Question : How does Aristotle’s notion of causation differ from the modern notion of causation?

(2010)

Question : Plato’s analogy of the cave and its significance in his theory of knowledge.

(2009)

Question : Aristotle’s teleological conception of causation.

(2008)

Question : Discuss the theory of matter according to Aristotle.

(2006)

Question : Plato’s recollection theory of knowledge.

(2006)

Question : Distinction between opinion and knowledge.

(2005)

Question : Why does Spinoza think that god alone is absolutely real? Explain.

(2010)

Question : What is the basic difference between Leibniz & Kant on the concepts of space & time?

(2010)

Question : Interactionism in the philosophical context.

(2009)

Question : ‘’Descartes’’ mind body dualism and Strawson’s response to it.

(2009)

Question : Compare the views of Leibniz and Hume on the concept of substance.

(2009)

Question : Explain the nature of substance and its relation to attributes according to Spinoza.

(2006)

Question : Discuss Descartes dualism.

(2006)

Question : Interactionism.

(2005)

Question : Spinoza’s conception of the ultimate substance.

(2005)

Question : “I think therefore I am”.

(2004)

Question : State and critically examine Spinoza’s doctrine of the identity of substance God and Nature.

(2002)

Question : Descartes’ method of philosophy.

(2001)

Question : Monadology of Leibniz.

(2000)

Question : Interactionism.

(1998)

Question : The idea of an all –perfect omnipotent being implies also that it or He exists.

(1997)

Question : State, explain and discuss the various theories in traditional European philosophy regarding the relationship of body and mind.

(1997)

Question : Explain the nature of substance and its relation to attributes according to Spinoza.

(1997)

Question : Does Hume deny the possibility of knowledge? Discuss

(2010)

Question : What metaphysical implications can be derived from Berkeley’s statement ‘esse est percipi’?

(2010)

Question : “To be is to be perceived” – Discuss.

(2009)

Question : State and discuss Locke’s views on substance.

(2007)

Question : Explain theory of knowledge according to Locke.

(2006)

Question : Discuss Hume’s skepticism.

(2006)

Question : Hume’s view of Induction.

(2004)

Question : Esse est percipi.

(2003)

Question : Hume’s Phenomenalism.

(2002)

Question : Hume’s analysis of personal identity.

(2001)

Question : Evaluate Hume’s theory of personal identity.

(1999)

Question : The dogma of ghost in a machine.

(1996)

Question : Distinction between solipsism and skepticism .

(1996)

Question : Radical Empiricism of William James.

(1995)

Question : Category Mistake.

(1995)

Question : Human’s arguments against induction.

(1995)

Question : What according to Bradley is the relation between thought and reality? How does he establish his view that “a relational way of thought must give appearance and not truth”? Discuss.

(1995)

Question : Explain Dewey’s theory of truth. How does it relate to his conception of knowledge? Discuss.

(1995)

Question : Why does Kant say that existence is not a predicate?

(2010)

Question : Kant’s objections against the ontological argument for the existence of God.

(2009)

Question : Nature of Synthetic a-priori judgment.

(2007)

Question : How is synthetic a-priori judgement possible.

(2007)

Question : Explain Kant’s criticism of the proofs for the existence of God.

(2006)

Question : The significance of Kant’s distinction between phenomena and noumena.

(2004)

Question : How is synthetic a-priori judgement possible.

(2003)

Question : Kant’s “critical philosophy” of is a reconciliation between Rationalism and Empiricism. Elucidate the remark fully and bring out the consequence of such reconciliation for the possibility of traditional metaphysics.

(2002)

Question : Kant’s conception of time and space.

(2001)

Question : State and examine Kant’s criticism of the proofs for the existence of God.

(2000)

Question : Kant’s ideas of reason.

(1999)

Question : Kant reconciles rationalism with empiricism by superseding them.

(1997)

Question : What do you understand by Kant’s claim that space and time are forms of pure intuition? Explain the arguments he gives in support of his position in this regard.

(1996)

Question : Kart’s doctrine of Transcendental Deduction.

(1995)

Question : Just as the skepticism of Hume helped Kant to come out of his dogmatic slumber, so also carvaka philosophy saved Indian philosophy from dogmatism. Discuss.

(2010)

Question : Charvaka view on the nature of soul.

(2007)

Question : Discuss the theory of knowledge, according to Charvaka Philosophy.

(2006)

Question : Dehatmavada of Charvaka.

(2004)

Question : Charvaka’s refutation of anumana is itself a process of anumana. Discuss.

(2003)

Question : Ethics of Charvaka school.

(2000)

Question : Are tautologies meaningless according to Wittgenstein?

(2010)

Question : What does Moore want to establish when he asserts that propositions like ‘the earth exists’ or ‘we have consciousness’ are truism? Discuss.

