as valid source ofknowledge?(2013/20)
7. What istheobjectofreligiousexperience? Is itempiricalortrans-empirical?Explainindetail.(2012/30)
8. Ifreligiousexperienceisunique,whatmakesitanexperience?Howisthisexperiencelogicallydifferentfromtheexperienceofloneliness,happiness,etc.?10/20
9. Explainthenatureofreligiousexperience.Canthisexperiencebevalidated?09/20
10. The difference between numinous and mystical experience.Criticalnotes.07/20.
11. The difference between numinous and mystical experience.Criticalnotes.06/20.
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12. “Mysticism is the power of spiritual access to domains ofknowledge closed off to ordinary thought.” Critical notes.05/20.
7. Religion without God
1. Can you justify religionwithoutGod? Support your answer.(2018/10)
2. Critically evaluate the Buddhistic arguments against theexistenceofGodasthecreatoroftheworld.(2018/15)
3. IsGodnecessaryforreligion?Justifyyouranswer.(2017/10)
4. WhatisthecentralconceptinareligionwithoutGod?Discuss.(2010/15)
5. Canatheismbeareligion?Discuss.(2005/60).
6. Whenareligionisdefinedasreligare,isBuddhismorJainismareligion?Whatarethecriteriaforanorganisationtobecalledareligion?Shouldtherebeatranscendentalrealityinareligion?Discuss.
7. ReligionwithoutGod.Criticalnotes.
8. Religion and Morality
1. Can one claim that there is an inter-relatedness between‘religiosityand‘immorality’?Discuss.(2018/10)
2. Doesacommittedreligiouspersongoagainstsocialmorality?Discussfrommoralperspective.(2017/10)
3. What will be the authority and acceptance of the absoluteethicalvaluesinthenon-theologicalsystemofsocialpractices?Discuss(2017/15)
4. Can a religious person take an elastic view about religiousideals,principlesandpractices,etc.whicharesupposedtobeeternal?Willitmakereligionprogressiveorwillitdemolishitsauthority?Discusscritically.(2017/15)
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5. Ismoralitynecessarilybasedonreligion?Discuss.(2015/10)
6. “Anatheistmaybebettermanthanareligiouspersonbereftofmoralvalues.”Discuss.(2015/15)
7. Howfarcanreligiousmoralityincorporateindividualfreedom?(2014/20)
8. Isreligiousconsistentwithindividualfreedom?(2013/10)
9. “IfGoddoesnotexistthenwhyoneshouldonebemoralallthetime?”Discuss(2012/20)
10. “I can be moral without being religious, but I cannot bereligiouswithoutbeingmoral.”Doyouagree?Givereasonsforyouranswer.(2012/20)
11. Examinetheviewthatthefoundationofmorality ispossibleonlyinareligiousframework.2011–15marks
12. If morality has to follow from religion, can there a rationaljustificationformoralactions?Discuss.10/15
13. Proprietaryofreligionwithoutmorality.Criticalnotes.08/20.
14. Distinguishbetweenreligiousandsecularethics.Discussinthiscontexttheviewthatholdsthatsecularethicsaresuperiortoreligiousethicsbecausereligiousethicsareessentiallybasedon rules without decisive regard for consequences whereassecularethicsastheirbestaimatproducingthebestover-allconsequences.06/60.
15. Secular ethics cannot satisfactorily answer the question –“WhyshouldIbemoralallthetime?”
16. AreGodand religionnecessarypresuppositionsofmorality?ElucidateyouranswerfollowingKant.Alsoconsidercriticallyinthiscontextthepossiblegroundsofmoralityfollowingatheists.
17. Religion without morality is empty and morality withoutreligion is blind. Do you agree with this contention? Givereasonsinsupportofyourview.
