Philosophy Optional Syllabus for UPSC
The UPSC Philosophy optional is examined in two Mains papers of 250 marks each, 500 marks in total. Paper I has 6 topics and Paper II has 6 topics, listed below with their subtopics.
Philosophy Paper I syllabus
1. Logic
- Classical logic, syllogism
- Propositional, predicate logic
- Indian logic, anumana
2. Epistemology
- Sources of knowledge
- Theories of truth
- Skepticism, relativism
3. Metaphysics
- Substance, causation
- Universals, particulars
- Mind-body problem
4. Western Philosophy
- Ancient Greek philosophy
- Modern philosophy
- Contemporary trends
5. Indian Philosophy
- Orthodox schools
- Heterodox schools
- Contemporary Indian philosophy
6. Philosophy of Religion
- Arguments for God
- Problem of evil
- Religious experience
Philosophy Paper II syllabus
1. Ethics
- Moral concepts
- Ethical theories
- Applied ethics
2. Social & Political Philosophy
- State, sovereignty
- Justice, liberty, equality
- Democracy, rights
3. Philosophy of Mind
- Consciousness, mental states
- Free will, determinism
- Personal identity
4. Phenomenology & Existentialism
- Husserl, Heidegger
- Sartre, Camus
- Merleau-Ponty
5. Indian Ethics
- Dharma, karma
- Ahimsa, varnashrama
- Gandhi's philosophy
6. Applied Philosophy
- Environmental ethics
- Bioethics
- Business ethics
Other Social Sciences optionals
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