(2010)

Question : State and discuss Russell’s analysis of Definite Description.

(2007)

Question : Distinction between saying and showing.

(2004)

Question : Critically discuss Moore’s refutation of idealism.

(2004)

Question : Critically discuss Moore’s refutation of idealism.

(2004)

Question : What is Russell’s logical atomism? Bring out in this connection the conception of metaphysics involved in it.

(2003)

Question : Moore’s defence of common-sense.

(2002)

Question : Russell’s theory of logical construction.

(2001)

Question : Russell’s concept of negative facts.

(1999)

Question : Clarify Moore’s conception of common sense and examine his arguments in its defence.

(1999)

Question : Logical Atomism.

(1998)

Question : Elucidate Bertrand Russell’s theory of descriptions, and examine it with special reference to its criticism by P.F. Strason.

(1997)

Question : Explain and discuss Wittgenstein’s in “ view that” that the results of philosophy are the uncovering of one or another piece of plain nonsense and of pumps that understanding has got by running its head up against the limit of language.

(1995)

Question : Are necessary propositions Linguistic by nature? Discuss in the light of logical positivism.

(2010)

Question : Examine how Ayer eliminates metaphysics.

(2009)

Question : Explain the theory of logical construction. Does it provide a satisfactory account of language?

(2008)

Question : Elimination of metaphysics at the hands of Logical Positivists.

(2007)

Question : Explain the verification theory and show whether it leads to the elimination of metaphysics. 2000, Civil service

(2000)

Question : Give a critical evaluation of Wittgenstein’s ideas of ‘language game’ and family resemblance.

(1996)

Question : What is the notion of transcendental ego according to Husserl? How is it different from Sartre’s notion of the ego?

(2008)

Question : What is epoche? Bring out its significance for Husserl’s conception of rigorous science.

(2005)

Question : Discus Huserl’s concept of philosophy of rigorous science.

(2003)

Question : Bring out the philosophical significance of Husserl’s method of bracketing.

(2001)

Question : Husserl’s presuppositionless enquiry.

(1999)

Question : Explain the basic concept of the phenomenology of Edmund Husserl. Is it only philosophical method or can it be regarded as metaphysics?

(1997)

Question : Method of phenomenological reduction.

(1996)

Question : How is the empirical ego in Sartre & Heidegger different from the transcendental ego in Husserl?

(2010)

Question : “Existence precedes essence“– Comment.

(2009)

Question : Compare the view of Spinoza and Sartre on Freedom.

(2009)

Question : Heidegger’s contention that essence of “Dasein is its existence”.

(2008)

Question : 'Existence precedes essence'.

(2003)

Question : Sartre's phenomenological ontology.

(2000)

Question : Human being is always "ahead of himself" Heidegger.

(1996)

Question : What especial import does the word 'existence' have in the philosophy of existentialism.

(1996)

Question : Discuss Sartre's conception of freedom.

(1996)

Question : Is Strawson’s concept of a person a refutation of Hume’s concept of self? Discuss.

(2010)

Question : What are Quine’s objections with regard to the verification theory of meaning?

(2009)

Question : State and discuss Strawson’s theory of person.

(2007)

Question : Quine’s criticism on analytic-synthetic distinction.

(2005)

Question : Civuil service Strawson’s notion of person as a primitive.

(2003)

Question : Quine’s attack on Analytic – Synthetic Distinction.

(2002)

Question : Examine Quine’s critique of the linguistic theory of necessary proposition.

(2001)

Question : Is syadvada a self-contradictory doctrine? Discuss.

(2010)

Question : Anekantavada

(2009)

Question : Conception of Kaivalya according to yoga.

(2009)

Question : Nature of Pudagala in Jaina Philosophy.

(2007)

Question : Explain the theory of substance according to Jainism.

(2006)

Question : State and discuss the Jaina doctrine of Jiva.

(2004)

Question : Expound Anekanavada of Jainism. Is it a consistent theory of reality? Give reasons.

(2003)

Question : Relation between anekantavada and Saptabhangi Naya.

(2001)

Question : Saptabhangi Naya.

(2000)

Question : The Jaina argumens for anekantavada.

(1999)

Question : Ekantavada and Anekantavada.

(1998)

Question : Can qualities exist without substance? Substantiate your view in the light of nyaya-buddhism controversy?

(2010)

Question : Explain the reasons for introducing the notion of extraordinary perception in nyaya epistemology.

(2010)

Question : Hetvabhasa according to Nyaya

(2009)

Question : Discuss critically Nyaya notion of Vyapti.

(2008)

Question : Samanya in Vaishesika.

(2008)

Question : Explain fully Nyaya’s Asatkaryavada.

(2007)

Question : Explain Nyaya theory of Pramanas.

(2006)

Question : Nature and kinds of pratyaksya according to Nyaya.