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9. Religious Pluralism and the Problem of Absolute Truth
1. “Truth is one, yet people perceive differently.” CriticallyevaluatebyconsideringthepresentIndiancontext.(2018/15)
2. Distinguish between Exclusivism, Inclusivism and Pluralismwithregardtotheconflictingtruth-claimsofdifferentreligions.(2018/20)
3. Does religion guarantee the absolute truth ? Discuss in thecontextofreligiouspluralism.(2017/15)
4. CanpluralistperspectivevindicateAbsoluteTruth?(2014/10)
5. IfGodisregardedas‘one’,willitgiverisetoreligiousconflicts?(2014/10)
6. On what grounds , dichotomy between ‘is’ and ‘ought’ caneitherbejustifiedorrejected?(2014/10)
7. Can the notion of absolute truth be justified on rationalgrounds?(2012/12)
8. DotheconceptofIshvaraandBrahmansignifythesamerealityinAdvaitVedanta?(2012/12)
9. Explain the notion of truth as “Ekam Sat Viprah BahudhaVadanti” (Truth is one, the learned interpret it differently.)2011–20marks
10. Doesthenotionofabsolutetruthgiverisetointoleranceandreligiousconflicts?Discuss.2011–20marks
11. Howcanreligiousconflictsabouttruthberesolved?Discuss.2011–20marks
12. IsWilliamJamesrightinholdingthatreligiousdisputesarelikeconflictsinaestheticappreciation?Discuss.2011–20marks
13. Arereligiousdoctrinesanddebatesverifiable?Discuss.2011–20marks
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14. Examine the view that, religious doctrines are not ‘quasi-scientific’ doctrines but represent a form of life. 2011 – 20marks
15. Thefact thatdifferentreligionsoriginatedatdifferentplacesand in different centuries prove that plurality of religion isa fact. How correct would it be to say that all religions areessentiallythesame?Discuss.10/20
16. “Therearenowholetruths,alltruthsarehalf-truths.Itistryingto treat them as whole truth that plays the devil.” Discuss.09/30.
17. Can the God of religion be identified with the absolute ofphilosophy?09/30.
18. Inapluralisticsociety,howcanreligiouspluralismbepractised?Point out distinction among (a) sarvadharmasamanvaya (b)sarvadharmasambhava(c)sarvadharmasadbhava.08/60
19. What is the central issue in the debate between religiouspluralist and religious exclusivist?Discuss in this context theargumentstheyadvanceinsupportoftheirviews.
10. Nature of Religious Language: Analogical and Symbolic; Cognitivist and Non- cognitive
1. Critically examine Braithwaite’s non-cognitive theory ofreligiouslanguage.(2018/15)
2. Inwhatsenseisthesecularuseoflanguagedifferentfromthereligioususeoflanguage?Discuss.(2018/10)
3. Explain the significanceof religious symbols as transcendentreferentthatmediatesintothecultural,spatialandtemporalworld.(2018/15)
4. Is not the language of analogies more confusing and thelanguageofsymbolsmoreunintelligible?Evaluateinthecaseofreligiouslanguage.(2017/20)
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5. Howcanreligiouslanguagebeverified?Isitcorrecttosaythatreligious language is verifiedbecause it cannotbe falsified?Discuss.(2015/20)
6. Howdo you formulate religious languageasnon-cognitive ?(2014/15)
7. What is meant by saying that religious is non-cognitive ?(2013/15)
8. Canreligiouslanguagecansaidtobeverifiable?(2013/15)
9. Docognitivistprovidecogentanswertotheobjectionbasedonfalsifiablity?(2013/20)
10. AnalysePaulTillich’sstatementthat“symboliclanguagealoneisabletoexpresstheultimate.”(2012/20)
11. Discuss the cognitivist account of the nature of religiouslanguage.(2012/20)
12. Religious language is dependent on natural language for ananalogyandasymbolofwork.Whynottreatreligiouslanguageas a specialized language like telegraphic language?Discuss.10/20
13. Isreligiouslanguagesymbolic?Discuss.09/20.
14. “Man’s ultimate concern must be expressed symbolicallybecause symbolic language alone is able to express theultimate.”–PaulTillich.Criticalnotes.04/20
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MIND MAPS
“Theseanswerformatswillprovethemselvesasthemosteffectivetoolsforrevisionsduringexams.”
