Philosophy Optional Topic Wise Questions – Western Philosophy

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1.  Plato and Aristotle: Ideas; Substance; Form and Matter; Causation;

Actuality and Potentiality

  1. “There is a red chair.” How would Plato explain this statement with the use of his theory of forms ? Examine. (2021/10)
  2. “Potentiality is indefinable” according to Aristotle. Explain the relationship between potentiality and actuality with reference to the above philosophical position by taking the example of a “wooden table”. (2021/10)
  3. How does Aristotle argue for the priority of Form over Matter and Actuality over Potentiality ? Critically discuss. (2020/10)
  4. What does Plato want to prove by his ‘Allegory of Cave’ ? (2019/10)
  5. What are the reasons for development changes in substance according to Aristotle? (2019/15)
  6. Is the relation between the Idea and the World as discussed by Plato logically consistent? Discuss Aristotle’s views regarding this and also give arguments in favour of your answer. (2018/15)
  7. In what sense can ideas be both immanent and transcendent ? Discuss in this context Plato’s theory of universal and particulars. (2017/10)
  8. Explain Aristotle’s theory of form and matter. How does it help him resolve the problem of change and permanence ? (2017/15)
  9. Does Plato’s ‘Theory of Form’ explain the ‘change’ and ‘sensibility’ of matter? Give reasons for your answer.(2016/20)
  10. Does Aristotle treat matter as a ‘Substance’? Give reasons for your answer.(2016/20)
  11. Aristotle’s distinction between ‘actuality’ and ‘potentiality’.(2015/10)
  12. Explain Plato’s theory of forms? Does it entail a kind of essentialism?Discuss.(2015/20)
  13. Explain the significance of Aristotle’s doctrine of form & matter in his theory of causation. (2014/15)
  14. Discuss between knowledge and belief according to Plato. How is it based on his metaphysics ? Explain.(2014/20)
  15. Explain Plato’s ontological theory of Forms. Is knowledge one of the Forms ? Explain. (2013: 12 ½)
  16. Discuss how by refuting different concepts of Substances Aristotle establishes his own theory of a Substance ? (2013/10)
  17. Discuss Aristotle’s metaphysical theory as a polemic against Plato’s theory of ideas.(2012/15)
  18. How does Plato relate the world of ideas to the empirical world? Discuss. (2011/15)
  19. How does Aristotle’s notion of causation defer from the modern notion of causation. (2010/15)
  20. Comment on – Plato’s analogy of the cave and its significance in his theory of knowledge. (2009/20)
  21. Aristotle’s teleological conception of causation. Short Notes (2008/20)
  22. Plato’s recollection theory of knowledge. Short Notes. (2007/20)
  23. Discuss the ‘theory of matter’ according to Aristotle. Short Notes. (2006/20)
  24. Distinction between opinion and knowledge. Short Notes. (2005/20)
  25. State and discuss Plato’s theory of forms. (2004/60)
  26. ‘A universal exists only in the particular’. Discuss in this connection Aristotle’s notion of universal and the idea of substance that follows it. (2003/60)
  27. ‘While Plato’s metaphysics is a visionary one, Aristotle’s metaphysics is a descriptive one.’ Explain fully giving the essential differences between the views of the two thinkers regarding the nature of reality. (2002/60)

2.  Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz):  Cartesian Method and Certain Knowledge; Substance; God; Mind-Body Dualism; Determinism and Freedom.