(2005)

Question : State and discuss the nature and kinds of Dravyas according to Vaishesikas.

(2005)

Question : Nature and kind of anumana according to Nyaya.

(2004)

Question : The Nyaya-Vishesika view of Samanya.

(2003)

Question : Evaluate the Nyaya Vaishesika theory of the natur of Vyapti.

(2001)

Question : Nyaya Theory of causality.

(1999)

Question : Nyaya view of self2002, Civil service.

(1999)

Question : Discuss the nature and structure of inference according to the Nyaya Philosophy and explain the importance of the various steps of pararthanumana.

(1998)

Question : Padartha.

(1997)

Question : Alauikika Pratyaksa.

(1996)

Question : Modes of perceptions according to Nyaya.

(1995)

Question : What is meant by hetvavhasa in Indian Logic? Is it formal or material? What according to Nyaya are its kinds? Explain.

(1995)

Question : Give an account of the chief tenets of Vaisesika metaphysics.

(1995)

Question : How does Buddhist concept the possibility of rebirth in the absence of an eternal soul? Discuss.

(2010)

Question : Bring out metaphysical implications of second noble truth of Buddhism?

(2010)

Question : An examination of Buddhist Nairatm-yavada.

(2008)

Question : “The Madhyamika philosophy tries to adopt the mean between extreme affirmation and extreme negation.” Comment.

(2008)

Question : Four Arya Satya (Noble Truths) according to Buddhism.

(2007)

Question : Discuss pratityasamuypada of Buddhism.

(2006)

Question : State and discuss the Buddhist notion of Shunyavada.

(2005)

Question : Nature and kinds of Nirvana.

(2004)

Question : State and discuss the Buddhist notion of Momentariness.

(2004)

Question : Kashanikvada of Buddhism.

(2003)

Question : Buddhistic doctrine of pratifya-Samupada.

(2002)

Question : Nagarjuna defense of SunyaVada.

(2001)

Question : Evaluate Negarjuna’s arguments for Shhunyavada.

(1999)

Question : Madhyamika notion of Parmartha Satya and Samvrti Satya.

(1996)

Question : Describe the central thesis of Vijnanvada. Discuss in this context Yogachara’s arguments for affirming the sole reality of consciousness and denying the independence of reality of external world.

(1996)

Question : Pratityasamtapada.

(1995)

Question : Anuplabdhi as a Pramana.

(2008)

Question : Nature of Shabda pramana.

(2007)

Question : What is Svatahpramanyavada according to Mimamsaka? Is their explanation of error consistent with it? Discuss fully.

(2002)

Question : Kumarila Bhatt’s explanation of perceptual error.

(2001)

Question : The Purva Mimamsa Concept of Khyati.

(1999)

Question : Svatah-pramana and paratah-pramanya.

(1997)

Question : Arthapatti.

(1996)

Question : While describing the chief tenents of the Mimamsa metaphysics, critically consider its view in respect of the reality of the phenomenal world.

(1996)

Question : Sabda Pramana.

(1995)

Question : Does the effect pre-exist in the cause? Discuss?

(2010)

Question : Compare Aristotle’s view regarding causation with that of the Samkhya School’s view of causation.

(2009)

Question : Critically discuss the Samkhya theory of Causation.

(2007)

Question : Explain the Samkhya doctrine of three gunas.

(2007)

Question : Samkhya conception of Purusa.

(2005)

Question : The Samkhya doctrine of Liberation.

(2003)

Question : Samkhya theory of Evoluion of Prakrti.

(2002)

Question : Evaluate the Samkhya justification for their theory of Purusa.

(2001)

Question : The Samkhya arguments for the existence of Prakrti.

(1999)

Question : Doctrine of Plurality of Purusa.

(1998)

Question : Explain the nature of Prakrti and its evolution according to the Samkhya system.

(1997)

Question : How is ramajuna’s concept of dharma-bhutajnana different from sankara’s concept of swarupajnana? Explain

(2010)

Question : Is sankara’s concept of adhyasa logical or psychological? Discuss.

(2010)

Question : Both sankara & ramanuja are right are right in their affirmations but wrong in their denials. Critically evaluate.

(2010)

Question : Adhyasa

(2009)

Question : Explain Sankara’s view on the status of Jagat and Ramanuja’s response to it.

(2008)

Question : State and explain the difference between saguna and Nirguna Brahman.

(2007)

Question : Examine Samkar’s Maavada.

(2006)

Question : Examine Shankar’s Mayavada.

(2006)

Question : Discuss the Metaphysics of Acharya Ramanuja.

(2006)

Question : The nature of Brahman, Jiva and Jagat according to Madhva.

(2005)

Question : Elucidate Shankara’s conception of Adhyara.

(2005)

Question : Madhva’;s conception of Moksha.