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CHARVAKA
TheoryofKnowledge
v Perception:theonlypramanav Rejects:
Inferencen Novyapti
i. Perception ii. Inference iii. Shabda iv. Samanyalakshan v. Uniformityofexperience vi. Causalrelation
2.upamana3.Vedas 4. Sabda
v CriticalCommentv Metaphysics
n Materialismn Worldn God
• Soul• Dehatmavada
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BUDDHISM
Pratityasamutpada
• TheoryofDependentorigination
• SecondandThirdNobleTruth
• Bodhi;Dharma
• CausalWheelofDependentOrigination(TwelveLinks):
1 Ignorance(avidya)
2 ImpressionsofKarmicforces(Samskara)
3 Initialconsciounsnessoftheembryo(Vijnana)
4 Psycho-physicalorganism(Nama-rupa)
5 Sixsense-organsincludingmind(Sadayatana)
6 Sense-object-contact(Sparsha)
7 Sense-experience(Vedana)
8 Thirstforsense-enjoyment(Trsna)
9 Clingingtothisenjoyment(Upadana)
10 Willtoreborn(Bhava)
11 Birthofrebirth(Jati)
12 Oldageanddeath(Jara-Marana)
Bhava-Chakra,janama-Marana-Chakra
Bondage,Liberation
• Foundation of all teachings
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1 Ksanikvadao TheoryofMomentarinesso Santanvada,Sanghatvadao Everythingismomentaryo Illusionofunityo Applicabletophenomenaonlyo Criticalcomment
2 Nairatmyavadao TheoryofNo-egoo Bodhi/Prajna:theonlyrealityo Upanishads-Buddha:Misunderstandingo Ideaofre–birth?
3. Theory of karma
4. Sanghatvada
5. Arthkriya- karitva
Criticalcomments
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JAINISM
• Realistic and Relativistic Pluralism
• Anekantavada : Metaphysical side
• Syadvada : Logical & Epistemological side
1 TheoryofRelativityofknowledge2 Useofsyat3 Saptabhanginaya
–Theoryofsevenfoldedjudgement4 Justification
• No skepticism –
• Catholic and Tolerant
• Critical comment
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JAINISM – JIVA
• What
ConsciousspiritConsciousnessbeingtheEssenceQualitativealike;Quantitativedifferent
–Comparativestudy:Indian&Western
Inherentlyperfect-anantchatusteya
AstikayaProofsfortheexistence
• Bondage
IgnoranceAsravaBandhan
• Liberation
-Threejewels-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,EternalUnintelligent,unconscious,everactive
• Unity of three gunas
1 sattva2 Rajas3 Tamas
PralayaawasthaVishamawasstha
• Proofs
1 Bhedanamparimanat2 Samanvyat3 Karyatahpravrttescha4 Karankaryavibhagat5 AvibhagatVishvarupyasya
• Significance
• Critical Comments
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SAMKHYA – PURUSA
• DescriptionSoul,Self,spiritConsciousness is its essenceComparativestudyIntelligent,eternal,inactive,nitya-muktaBondage,liberationSopadhikaPurusa
• Proof1 Teleological2 Logical3 Ontological4 Ethical5 Mystical
• Plurality of PurusaArguments
• Significance
• Critical Comments
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SAMKHYA
SARGA : Theory of Creation
• Two ultimate Principles
• Teleological1 Darshanartham2 Kaivalyartham
• Pralaya AwasthaVisham Awastha
• EvolutesPrakrti:Mahat(firstevolute)
Ahankar:Vaikarikaorsattvika:ekadasindriya
:TaijasikorRajas:energy
:BhutadiorTamasa:5Subtlephysicalelements
(Tanmatras)
:5grossphysicalelements
(Mahabhuta)
Total 23 evolutes + Prakriti + Purusa = philosophy of 25 principles
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• Not new Creation – satkaryavada form of causation - Prakritipari-
namvada
• Evolution is cyclic
• Critical comment
-Notconsistent
(i) RealContact?