  1. How does Leibnitz’s conception of Monads bear upon his views on determinism and freedom ? Discuss with your own comments. (2020/10)
  2. From the necessity of the divine nature there must follow infinitely many ways.”Explain this statement by Spinoza along with some possible criticisms. (2020/15)
  3. How does Descartes prove the existence of things other than himself and God? Discuss. (2019/10)
  4. What do you understand by Spinoza’s statement that what is, cannot be other than what it is? Explain.(2019/15)
  5. What is the reason for the difference in the definitions and classifications of substances made by Descartes, Spinoza and Leibniz in spite of the fact that they all belonged to the rationalist school of thought? Discuss. (2018/20)
  6. Is there any place for freedom in Leibniz’s philosophy, when he speaks of “pre-established harmony’? Discuss.(2018/10)
  7. What according to Descartes is a clear and distinct idea ? what is the epistemological status of clear and distinct ideas ? Does this account help Descartes prove that material objects exist ? Explain (2017/20)
  8. Explain Leibnitz’s principle of ‘identity of indiscernible’. (2015/15)
  9. Does Descartes cogito principle entail that he is an essentialist?Discuss.(2015/15)
  10. Explain the doctrine of Cartesian Dualism and examine critically arguments in favour of it. (2014/15)
  11. Does Leibnitz’s theory of pre-established harmony necessarily lead to determinism ? Discuss. (2014/10)
  12. Write a short critical essay on Spinoza’s conception of freedom of an individual.(2013/12 ½)
  13. Explain Descarte’s method of doubt. Can this method be used to justify his belief in the existence of God ?Argue your case.(2013/12 ½)
  14. Give a critical account of Leibnitz’s principle of the identity of indiscernibles. (2013/12 ½)
  15. Does Monadology sufficiently explainthe nature of Substance ? Are monads independent of each other ? Explain.(2012/15)
  16. Does Leibnitz succeed in combining the mechanical with the teleological view of the world? Explain his theory of Pre-Established Harmony.(2012/15)
  17. If ‘ Every determination is negation ‘ then how can Substance have attributes ? Explain. (2012/15)
  18. How does Descartes’ ‘cogito ergo sum’ affect Hume and Kant’s transcendental philosophy? Explain (2012/12)
  19. Is the concept of freedom consistent with the theory of determinism of Spinoza? Support your answer with arguments. (2011/30)
  20. Why does Descartes not doubt the existence of God? Explain. (2011/15)
  21. Why does Spinoza think that God alone is absolutely real? Explain. (2010/20)
  22. Interactionism in the philosophical context. Short notes (2009/20)
  23. Compare the views of Leibnitz and Hume on the concept of substance. (2009/30)
  24. Compare the views of Spinoza and Sartre on Freedom. (2009/30)
  25. Explain Leibnitz’s notion of monad. Can monad be regarded as a basic particular in the Strawsonian sense? (2008/60)
  26. Discuss Descarte’s Dualism. (2006/60)
  27. Explain Spinoza’s theory of Substance. (2006/60)
  28. Mind and Body as two interacting substances. Short notes. (2005/20)
  29. Spinoza’s conception of the Ultimate Substance. Short Notes. (2005/20)
  30. ‘I think, therefore I am.’ Short Notes. (2004/20)
  31. State and critically examine Spinoza’s doctrine of the identity of the Substance, God and nature. (2002/60)

3.  Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume): Theory of Knowledge; Substance and Qualities; Self and God; Scepticism

  1. “Sensible things are those only which are immediately perceived by sense.” Explain Berkeley’s theory of knowledge with reference to the above statement. (2021/10)
  2. Examine the concept of personal identity by Locke. (2021/10)
  3. “The relation between cause and effect is one of constant conjunction”. Examine Hume’s “criticism of causation in the light of the above statement. (2021/10)
  4. “I never can catch myself at any time without perception , and never can observe anything but perception.” How does this statement by Hume problematize the philosophical notion of personal identity ? How does Kant deal with this problem in his critique of Pure Reason ? (2020/20)
  5. Is there any element of necessity in causal relations according to Hume? Discuss. (2019/15)
  6. Are the two truths-“The Sun will rise tomorrow” and ‘2+2-4′ of the same necessity for Hume? Give reasons in favour of your answer.(2018/10)
  7. How does Berkeley establish that Mind and its ideas alone are real? How do Moore and Russell react to Berkeley’s view in this regard? Do you find any difference between Moore’s reaction and Russell’s one? Discuss. (2018/20)
  8. Show how Hume’s analysis experience leaves no ground for belief in any permanent reality either physical or mental. (2017/10)
  9. How does Locke draw a distinction between primary and secondary qualities ? Does he also draw a distinction between the Idea of primary qualities and primary qualities as well as the Idea of secondary qualities and secondary qualities ? Discuss (2017/20)
  10. What is the logical necessity for Locke to introduce the concept of secondary qualities? Give reasons for your answer(2016/10).
  11. Critically examine Hume’s views on the relation of cause and effect.(2016/15) qualities ?
  12. esse est percipi.(2015/10)
  13. Evaluate critically Hume’s criticism of theory of causation.(2014/15)
  14. Give a critical account of Hume’s theory of self. (2013/12 ½)
  15. Critically examine John Locke’s categorization of primary and secondary qualities and explain the problem it posed for later empiricist.(2012/15)
  16. If ‘to be is to be perceived’ then how does Berkeley explain the permanence of things ? (2012/15)
  17. Was Hume skeptic ? If not then what is his contribution to philosophy ? (2012/15)
  18. John Locke said that ‘ No man’s knowledge can go beyond his experience’. Discuss critically the implications of this statement.(2012/12)
  19. What, according to Empiricists is the concept of Substance? Discuss. (2011/20)
  20. What metaphysical implications can be derived from Berkeley’s statement “Esse Est Percipi”. (2010/30)
  21. Does Hume deny the possibility of knowledge? Discuss. (2010/15)
  22. “To be is to be perceived”. Discuss. (2009/20)
  23. Compare the view of Leibnitz and Hume on the concept of substance. (2009/30)
  24. Hume and Kant on metaphysics. Short notes. (2008/20)
  25. State and discuss Locke’s views on Substance. (2007/60)
  26. Explain the theory of knowledge according to Locke. Short Notes. (2006/20)
  27. Discuss Hume’s Scepticism. (2006/60)
  28. Hume’s views on Induction. Short Notes. (2004/20)
  29. To be is to be perceived. Short Notes. (2003/20)
  30. Hume’s Phenomenalism. Short Notes. (2002/20)