(2004)

Question : Why is Ramanuja’s philosophy called Visistavnita? Discuss fully

(2004)

Question : Ramanuja criticism of advaita concept of maya.

(2003)

Question : Evaluate Shankar’s analysis of Moksha in the light of Ramanuja’s arguments.

(2001)

Question : Describe Shankar’s explanation of Jiva. Is the justification offered rational?

(2001)

Question : Shankar’s view on the nature and reality of individual sowls (Jiva).

(2000)

Question : Explain critically the objections raised by Ramanuja against Shankar’s concept of Maya.

(2000)

Question : State and examine the doctrine of Panchabheda in the Dvaita system of Vedanta.

(2000)

Question : Explain Shankara’s conception of moksha. What in his view is the relation of Karma and Jnana to Moksa. Justify your answer.

(1999)

Question : ‘He who knows Brahman becomes Brahman’.

(1998)

Question : Explain the nature of Brahman according of Ramanuja and discuss the relationship of Brahmana with Jiva.

(1998)

Question : Mahavakyas of Upanishads.

(1997)

Question : Samkara’s doctrine of Maya.

(1996)

Question : Give an account of the nature of Brahman according to Ramanuja. How does he differ from Sankara?

(1996)

Question : Swarupa Jnana and Vritti Jnana.

(1995)

Question : It is sometimes said that the difference between Madhyamika school of Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta is only superficial and verbal. Do you agree with this view? Compare in this context the chief epistemological and metaphysical tenets of the Madhyamika School and of Advaita Vedanta.

(1995)

Question : Hume and Kant on metaphysics.

(2008)

Question : Explain Leibniz’s notion of monad. Can monad be regarded as a basic particular in the Strawsonian sense?

(2008)

Question : While the Nastika Darshan reject out rightly the existence of God, the Astika Darshan do not seem to accord central position to his existence. Explain and evaluate critically the remark.

(2002)

Question : Give a comparative account of the concept of causation as found in the various schools of Indian thought.

(1999)

Question : Compare and contrast the various views on the nature of the self and its liberation in the various schools of Indian philosophy both orthodox and heterodox.

(1997)

Question : “The rational is real and real is rational.” – Comment.

(2009)

Question : Hegel’s Dialectical method.

(2007)

Question : Compare the view points of Nyaya, Vaisesika, Mimansha and Buddhism on the issue of knowledge of abhava.

(2009)

Question : Compare Patanjali’s Yoga with Integral Yoga expounded by Aurobindo bringing out clearly points of similarity and dissimilarity.

(2009)

Question : How are evolution & involution related in Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy?

(2010)

Question : Sri Aurobindo’s conception of evolution and involution.

(2008)

Question : Discuss the nature of relationship between liberty & equality.

(2010)

Question : “Justice is treating equals as equals and unequals as unequals.”

(2008)

Question : Kautilya’s Saptanga theory of Sovereign state.

(2008)

Question : Negative freedom can, perhaps, ensure freedom to choose, but without any credible assurance for its actual fulfillment.

(2007)

Question : Political democracy is hollow unless accompanied by power in the area of economics.

(2005)

Question : Unless the equality is embedded within a broader theory of politics and society, it can be given no specific content.

(2004)

Question : ‘Freedom from and freedom to are’ mutually exclusive.

(2003)

Question : Concept of equality as a political ideal.

(2002)

Question : What is meant by justice? What are the necessary and sufficient conditions for its availability? Discuss.

(2002)

Question : Justice means getting what one deserves. A person who contributes more to society deserves more than a person who contributes less to society. The only fair way to determine how much a person has contributed to society is to let people as a whole decide through free market. Therefore free market is the only way to attain justice.

(2001)

Question : Some thinkers distinguish between two mutually irreducible senses of freedom, namely negative freedom and positive freedom. Explain and critically consider the distinction.

(2001)

Question : J. S. Mill on liberty.

(2000)

Question : The notion of justice is usually divided in to distributive and retributive justice. Explain the distinction and critically discuss the grounds on which the distinction is made.

(1998)

Question : Liberty.

(1997)

Question : Revolution through constitutionalism!

(1996)

Question : Why did kautilya think that sovereignty is hierarchical? Explain.

(2010)

Question : Does Badin’s theory of sovereignty ‘float in air’? Critically examine.

(2010)

Question : Define Monarchy. Is it ethically justified?

(2009)

Question : Compare Badin’s and Austin’s views on sovereignty.

(2009)

Question : “Acceptance of authority of the state is inconsistent with the highest duty of mankind, the duty to act autonomously.”

(2007)

Question : Explain the notion of sovereignty. Critically consider, in this context, the claim that sovereignty is illimitable and logically indivisible.

(2006)

Question : Give a critical account of Austin’s view that power is the determining factor of sovereignty.