(ii) Proximity
(iii) Theoryofsemblanceofcontact
-Asatkaryavada
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SAMKHYA - LIBERATION
v Bondagev Sufferings/Pain
1. Ahdyatmaika2. Adhibhautika3. Adhidaivika
• Guna, pleasure, heaven
v Liberationv Jivenmuktiv Videhamukti
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YOGA
Samkhya – YogaEnd & meansFirst evoluteChitta vritti
1. Pramana2. Viparaya3. Vikalpa4. Nidra5. smriti
Klesa1. avidya2. asmita3. raga4. dvesha5. abhinivesh
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Chitta Bhumi1. Ksipta2. Muddha3. Viksipta4. Ekagra5. 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. Pratyaksha(Perception)2. Anumana(Inference)3. Upamana(Comparison)4. Sabda(Testimony)
PERCEPTION
v Whatv Processv Stages
1. Nirvikalpa2. Savikalpa
Comparativestudy:western
v Kinds
1. Laukika perception
i Internal ii External
1. Alaukika perception
i. Samanyalakshana ii. Jnanalakshan iii. Yogaja
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INFERENCE
• What
Pada–hetu,paksa,sadhyaVyaptiPakshadharmataParamarsha
• Classification
1 SwarthPararthanumana-panchavyavas
2 (i)puravat(ii) sheshvat(iii) samanytadrsta
3 Onthebasisofvyapti(i) kevalanvayi(ii) kevalvyatireki(iii) Anvayavyatireki
• Fallacy
• Critical Comment
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VAISESIKA
VYAPTI
v What• 3Pada• Significance
v Kinds1) Asamvyapti2) Samvyapti
v Methods of establishing1) Anvaya2) Vyatireki3) Vyabhicaragraha4) Upadhinirasa5) Trak6) Samanyalakshanpratyakshapramana
v Critical comments
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HETVABHASA
v What
v Characteristic of valid Hetu
v Kinds
1.Asiddha
i. Ashrayasiddha
ii. Svarupasiddha
iii. Vyapyatvasiddha
2.Savyabhicara
i. Sadharan
ii. Asadharan
iii. Anupasamhari
2. Satpratipaksha
3. Badhita
4. Virudha
v Fomal / Material Fallacy ?
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HETVABHASA
v What
v Characteristic of valid Hetu
v Kinds
1.Asiddha
i. Ashrayasiddha
ii. Svarupasiddha
iii. Vyapyatvasiddha
2.Savyabhicara
i. Sadharan
ii. Asadharan
iii. Anupasamhari
2. Satpratipaksha
3. Badhita
4. Virudha
v Fomal / Material Fallacy ?
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ATEGORIES / PADARTH
v What
v Two Classes
A. Bhava/BeingB. Abhava/non-being
Bhava / Being1. Dravya2. Guna3. Karma4. Vishesha5. Samanya
a. Classconcept,classessence,universalb. Subsists inc. Samanyalakshanalaukikaperceptiond. BuddhistconceptofApoha
6. Samavaya
a. Eternalrelationb. Samyogaandvibhag
v Abhava /Non-Being
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7. Abhava
(i) Negativecategory(ii) Non-existenceofanything(iii) Types
A) AnyonyabhavaB) Samsargabhava
1. Pragabhava2. Pradhavamsabhava3. Atyantabhav
v Critical Comment
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NYAYA THEOLOGY
v God
n One,infinite,eternal,efficientcausen Sadaisvaryan Karmaphaldata
v Proofs for God’s existence
1. Causal arguments2. Adrsta arguments3. Authoritativenessofthescriptures4. Testimonyofshruti5. Dynamismtoatoms6. Numericalconcept7. Supportoftheworld8. Word-meaning
v 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
v “Brahmansatyamjagatmithya
JivoBrahmaivanaparah”
v Brahman
-Indeterminate&non-dual
-Indescribable
-Nirguna
-Sacchidananda
-3levelsofreality
-Trikalabadhita
-Abheda-distinctionless
v Brahmanconditionedbymaya
n Jagat
n Isvara
n DualismbetweenBrahman&Atma
v Characteristics of Maya
1. Material and unconscious2.MayaandBrahman:Tadatmya3.Dualaspects 4. Indescribable
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5.Relative6.RemovablebyRightknowledge7.Adhyasa8.Ashrayaandvisaya
v Ramanuja
n Mayan Avidyan Refutation(Anupapatti)
1. Ashrayanupapatti2. Tirodhananupapatti3. Svarupanupapatti4. Anirvachaniyatvanupapatti5. Pramananupapatti6. Nivartakanupapatti7. Nivrtyanupapatti
v Evaluation
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PLATO : THEORY OF IDEAS
What
• Ideas,Forms,Being
• Explanationthroughmetaphors
- Copytheory
- Participationtheory
• Analogy/Allegoryofthecave
Basis
• Perceptualv/sTranscendentalworld
• Dichotomyofexistence
• Rationalinsight
• Validity/Justification
Characteristics
I. Substance
II. Universal
III. Eternal
IV. Simple,pure
V. Supersensible
VI. One,unique,indivisible
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VII. Invariable,constant
VIII. Essence
IX. Beyondspaceandtime
X. Hierarchical:Idea of Good
• To know is to be
• Comparative study
• Critical comment
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ARISTOTLE
Aristotleaimedattheteleologicalexplanationoftheuniverse.Herecounciles
teleology and the mechanistic explanation given science through his
conceptionofmatterandformwhichhasbeendeducedfromtheanalysis
ofcausation.