4.  Kant: Possibility of Synthetic a priori Judgments; Space and Time; Categories; Ideas of Reason; Antinomies; Critique of Proofs for the Existence of God

  1. Explain how Cartesian formulation of ontological argument is criticized by Kant. (2021/15)
  2. When does Pure Reason enter into the realm of Antinomies according to Kant? Is Kant’s notion of Antinomies of Pure reason a natural culmination of his distinction between Phenomena and Noumena ? Give reasons in favour of your answer. (2020/15)
  3. How does Kant argue for the transcendence of Space and Time? Discuss. (2019/20)
  4. Explain the significance of the Kantian dictum, ‘Understanding makes Nature’. How far do you agree that Hegel’s Absolutism is the culmination of the Kantian Dualism? Discuss. Give reasons in favour of your answer. (2018/15)
  5. How is ‘all bodies are extended’ an analytic judgement but ‘all bodies are heavy’ a synthetic judgement ? Is ‘every event has a cause’ an analytic or a synthetic judgement ? Explain. (2017/20)
  6. Elaborate Kant’s theory of space and time. How does this theory enable him to explain how mathematical propositions can be both synthetic and apriori ? (2017/20)
  7. What, according to Kant, are ‘pure concepts’? Examine their role in the process of knowing.(2016/15)
  8. Examine Kant’s criticism on Descartes’ view of Self.(2016/10)
  9. Explain Kant’s division of categories.(2015/20).
  10. How are synthetic apriori judgement justifiable according to kant? Explain. (2014/10)
  11. Explain Kant’s view of causality. How far is Kant able to answer Hume’s objection that causal relation lacks logical necessity.(2013 : 12 ½)
  12. What is Antinomy ? Describe the major antinomies discussed by Kant. (2013/10)
  13. Why Kant’s philosophy known as Copernicus revolution in metaphysics? What was revolutionary about Kantian philosophy? Give reasons for it.(2012/15)
  14. “Hume aroused me from my dogmatic slumber”. In what context Kant has made this statement? Explain. (2011/20)
  15. What is the basic difference between Leibniz and Kant on the concept of space and time? (2010/30)
  16. Why does Kant say that existence is not a predicate? (2010/15)
  17. Comment on Kant’s objections against the ontological argument for the existence of God. (2009/20)
  18. Hume and Kant on Metaphysics. Short Notes. (2008/20)
  19. Nature of synthetic a-priory judgment according to Kant. Short Notes. (2007/20)
  20. Explain Kant’s criticism of the proofs for the existence of God. Short Notes. (2006/20)
  21. How does Kant respond to Hume’s scepticism? (2005/60)
  22. The significance of Kant’s distinction between phenomena and noumena. Notes. (2004/20)
  23. How is synthetic apriori judgment possible? Short Notes. (2003/20)
  24. ‘Kant’s “Critical Philosophy” is a reconciliation between Rationalism and Empiricism.’ Elucidate the remark fully and bring out the consequence of such a reconciliation for the possibility of traditional metaphysics. (2002/60)

