Choosing an optional UPSC subject (UPSC Philosophy Optional Syllabus) for the mains exams is an important decision. As a UPSC aspirant, candidates have to choose 2 optional subjects that will qualify them for the next phase i.e. the interview. This turns into a dilemma for many candidates.
Philosophy is one of the most recommended optional subjects for cracking the UPSC Mains exams. Several candidates, including the UPSC CSE exam toppers, have benefitted from picking philosophy as their optional subject for clearing through the examinations.
Why should you opt for philosophy Optional?
Every subject has its own advantages and disadvantages compared to the others. However, choosing philosophy is highly beneficial for multiple reasons. One of the major advantages is its partial appearance in the prelim syllabus, as well as in the UPSC CSE mains syllabus.
While subjects like History and Public Administration make a great choice for clearing the exams, they also involve a lot of memorization, which makes philosophy advantageous.
The philosophy optional subject is of 500 marks, which includes 2 papers – paper I and paper II. Each of these papers is of 250 marks.
Advantages of Taking Philosophy as Optional
Not so vast syllabus: Compared to other UPSC optional subjects like history, geography, and mathematics the syllabus of philosophy is not vast. The syllabus of philosophy is short so it can be completed in two to three months.
No need for prior knowledge: Unlike other optional subjects, this subject doesn’t require candidates to have prior knowledge about philosophy.
Critical thinking: A subject like philosophy is a great way to increase the level of critical thinking in candidates.
Disadvantages of Taking Philosophy as Optional
- Excellent writing skills are mandatory for passing a theory subject like philosophy.
- High chance of getting indirect questions.
- Might not be a good choice for people who are not good at theory subjects.
UPSC Philosophy Syllabus – Paper 1
History and Problems of Philosophy:
- Plato and Aristotle: Ideas, Substance, Form and Matter, Causation, Actuality and Potentiality.
- Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz), Cartesian Method and Certain Knowledge, Substance, God, Mind-Body Dualism, Determinism and Freedom
- Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume): Theory of Knowledge, Substance and Qualities, Self and God, Scepticism
- Kant: Possibility of Synthetic a priori Judgments, Space and Time, Categories, Ideas of Reason, Antinomies, Critique of Proofs for the Existence of God
- Hegel: Dialectical Method; Absolute Idealism.
- Moore, Russell and Early Wittgenstein: Defence of Common Sense, Refutation of Idealism, Logical Atomism, Logical Constructions, Incomplete Symbols, Picture Theory of Meaning, Saying and Showing.
- Logical Positivism: Verification Theory of Meaning, Rejection of Metaphysics, Linguistic Theory of Necessary Propositions.
- Later Wittgenstein: Meaning and Use, Language-games, Critique of Private Language.
- Phenomenology (Husserl): Method, Theory of Essences, Avoidance of Psychologism.
- Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger): Existence and Essence, Choice, Responsibility and Authentic Existence, Being-in-the-world and Temporality.
- Quine and Strawson: Critique of Empiricism, Theory of Basic Particulars and Persons
- Carvaka: Theory of Knowledge, Rejection of Transcendent Entities
- Jainism: Theory of Reality, Saptabhanginaya, Bondage and Liberation
- Schools of Buddhism: PratItyasamutpada, Ksanikavada, Nairatmyavada.
- Nyaya—Vaiesesika: Theory of Categories, Theory of Appearance, Theory of Pramana, Self, Liberation, God, Proofs for the Existence of God, Theory of Causation, Atomistic Theory of Creation.
- Samkhya, Prakrit, Purusa, Causation, Liberation
- Yoga, Citta, Cittavrtti, Klesas, Samadhi, Kaivalya
- Mimamsa: Theory of Knowledge
- Schools of Vedanta: Brahman, Isvara, Atman, Jiva, Jagat, Maya, Avida, Adhyasa, Moksa, Aprthaksiddhi, Pancavidhabheda
- Aurobindo: Evolution, Involution, Integral Yoga.
UPSC Philosophy Syllabus – Paper 2
Below is the syllabus for Philosophy Paper 2 :
Socio-Political Philosophy:
- Social and Political ideals: Equality, Justice, Liberty.
- Forms of Government: Monarchy, Theocracy and Democracy.
- Development and Social Progress
- Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya
- Individual and State: Rights, Duties, and Accountability.
- Caste Discrimination: Gandhi and Ambedkar
- Political Ideologies: Anarchism, Marxism and Socialism.
- Humanism, Secularism, Multiculturalism.
- Gender Discrimination: Female Foeticide, Land and Property Rights, Empowerment.
- Crime and Punishment: Corruption, Mass Violence, Genocide, Capital Punishment.
Philosophy of Religion:
- Reason, Revelation, and Faith
- Nature of Religious Language: Analogical and Symbolic, Cognitivist and Non-cognitive.
- Religion and Morality
- Religious Pluralism and the Problem of Absolute Truth.
- Proofs for the Existence of God and their Critique (Indian and Western).
- Soul: Immortality, Rebirth and Liberation
- Religious Experience: Nature and Object (Indian and Western)
- Religion without God
- Notions of God: Attributes, Relation to Man and the World. (Indian and Western).
- Problem of Evil
Books to Refer for Philosophy Optional
Referring to the right philosophy books can help you ace your UPSC optional exams. The Internet has made it easier for students to find relevant books and notes to study subjects like philosophy. While there are thousands of books that you can refer to study philosophy, below are some of the highly recommended philosophy books for the philosophy optional exam :
Recommended Books for Paper 1
- T. Stace: A Critical History of Greek Philosophy
- Copleston: A History of Philosophy (Relevant Chapters from volumes I, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX & XI)
- Anthony Kenny: A New History of Western Philosophy.
- Datta & Chatterjee: An Introduction to Indian Philosophy
- D. Sharma: A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy. MLBD
- Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy
Recommended Books for Paper 2
- John Hick: Philosophy of Religion.
- Michael B. Wilkinson: Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction
- P. Gauba: Social & Political Philosophy
- Political Theory, An Introduction
- Oxford Dictionary of Politics
Tips for People Taking Philosophy as Optional
Philosophy can be a tricky subject for a large number of people considering the vast syllabus.
- Get an idea about the whole syllabus before starting preparation
- Make conceptual clarity a priority
- Make summary notes to make it easy to understand concepts
- Refer to books recommended by former rank holders and teachers
- Make sure to practice more often
- Appear for mock tests to know your capability
Conclusion
Choosing philosophy as an optional subject can be highly rewarding if you have an interest and are willing to put in good effort. Though some aspects of the subject are challenging, it not only broadens your understanding of society, environment, and humans but also helps you connect various subject matters. Studying philosophy under proper guidance can be a game changer for your UPSC exams, as it has been for many top-ranking students.