Four causes
• Material
• Efficient
• Formal
• Final
Form & matter : Actuality & Potentiality
• Form:universalasoect
• Matter:particularaspect
• Inseparable,Relative
• Matter:potentiality
• Form:auctualisation
• UnmovedMover
• Doctrineofunfoldment
• Comparativestudy
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DESCARTE
v CARTESIANMETHOD• Purpose• MathematicalMethod• FourRules
v CARTESIANMETHODOFDOUBT• Deliberate&Universal• Cogitoergosum
n I think, therefore, I amn First self evidenttruth
v Deductions• DualismMind&Body• Externalworld• GodExist:OntologicalproofCosmologicalproof
Importance
Epistemological approach
Critical comment
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SPINOZA
v SUBSTANCE
GeometricalmethodDefinition&Deductions
1) Substanceisone.2) Infinite&unlimited.3) Self-determined&selfcontained4) Everydeterminationisnegation5) Causasui,selfexplanatory6) Eternal
Implicationsv ATTRIBUTES
WhatareattributesInfiniteattributesTheoryofParallelism
v MODES
v Descarte & Spinoza
v Spinoza & Leibnitz
v Implications of Geoometrical Method
v CRITICAL COMMENT
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LEIBNITZ
v Monads
• Monadsaretheultimatesubstance• PluralismasopposedtomonismofSpinoza• Spiritualatoms
v CHARACTERISTICS
1. Eternal2. Individual3. Onlycogitoistheattribute4. Allmonadsareactive5. Selfcontained&selfdetermined6. Infinite7. Windowless : world in miniature
v Kinds of Monads
1. Sleeping2. Dreaming3. Walking
v Principal of continuityv Activities : Perception Appetition
v Pre-Established Harmony
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LOCKE
v Empiricist
v Theoryof“TabulaRasa”
v Rejectionoftheoryofinnateideas
v Knowledge:Consistsofideas
isimple-typesiicomplex-types
v Substance
• Complexidea• Supposedsupportofqualities• I-Know-Not-What
v Primary&Secondaryqualities
v Knowledge:Types
v Limitationtoourknowledge
v Is Locke a consistent Philosopher ?
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BERKELEY
ESSE EST PERCIPI
v ‘Tobetoperceived’v Existenceimpliesbeingperceived
1. Percipiisnotpersonal2. Perceptionisnotlimitedtothe
present3. UltimateperceptionisinGod4. Theory of Notion5. Objects confirm knowledge and
knowledgeconfirmobjects
v DevelopmentfromLockev DoubtsansweredbyBerkeleyv Implications
1. Refutationofmaterialism2. subjectiveidealism3. Establishingtheism
v Criticalcomment
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HUME
v Climaxofempiricism
v Analysesthenatureofhumanknowledge&man’scapacitytoachieveit
v Subjectsinthemind
1.Impressions:(a)simple(b)complex 2. idea
v Refutationofself/notionofpersonalidentity
• Logicaldevelopmentofempiricistthought• Noself• ‘Self’accordingtoHume• Comparative study• Arguments
1. Selfisnotthesubjectofperception2. Selfisnotabsolute3. Thoughtexperiencesitself
• Criticism
1. Merelyconcretizespsychologicalfeelings2. Confusesbetweentheknower&the
known3. Failstoexplainmemory4. Failtoexplaintheprocesso0fknowing
v Causality
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• Refutationofthephilosophicalconceptions• Analysesthebasisofcausality
1. A-priorireasoning2. Demonstration3. sensoryexperiencedoesnotestablishthe
invariability4. Notprovedbyinternalexperience5. Relationofantecedent&consequent6. Thebasisofcausalityishabit&custom7. lawofAssociation
Was Hume skeptic ?
