Philosophy Optional Paper 1:2014

SECTION-A

Q1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each: 10 marksx5=50

How are the synthetic a priori judgements justifiable according to Kant? Explain.
Bring out the significance of language games in Wittgenstein’s theory of meaning.
Explain the significance of ‘bracketing’ in Husserl phenomenology.
Does Leibniz’s theory of pre-established harmony necessarily lead to determinism? Discuss.
How far are Quine’s arguments in Two Dogmas of Empiricism” justified? Discuss.

Q2.Answer the following:

Distinguish between knowledge and belief according to Plato. How is it based on his metaphysics? Explain.20 marks
Explain the doctrine of Cartesian dualism and examine critically arguments in favour of it.15 marks
Evaluate critically Hume’s criticism of theory of causation.15 marks

Q3.Answer the following:

Are empirical statements conclusively verifiable Discuss the limitations of ‘verification theory of meaning’.20 marks
Why does Wittgenstein disagree with Bertrand Russell’s interpretation of atomism in the philosophy of Tractatus Discuss.15 marks
Are G.E. Moore’s arguments in defence of common sense satisfactory? Give reasons.15 marks

Q4.Answer the following:

Explain Kierkegaard’s concept of choice. How does the concept of choice in metaethics differ from normative ethics? Explain.20 marks
State and evaluate Heidegger’s claim that temporality is the horizon against which the being of any entity is understood.15 marks
Explain the significance of Aristotle’s doctrine of form and matter in his theory of causation.15 marks

Philosophy Optional Paper SECTION B

Q5. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each: 10 marksx5=50

“Limits of knowledge and world are determined by my sense perception.” Discuss this claim of Carvakas.
Explain the epistemological differences between Sautrantika and Vaibhasika schools of Buddhism.
Bring out the significance of the concept of adhydsa in Sankara’s philosophy to develop his metaphysics.
Are the arguments given in favour of existence of prakrti adequate in Sanikhya philosophy? Discuss.
Can arthapatti (postulated) be reduced to anumana (interference)? Discuss it from the Mimamsa point of view.

Q6.Answer the following:

How is the theory of causation central to the theories of Reality in classical Indian tradition? Discuss.20 marks
Explain the concept of Karma and discuss its various types according to Jain philosophy.15 marks
How is an absence of an object known according to Naiyayikas and Mimanisakas? Discuss.15 marks

Q7.Answer the following:

Bring out the philosophical implications of introducing extraordinary (alaukika) perception in Nyaya philosophy.20 marks
Explain the nature and levels of samprajnata samadhi. How does each level lead more towards asamprajnata samadhi ?15 marks
Examine the Samkhya view on liberation that “the self is neither bound nor liberates, nor does it transmigrate”.15 marks

Q8.Answer the following:

How does the nature of Brahman differ in the philosophy of Sankara, Ramanuja and Madhya? Discuss critically. 20
How does Nagarjuna explain the concept of Sunyata ?15 marks
How is Sri Aurobindo’s integral yoga an advancement over Patanjala yoga? Discuss.15 marks