5.  Hegel: Dialectical Method; Absolute Idealism

  1. Discuss Hegel’s Dialectical method. Explain how his dialectical method lead him to the Absolute Idealism. (2021/20)
  2. Examine the reality of the phenomenal world in the light of Hegel’s Absolutism Idealism. (2020/10)
  3. What is the role of dialectics in realizing the truth in Hegel’s philosophy? (2019/10)
  4. Elaborate Hegel’s dictum “All identity is identity and difference.” (2017/10)
  5. What is Hegel’s view on God? Do you think that his interpretation of God was contributive to the colonial and imperial expansionist designs ? Explain (2016/15)
  6. Comment : ‘ Movement is contradiction itself ’ Examine in this context Hegel’s dialectical method . (2013/12 ½)
  7. Explain Hegelian dialectical method and show how it is useful in explaining the historical development process ? (2012/15)
  8. “The rational is real and the real is rational”. Short notes (2009/20)
  9. Hegel’s Dialectical method. Short Notes. (2007/20)
  10. Critically discuss the Hegel’s Dialectical method. Short Notes. (2006/20)
  11. Hegel’s Dialectical Method. Short notes. (2002/20)

6.Moore, Russell and Early Wittgenstein: Defence of Commonsense; Refutation of Idealism; Logical Atomism; Logical Constructions; Incomplete Symbols; Picture Theory of Meaning; Saying and Showing.

  1. What are the main arguments put forward by Moore in his paper “ A Defence Of Common Sense ” to prove that there are possible propositions about the world that are known to be true with certainty ? Do you think Moore’s arguments provide a sufficient response to objections presented by the sceptic against the possibility of knowledge ? Give reasons in support of your answers. ( 2021/20)
  2. What does Wittgenstein mean by the statement – “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent ?” Critically discuss. (2021/15)
  3. Critically discuss the following statement by Moore: “If anyone tells us that to say ‘Blue exists’ is the same thing as to say that ‘Both blue and consciousncss exists makes a mistake and a self contradictory mistake. ” (2020/15)
  1. “The reason that I call my doctrine logical atomism is because the atoms that I wish to arrive at as the sort of last residue in analysis are logical atoms and not physical atoms” Write a note on the nature of atomic facts according to Russell in the light of the above statement.  (2020/15)
  2. Why is Moore’s philosophy called common-sense realism? (2019/15)
  3. How is Russell’s theory of definite description related to his Logical Atomisin? Discuss and give reasons for your answer. (2018/15)
  4. How does Wittgenstein apply the distinction between ‘saying’ and ‘showing’ to point to a single way of apprehending the most decisive problems of philosophy? Is he justified? Give reasons for your answer. (2018/15)
  5. How is the statement ‘ I met a man ’ , semantically problematic for Russell ? How does he account for the meaningfulness of this statement ? (2017/10)
  6. What is Wittgenstein’s theory of picture theory of meaning ? What are his reasons for giving up his theory and suggesting the use theory of meaning ? (2017/15)
  7. Explain Russell’s view that “the physical object is a logical construction from sense-data”.Why does he call his metaphysical view ‘neutral monism’? (2016/15)
  8. Why does Wittgenstein reject the possibility of private language?(2016/10)
  9. E.Moore’s refutationof idealism.(2015/10)
  10. What do you understand by incomplete symbols? What role do they play in Russell’s theory of meaning?(2015/15)
  11. Are G.E.Moore’s arguments in defence of common sense satisfactory. Give reasons.(2014/15)
  12. Why does Wittgenstein disagree Bertrand Russell’s interpretation of atomism in the philosophy of Tractatus ? Discuss (2014/15)
  13. Distinguish between atomic and general proposition. Show how they are justified true . (2013 / 12 ½)
  14. Comment : ‘ Moore’s defence of common sense essentially is defence of common language ’ (2013/12 ½)
  15. Explain the theory of definite descriptions according to Russell.(2012/15)
  16. Are the arguments given by G.E. Moore against Idealism adequate? Give reasons for your answer. (2011/30)
  17. What is Russell’s idea of ‘Incomplete symbols’ in his theory of description? Discuss. (2011/15)
  18. What does Moore want to establish when he asserts that propositions like “Earth exists or we have consciousness” are truism? Discuss. (2010/20)
  19. Explain the theory of logical construction. Does it provide a satisfactory account of knowledge?(2008/60)
  20. State and discuss Russell’s analysis of Definite Descriptions. (2007/60)
  21. Critically discuss Moore’s Refutation of Idealism. (2004/60)
  22. Distinction between ‘saying’ and ‘showing’. Short Notes. (2004/20)
  23. What is Russel’s Logical atomism? Bring out in this connection the conception ormetaphysics involved in it. (2003/60)
  24. Moore’s Defense of Common-Sense. Short Notes. (2002/20)