(1999)

Question : Explain Bodin’s principle of absolute sovereignty. What was his argument for preferring monarchial sovereignty over democratic sovereignty? Consider in this context whether his advocacy of undivided sovereignty was consistent with his belief in constitutionalism.

(1998)

Question : Kautilya on sovereignty.

(1997)

Question : Does accountability necessarily contribute to moral perfection? Offer your views.

(2010)

Question : “Rights and duties are complementary.” Explain.

(2009)

Question : Is Theocracy an outdated ideology? Discuss.

(2009)

Question : Comment on the relationship between Equality and Freedom.

(2009)

Question : Do rights necessarily imply corresponding obligations? To whom does one primarily own obligations-individuals or State?

(2008)

Question : State is the ‘actuality of concrete freedom’.

(2005)

Question : Are the claims of the State and the Individual really mutually conflicting? Discuss.

(2000)

Question : “We obey the state because in the end it most truly represents ourselves”. Discuss the relation of the individual and the state in the light of the above concept of the state.

(1999)

Question : Is majority-rule meaningfully reflected in present-day democratic governments? Substantiate your answer with suitable example.

(2010)

Question : “Democratic government claims to be promoting the principles of political philosophy of democracy.”

(2008)

Question : According to some Liberal Political thinkers social and economical inequalities can be justified only if they work to the advantage of the least advantaged members of society. Is this view consistent with Liberalism’s cardinal advocacy of individual freedom? Discuss.

(2007)

Question : “Democracy, which treats everybody’s opinion, equally, is inefficient in determining the right thing to do”.

(2006)

Question : “Political democracy is hollow unless accompanied by power in the area of economics”.

(2005)

Question : “The concept of democracy is really contested concept”.

(2004)

Question : ‘In democratic state strike by government employees is unjustified’.

(2003)

Question : What do you mean by Sarvodaya? Consider in this connection the following statement of Mahatma Gandhi: “Every individual must have fullest liberty to use his talents consistently with equal use by neighbours, but no one is entitled to the arbitrary use of the gain from the talents. He is part of the nation or, say, the social structure surrounding him. Therefore, he can use his talents not for self but for the social structure of which he is but a part and on whose sufferance he lives.”

(2003)

Question : Do you think that Democracy is the best form of government? Is there any scope of ‘Beyond Democracy’? In this context analyze the notion of Meritocracy.

(2002)

Question : Idea of a democracy is paradoxical.

(2001)

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

(2001)

Question : Liberal Democracy.

(1999)

Question : Sarvodaya.

(1999)

Question : “Democracy is merely a form of government a way of life also”. Discuss.

(1997)

Question : Ideas of Democracy.

(1995)

Question : Theocracy as a political ideology.

(1995)

Question : Bloodless revolution .

(1995)

Question : Which type of socialism, according to you, is superior-utopian or democratic. Why?

(2010)

Question : Which type of individual according to you, can contribute more to strengthen the state-a liberalist or socialist?

(2010)

Question : Describe your understanding of socialism. Must it be defined in normative terms of a set of values and ideals which socialist seek to realize, or in descriptive terms of the specific character of the economic and political institutions of socialist society? Can the tension between the two be adequately resolved? Discuss.

(2007)

Question : ‘Socialism avoids the totalitarian implications of Communism and works within liberal democratic Constitutions.”

(2005)

Question : Despite their self-proclaimed commitment to the ideal of individual freedom, this ideal is one of the most contentious issues between socialism and liberalism. Why? Discuss.

(2004)

Question : Point out the doctrinal differences between Socialism and Marxism.

(2000)

Question : Compare and contrast the Marxism with the ideal of ‘Sarvodaya’.

(1997)

Question : Culture as an expression of philosophy.

(1996)

Question : Bring out the nature of philosophy in the light of the Socratic dictum; “Unexamined life is not worth living”.

(1996)

Question : Discuss critically the relation between philosophical and social aspects of communism.

(1996)

Question : Is social progress possible without Humanism?

(2010)

Question : Is Secularism analogous to Atheism? Examine in the Indian context.

(2009)

Question : Is multiculturalism a boon or a bane? Discuss.

(2008)

Question : “Christian Humanism is a contradiction in terms”.

(2006)

Question : What is humanism? What are its different kinds? In what way, if any, is M. N. Roy’s radical Humanism different from Marxism?

(2005)

Question : Mahatma Gandhi on sarva dharma sambhava.

(2002)

Question : Freedom as liberation from samsara.

(2002)

Question : Evaluate M. N. Roy’s Humanism as a response to Marxism.

(2002)

Question : “Politics bereft of religion are absolute dirt, ever to be shunned.”

(2001)

Question : Secularism in Indian context.

(2000)

Question : Explain humanism and discuss the essential features of radical humanism.

(1999)

Question : Socialistic Humanism.