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KANT
v RealproblemofKantv FailureofEmpiricism&Rationalism
Kant:“Botharerightinwhattheyaffirm,Butwronginwhattheydeny”
v Reconciliation1. Bydefiningknowledge2. knowledgeformation
v Synthetic a- priori judgment • Knowledgeisjudgmental&judgementsareof
twotypes:a. Syntheticjudgmentb. Analyticjudgment
• Syntheticjudgmentmaybe:a. A-posteriorib. A-priori
So,kantdefinesknowledgeasthesystemofsyntheticapriorijudgmentse.g.‘5+7=12’
‘Everyeventhasacause’
• Implications• Comment
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• “Allourknowledgebeginswithsenses,pro-
ceedstounderstandingandendswithreason”
Threelevels– i. Levelofsensibility
1. Discreetsensations2. Space&Time
ii. Levelofunderstanding1. 12 categories2. Knowledgeproper
iii. Levelofreason1. 3ideasofreason2. Pseudoknowledge/illusions
Comparativestudy:PerceptionofNyaya-Vaisesika
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IDEAS OF REASON
v Reason v ThreeideasofReasonv Regulativebutnotconstitutiveofknowledgev Paralogismsv Antinomies
• World:theultimateReality• Phenomena-Noumena• 4antinomies–thesis&antithesis• Function/Significance
v Idealofpurereasonv Significance/functionsoftheideasofReason
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HEGEL: DIALECTICAL METHOD
v What
v Absolute idea• TheUltimatereality• Dynamic• Dialecticalevolution
v PrincipalofNegation
v Characteristic1. Triad2. Rational3. Automatic4. continuous5. Nothingislost6. Universal
v Absolute idealism
v Objectiveidealism
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MOORE: REFUTATION OF IDEALISM
v Realist v Defenceofcommonsensephiloso-
pherv RefutationofIdealism1. Analytic or logical method
• Percipi• Est• Esseestpercipi:
1. Thatexistenceofathingisitssenseperception
2. Thatexistenceisoneofthebasicqualityofperception
3. Thatexistenceisaninferenceformthefactofperception
2. Metaphysical arguments
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LOGICAL ATOMISM
• What
- Philosophical method to discoverfunda-mental elements
- Logicalanalysis• Logical atom
• Comparative study
• Facts
- Negative&Positive- Particular&Universal- Simple&Universal
• Propositions
- Atomic- Molecular- Truthful functions of molecular
proposition• Symbols
- Complex- Incomplete symbols
• Logical Construction
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THEORY OF PERSON : STRAWSON
v Linguisticphilosopherv BasicParticularv Rejects
1. No-ownershipTheory2. OwnershipTheory
v Rejectsv Theory
• Conceptofperson• Basicparticular• UnionofBody&Mind
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LOGICAL POSITIVISTS
v Recent trend
v TwoAspects1. Positive2. Negative
v Aims1. Nospeculation2. Nometaphysics3. Evaluatingscientificassertion
v EliminationofMetaphysics,verificationprinciple
v Wittgenstein• Pseudo-proposition• Devoidofobjectivereference• Notbaseduponinternalexperience
v Rudolf Carnap• Notbasedup• Devoidofanymeaningorsense• Pseudoconcepts• Notbasedonexperienceofhighly
spiritualpersonsv A.J.Ayer
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PHENOMENOLOGY: E. HUSSERL
v What• Aprioriinvestigation• Primitiveoutlook• Phenomenologicalreduction
v ChiefCharacteristic
v Method
• Rigorousscience• Twobasicinternalmoments
i. Epoche ii. Reductionproper
- PsychologicalReduction- EideticRedution- TranscendentalReduction
v Phenomena
v Doctrineofintentionality