7. Logical Positivism: Verification Theory of Meaning; Rejection of Metaphysics; Linguistic Theory of Necessary Propositions

  1. What according to Logical Positivists are “pseudo statements” ? How does one identify “pseudo statements” ? Critically discuss with examples. (2021/15)
  2. “The Soul of Superman is Good” Critically examine the above statement in the light of Logical Positivism. (2020/10)
  3. How do the logical positivists account for the meaning of general statements? Can the same account be applied to metaphysical statements? Discuss. (2019/20)
  4. How do the logical positivists show that metaphysical sentences are meaningless? Can their verification theory of meaning account for the meaningfulness of all scientific sentences? Discuss. (2018/15)
  5. Does the sentence ‘ whatever is coloured is extended ’, satisfy the criterion of meaningfulness proposed by the logical positivists ? Explain. (2017/15)
  6. Explain verification theory. Does it lead to elimination of metaphysics?(2016/10)
  7. Are empirical statements verifiable ? Discuss the limitations of ‘ verification theory of meaning’. (2014/20)
  8. Distinguish necessary from empirical proposition. How is necessary proposition is justified? Explain (2013/10)
  9. ‘Logical Positivism broadly claims that metaphysics and theology are meaningless because they are neither matters of logic nor verifiable empirically.’ Critically examine. (2012/12)
  10. Discuss the limitations of verification theory. (2011/20)
  11. Are necessary propositions linguistic by nature? Discuss in the light of logical positivism. (2010/20)
  12. Examine how Ayer eliminates metaphysics. (2009/30)
  13. Elimination of metaphysics at the hands Logical Positivists. Short Notes. (2007/20)
  14. State and discuss the logical positivist’s attempts to eliminate metaphysics. (2005/60)

8.  Later Wittgenstein: Meaning and Use; Language-games; Critique of Private Language.

  1. “But could we also imagine a language in which a person could write down or give vocal expression to his inner experiences – his feelings, moods and the rest-for his private use ? ” Critically discuss the answer offered offered by Wittgenstein to this question. (2020/15)
  2. Show how Wittgenstein’s critique of solipsism culminates in the critique of private language. (2019/15)
  3. How does the notion of ‘family resemblance help Wittgenstein to uphold that ‘Language is a game’? Discuss.(2018/10)
  4. Bring out the relationship between language games and forms of life.(2015/20)
  5. Bring out the significance of ‘Language Games’ in Wittgenstein’s Use theory of meaning. (2014/10)
  6. Explain Wittgenstein’s arguments against the possibility of private language.(2013/10)
  7. According to Wittgenstein ‘Philosophy is a battle against bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language’. Explain the function of philosophy in the above context.(2012/12)
  8. “Meaning of the word lies in its use”. Explain in detail. (2011/30)
  9. Are tautologies meaning according to Wittgenstein? (2010/15)
  10. Wittgenstein’s notion of language-game. (2008/20)

9.  Phenomenology (Husserl):Method; Theory of Essences; Avoidance of Psychologism.

  1. Present a critical exposition of Husserl’s criticism of ‘natural attitude’. How does Husserl propose to address the problems involved in natural attitude through his phenomenological method ?
  2. What, according to Husserl, is wrong with psychologism ? How does Husserl address the problems with psychologism in his phenomenological method ? (2020/10)
  3. Can hallucination be regarded as an intentional act of Husserl ? Explain. (2019/10)
  4. What is Epoché? How does Heidegger reject this method of phenomenological reduction? Explain Heidegger’s concept of ‘being in the world’ as opposed to the concept of a transcendental ego. (2018/20)
  5. Explain Husserl’s reasons for advocating phenomenological reductionism. (2017/10)
  6. Husserl’s notion of ‘bracketing’.(2015/10)
  7. Explain the significance of ‘bracketing’ in Husserl Phenomenology. (2014/10)
  8. What, according to Husserl is Intentionality? Discuss its role in arriving at the meaning of object. (2011/30)
  9. What is the notion of transcendental ego according to Husserl? How is it differentfrom Sartre’s notion of the ego? (2008/60)
  10. What is ‘epoche’? Bring out its significance for Husserl’s conception of rigorous science. (2005/60)
  11. Discuss Husserl’s conception of philosophy as rigorous science. (2003/60)

10.  Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger): Existence and Essence; Choice, Responsibility and Authentic Existence; Being-in-the-world and Temporality.