(1998)

Question : Emotive meaning in religious language.

(1996)

Question : Identify the traditional Indian values which need to be fostered by modern Indian family. How can these values be fostered?

(1996)

Question : If capital punishment is legally awarded, and then no ethico-political consideration should subvert it. Express your opinion for or against.

(2010)

Question : List the various sanctions permitting genocide & clearly bring out the ethical counter-arguments against each.

(2010)

Question : “You are not punished for stealing the sheep, but you are punished so that no sheep is stolen,” Discuss as to which theory of punishment the statement belongs.

(2009)

Question : Is capital punishment, in your view, ethically justified?

(2009)

Question : ‘Punishment rules all creatures; punishment preserves them all.’

(2008)

Question : Consider why punishment is generally thought to require justification. In this context give your critical and comparative account of the main theories of punishment.

(2007)

Question : Describe the tension between consequentialist and retributive theories of punishment. Discuss critically, in this context, the view that argues that since no existing penal system for crime prevention has adequate justification, state punishment cannot be justified; and, therefore, it should be completely abolished.

(2005)

Question : “No account of human nature can provide a secure foundation for political philosophy”.

(2004)

Question : Discuss the notion of punishment. Consider in this context the importance and implications of the principle of proportionality of punishment, which requires that the severity of punishment be proportionate to the seriousness of the crime.

(2002)

Question : The deterrent theory of punishment has no justification.

(2001)

Question : Retributive theory of punishment.

(2000)

Question : Some philosophers believe that the task of political philosophy is only conceptualize, to analyze concepts which are typically political, such as justice, equality, right and the like. Some others believe that the task is inescapably normative which requires political philosophers to formulate and defend substantive principles which can serve to answer normative questions concerning different political ideals such as social justice, individual freedom and rights and the like. In the above context state and defend what you think is the proper task of political philosophy.

(1998)

Question : Reformative theory of punishment.

(1997)

Question : Does the right to property bring economic disparity & threaten human fraternity. Discuss?

(2010)

Question : Examine the central issues in the philosophy of ecology. Are these concerns merely utilitarian? Discuss.

(2005)

Question : What do you understand by Progress? Have human beings made progress in all fields of their activity? Discuss.

(2005)

Question : What do you understand by the philosophy of ecology? In this context, discuss its main concerns.

(2004)

Question : What does eco-philosophy mean? Discuss in this context the central thesis of ecological humanism and also explain the distinction between ecological understanding and ecological awareness.

(2003)

Question : Role of Scientific Temper in good life.

(2002)

Question : Concept of sustainable Development.

(2000)

Question : Scientific Temper.

(1999)

Question : Scientific Progress.

(1998)

Question : Philosophy of Ecology.

(1997)

Question : Can only political empowerment of women wipe out gender discrimination in a male-dominated Indian society?

(2010)

Question : Examine the Land and Property Rights of women in India. How far do they contribute to empower women?

(2009)

Question : “The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it.” Comment.

(2003)

Question : What is in your view is the source(s) of gender inequality? Is it primarily rooted in human biology? In what way, it at all, can this inequality be bridged? Explain and defend your position on these issues.

(2003)

Question : Gender-equality: meaning and need.

(2002)

Question : “Sex is a biological category, whereas gender is the culturally shaped expression of sexual difference.”

(2002)

Question : The cause of gender inequality is entirely biological.

(2001)

Question : “Gender equality can be realized only within a socialist regime.”

(2001)

Question : Gender Injustice.

(1998)

Question : Caste is not a sin, but caste discrimination is sin, as a concerned citizen, comment critically on this statement.

(2010)

Question : Discuss the impact of caste discrimination – affirmative or otherwise, on the harmony of the society as a whole.

(2008)

Question : Relevance of varnavyastha for Sarvodaya.

(1995)

Question : The relation between Western philosophy and life is not the same as that between Indian philosophy and life. Elucidate and critically evaluate this statement.

(1995)

Question : Different versions of ontological argument and Kant’s critique of this argument.

(2008)

Question : Can Deism be a satisfactory theory in the context of God of grace and devotion? Discuss.

(2008)

Question : The difference between Impersonalistic and Naturalistic notion of God.

(2006)

Question : Traditionally omnipotence has been regarded as one of the attributes of god. But according to some critics, the notion of omnipotence being is paradoxical. In response, some theists have tried to resolve the alleged paradox. Describe the paradox and explain the attempts to resolve it.

(2006)

Question : “If god is omniscient, then humans are not free.”

(2004)

Question : What do immanence and transcendence mean in talking about God? Is God really immanent or transcendent?

(2003)

Question : Impersonalistic notion of God.

(2002)

Question : Naturalistic notion of God.

(1999)

Question : Difference between Theology and philosophy of Religion.

(1996)

Question : Is contingent argument for the existence of god anything more than a logical exercise? Discuss.

