Philosophy Prep Strategy
Philosophy Prep Strategy
Philosophy Prep Strategy
PAPER 1
It is purely conceptual and logical. If you have firm grip on concepts you could score good marks
in paper 1 itself. But it requires good understanding and writing practise.
First of all try to study basic points before starting the syllabus. These are
1. What is Substance
2. Epistemeology
3. Meaning of metaphysics
4. Induction and Deduction methods
5. Sources of knowledge
6.Deism,theism,pantheism
Indian Philosophy
If you are self study student start with Indian Philosophy(because its syllabus can be easily
covered within 20 days and it is very easy also).Best way is to get Patanjali class notes and
understand basic points from the notes. Once you are thorough with all chapters of Indian
philosophy from Patanjali class notes you should buy 2 books:
1. Dutta and Chatterjee
2. CD Sharma.
One must study Dutta and Chatterjee very well and should add additional points to the classs
notes of Patanjali.C.D Sharma is best for Nyaya Vaishesika and one must read this chapter well
from C.D Sharma.
This is sufficient for Indian Philosophy .
Western Philosophy
Here also Patanjali class notes are the best. Study from Patanjali class notes very well chapter to
chapter. After studying all chapters well from Patanjali class notes go to Y.Masih.For good and
indepth understanding study Donald palmer selectively.
For contemporary western philosophy go to Patanjali printed notes along with class notes.For
value addition use Stanford philosophy Website which is best and provide you very basic
concepts and in depth material.
This will suffice for western philosophy.
Further compulsory solve last 20 years paper +give tests at home by solving last 2 years
paper.This will help in time management ,practise needed to handle exam situation.
PAPER 2
Social Political Philosophy
Here INTERNET ,HINDU AND TIMES OF INDIA are the most important sources. For basic
reference do PATANJALI class notes then internet is needed for various topics,example for
women Empowerment go to United Nations Website.For land and property rights various articles
from United Nations are important.
Hindu basically covers current affairs portion.ex- capital punishment like topics are covered
through newspapers. The one question on Minority Rights under democracy are safe or not was
taken from Uttar Pradesh incident. So do current affairs very well.
Solve problems from philosophical view point. Ex- if asked democracy vs monarchy write from
philosophical point of view that democracy is better, here you can quote Leibnitz Monadolgy.
Religious philosophy
Basically it requires deep knowledge of paper1. If you have done paper -1 wellthen religious
philosophy is all about practice. Here also class notes of Patanjali is sufficient +do hick
selectively.
Paper-2 is all about answer writing. How could easily you can make your answer objective
,marks depend on it.
Answer Writing
In last two years marks in Paper 2 have been difficult to score. There are many reasons for this Unexpectedly long papers
Tough evaluation in paper 2
Students not able to write what is expected by UPSC
Solution
First philosophy as a subject in answer writing requires good introduction and conclusion.
Another aspect is comparative analysis of one thinker with another.
Sample Answers
1. Discuss how by refuting different concepts of substance Aristotle establishes his own
theory of substance?
Substance is one of imp matter of discussion in philosophy.Through this concept various
Philosopherstried to explain the diversity and unity of this universe.Now you should write Platos
theory n then refutation of it by Aristotle.
After it one should tell Aristotles concept of Substance,but problem lies here most of people end
it here only, here in 20 words we must write 2 criticism of Aristotle theory of substance that will
make your answer complete, just after criticism write one importance of Aristotles theory.
3. Rectification
Current relevanceNozick defined justice in the terms of entitlement and its practical significance is relevant in
todays society also because it provides entitlement to traditional owners of land and his theory
can be used to provide security to traditional forest dwellers whose rights are continuously
snatched by govt and multinational companies for their own pecuniary gains.
Coachings
There are 2 famous Coachings: Mitra and Patanjali. Though I do not know much about Mitra but
since I had done coaching from Patanjali I can give its pros and cons
PROs1. DHARMENDRA sir is very cooperative and ready to help you.
2. Teaches Indian philosophy and western philosophy very well
CONS1. But problem in religious philosophy sir teaches very less and finishes it within a week.
2. Poor test series and evaluation of copies is very poor.