(2010)

Question : If each & every argument has to take that its premises are true, would the causal argument for the existence of god as first cause be different from assuming that it is true? Argue in favor if your position.

(2010)

Question : Human mind is such that it naturally observes order in nature. Given this, can one use argument from design for the existence of god? Discuss.

(2010)

Question : Critically examine the ‘ Causal’ argument as a proof for the existence of God.

(2009)

Question : Analyze the ‘Teleological’ argument as a proof for existence of God.

(2009)

Question : God is not subject to the laws of logic.

(2007)

Question : “God is the first reason of things”.

(2005)

Question : “If God exists only in someone’s mind, the greatest conceivable being is not after all the greatest conceivable being.”

(2005)

Question : Some theists question the relevancy of proofs and arguments for the theistic beliefs. Believers, in their view, are not irrational for want of proof for their belief in God, because proofs are neither necessary nor sufficient for religious life. Would you agree with such a view? Discuss.

(2004)

Question : Is the ontological argument for the existence of god really invalid?

(2003)

Question : Is God dead (Nietzsche) or living (faithful people)?

(2003)

Question : Any of the received “proofs” for the existence of God” succeed in proving God’s existence? Discuss. In this context critically consider especially the cosmological argument.

(2003)

Question : Ontological proof for the existence of God.

(2002)

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

(2001)

Question : Discuss proofs for the existence of God and give your own criticism on each.

(2000)

Question : Explain the ontological argument for God’s existence and examine the fallacies involved in this argument.

(1999)

Question : Common consent argument for the existence of God.

(1998)

Question : State and examine the cosmological argument for the existence of God.

(1997)

Question : What are the main contemporary philosophers which reject traditional religions and belief in God? How can you defend religion against such attacks?

(1995)

Question : The problem of evil raises when we attribute infinite knowledge, power & goodness of god acknowledging the fact of innocent persons suffering. One cannot be mistaken about one’s own experience, & suffering is an experience. Hence, god cannot have at least one of the three attributes: infinite knowledge, power & goodness. Evaluate this argument.

(2010)

Question : “The problem of evil is the problem of reconciling the imperfect world with the goodness of god.”

(2010)

Question : If evils and sufferings are the real experiences of individual selves, what role do they play in realizing self transcendence?

(2009)

Question : “ To be Man is to Strive to be God.”

(2009)

Question : How can a theist resolve the problem of evil? Does evil not tell upon omnipotence and omniscience of God? Can God be thought of as imperfect and powerless in this regard? Discuss critically for and against the two possible opposite views and justify your own position.

(2008)

Question : “God permitted evil to exist in order to bring about greater good, Adam’s fall was Felix culpa (‘happy sin’).” ( Leibnitz)

(2007)

Question : “If God does not exist, everything is possible”. Dostoevsky.

(2001)

Question : What is the problem of evil? Discuss the theistic solution to this problem.

(1999)

Question : Can we reconcile evil with benevolence and omnipotence of god? Discuss.

(1997)

Question : Should there be evil in a world governed by God? Discuss with reference to Hinduism and Christianity.

(1996)

Question : Common elements and basic difference in Jainism & Buddhism.

(1995)

Question : The philosophical problems are identical with religious problem in India.’

(1995)

Question : What sort of criterion can one provide for identifying rebirth as opposed to birth? Discuss.

(2010)

Question : Why is the grace of god needed for liberation? Discuss with example.

(2010)

Question : If ignorance is the cause of suffering, knowledge should remove suffering. What is the notion of knowledge which a liberate person acquires? Discuss.

(2010)

Question : Examine why Man has a desire for Immortality

(2009)

Question : Possibility of rational understanding of immortality and liberation.

(2008)

Question : Explain the doctrine of the Law of Karma. Is it compatible with the freedom of the will? Discuss.

(2007)

Question : “Without some conceptions of immortality of soul, religion is meaningless.”

(2006)

Question : Is Christian doctrine of the immortality of soul compatible with Gita’s doctrine of atman? Discuss

(2005)

Question : Relation between religion and salvation.

(2004)

Question : Can the result of a finite action of an individual (Karma) determine the nature of the immortal soul (atman)?

(2003)

Question : Advaita Vedanta Theory of Jivanmukti.

(2002)

Question : What is meant by immortality of soul? Analyze the arguments of the Bhagavadgita in this regard.

(2002)

Question : Immortality of Soul.

(2000)

Question : Elaborate the nature of Liberation according to Advaita Vedanta.

(2000)

Question : Explain the significance of the doctrine of reincarnation in the Indian religious thought. Examine the chief arguments given in support of the doctrine.

(1998)

Question : The path of Disinterested Action.

(1997)

Question : Bring out the inter-relationship between various paths leading to Moksha and indicate the value of Moksha.

(1995)

Question : Discuss roles of reason, revelation and faith in the sphere of religion. Are they compatible? If not, how to resolve their apparent inconsistency?

(2008)

Question : Explain the notion of revelation. Does revelation stand in need of confirmation? Discuss and also explain the difference or similarity between revelation and ‘Shruti’.

(2006)

Question : "Religious faith consists of a set of profoundly unfalsifiable assumptions that govern of all of a person are other beliefs."(R.M. Hare)

(2002)

Question : Point out the relative importance of reason and revelation in religion. Are two compatible? Discuss.

(2002)

Question : Miracles (religious) are not possible.

(2001)

Question : Reason and Revelation.

(2000)

Question : Religion, Theology and philosophy of Religion.

(1999)

Question : Elucidate the nature of religious knowledge. Is revelation sufficient for religious knowledge? Discuss.

(1999)

Question : Place of prayer in religion.

(1998)

Question : Bring out the roles of Reason and Revelation in Religious knowledge.

(1997)

Question : The path of knowledge.

(1996)

Question : State and examine the various definitions of 'dharma'. Which one of these is most acceptable and why?

(1995)

Question : Discuss the nature and inter relationship of different foundations or religious belief.

(1995)

Question : Distinguish between Indian concept of jivatma & Plato’s concept of soul?

(2010)

Question : If religious experience is unique, what makes it an experience? How is this experience logically different from the experience of loneliness, happiness etc.?

(2010)

Question : Explain the nature of religious experience. Can this experience be validated?

(2009)

Question : The difference between ‘numinous’ and ‘mystical’ experience.

(2007)

Question : To be religious means to belong some religious order.

(2001)

Question : State and explain the chief doctrines of Mysticism.

(2000)

Question : Logic and Mysticism.

(1998)

Question : "Mysticism is the power of spiritual access to domains of knowledge closed off to ordinary thought."

(1995)

Question : What is central concept in a religion without god? Discuss.

(2010)

Question : Can the ‘God’ of Religion be identified with the ‘Absolute’ of Philosophy?

(2009)

Question : Can atheism be a religion? Discuss.

(2005)

Question : Religion without God.

(2002)

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

(2001)

Question : Religion is generally viewed to be based on beliefs in the supernatural. But some thinkers (e.g. Auguste Comte, John Dewey, huxley, Erich Fromn) reject the supernatural and try naturalistic reconstruction of religion. Critically consider some of the major attempts in this direction.

(1998)

Question : If morality has to follow from religion, can there be rational justification for moral actions? Discuss

(2010)

Question : Property of religion without morality.

(2008)

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

(2007)

Question : Distinguish between religious and secular ethics. Discuss, in this context the view that holds that secular ethics are superior to religious ethics because religious ethics are essentially based on rules without decisive regard for consequences, whereas secular ethics, as their best, aim at producing the best overall consequences.

(2006)

Question : "Secular ethics cannot satisfactorily answer the question, 'why should I be moral all the time?"

(2004)

Question : Are God and religion necessary presuppositions of morality? Elucidate your answer following Kant. Also consider critically in this context the possible ground(s) of morality for an atheist.

(2003)

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

(2001)

Question : Religion and Morality.

(1997)

Question : The fact that the different religions originated at different places & in different centuries proves that plurality of religions is a fact. How correct would it be to say that all religious are essentially the same? Discuss.

(2010)

Question : “There are no whole truths; all truths are half truths. It is trying to treat them as whole truths that play the devils.”

(2009)

Question : “There are no whole truths; all truths are half truths. It is trying to treat them as whole truths that play the devils.”

(2009)

Question : In a pluralistic society how can religious pluralism be practiced? Point out distinction among

1. Sarvadharmasamanvaya
2. Sarvadharmasambhava and
3. Sarvadharmasadbhava

(2008)

Question : What is the central issue in the debate between religious pluralists and religious exclusivists? Discuss in this context the arguments they advance in support of their views.

(2004)

Question : When religion is defined as 'religare', is Buddhism or Jainism a religion? What are the criteria for an organization to be called a religion? Should there be a transcendent reality? Discuss.

(2003)

Question : Religious Tolerance in Hinduism.

(1996)

Question : Bring out the universal aspects of religious life with reference to Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

(1996)

Question : Islam as a Theocenric Relgion.

(1995)

Question : Secularism, Sectarianism and Religion.

(1995)

Question : Religious language is dependent on natural language for an analogy & a symbol to work. Why not then treat religious language as a specialized language like telegraphic language? Discuss

(2010)

Question : Is religious language symbolic? Discuss.

(2009)

Question : “Man’s ultimate concern must be expressed symbolically, because symbolic language alone is able to express the ultimate.”- Paul Tillich.

(2006)

Question : Is religious language meaningless? Justify your answer by adequate arguments.

(1995)