  1. “I can always choose, but I ought to know that if I do not choose, I am still choosing”. Critically discuss Sartre’s conception of choice and responsibility in the light of above statement. (2021/15)
  2. What does Kierkegaard mean by saying “Subjectivity is the truth” in the context of the problem of ‘the single individual’? (2020/20)
  3. “You can always make something out of what you have been made into.” Critically discuss this statement by Sartre with reference to his views on existentialism. (2020/20)
  4. Is Dasein authentic existence for Heidegger? How does he relate temporality with Dasein? Discuss. (2019/20)
  5. How does Sartre look at the problem of freedom of choice and determinism? Explain. (2019/15)
  6. How does Sartre connect inauthenticity with bad faith? Why does Sartre show that inauthenticity and bad faith lead to alienation? Discuss. (2018/10)
  7. Discuss Heidegger’s concept of authenticity and explain how an inauthentic Dasein regains the lost self ?(2017/15)
  8. Discuss Sartre’ s notion of ‘Nothingness’.(2016/15)
  9. Discuss why Heidegger introduces the concept of Dasein in his metaphysics.(2015/15)
  10. Bring out the relationship between existence and essence in case of human being.Explain the issuesit gives rise to for human beings according to Sartre.(2015/15)
  11. Explain Kierkegaard’s concept of choice. How does the concept of choice in meta-ethics differ from normative ethics? Explain.(2014/20)
  12. State and evaluate Heidegger’s claim that temporality is the horizon against which the being of any entity is understood. (2014/15)
  13. Examine Sartre’s distinction between Being-for-itself and Being-in-itself. (2013/12 ½)
  14. Analyse Kierkegaard’s concept of choice. Can there be , in his view , correct or incorrect choice ? Discuss. (2013/12 ½)
  15. Elucidate Existentialism and indicate its strong and weak points in your own words.(2012/15)
  16. Soren Kierkegaard clarified that “The function of prayers is not to influence God but rather to change the nature of one who prays.” Comment on this statement.(2012/12)
  17. “I am responsible for myself and for everyone else.” Discuss this statement in the light of Sartre’s existentialism. (2011/15)
  18. How is the empirical ego and Heidegger different from the transcendent ego in Husserl? (2010/30)
  19. Compare the views of Spinoza and Sartre on Freedom. (2009/30)
  20. “Existence precedes essence”. Comment. (2009/20)
  21. Heidegger’s contention that essence of “Dasein is its existence” .Short notes. (2008/20)
  22. Discuss Sartre’s conception of freedom. (2004/60)
  23. Existence precedes essence. Short Notes. (2003/20)

11.  Quine and Strawson: Critique of Empiricism; Theory of Basic Particulars and Persons.

  1. What according to Strawson are basic particulars ? What reasons does Strawson offer to believe that ‘material bodies’ and ‘persons’ are basic particulars ? Critically discuss.(2021/15)
  2. Critically examine Quine’s postulate of empiricism without the dogmas with reference to his ‘Two Dogmas of Empiricism’. (2021/15)
  3. Evaluate the role of spatio-temporal thinking in objective thinking with reference to Strawson’s theory of basic particulars. (2020/15)
  4. Explain Quine’s arguments against synthetic-analytic distinction. (2019/10)
  5. How does Strawson explain the concept of person in his philosophy? Discuss. (2018/10)
  6. How does Quine show that the notion of a prior knowledge as discussed by Kant is a metaphysical article of faith’? Give reasons for your answer. 15 marks
  7. What are the two dogmas of empiricism that Quine attacks ?What are his arguments against what he calls the second dogma ? (2017/15)
  8. Discuss Quine’s attack on the analytic-synthetic distinction.(2016/10)
  9. Strawson’s distinction between ‘M’ and ‘P’ predicates.(2015/10)
  10. Elucidate Quine’s arguments to show that analyticity is not synonymity.(2015/15)
  11. How far are Quine’s arguments in ‘two dogmasof empiricism’ justified ? Discuss. (2014/10)
  12. Explain and evaluate Strawson’s arguments for his conception of the nature of Person. (2013/10)
  13. Explain critically Quine’s rejection of the analytic synthetic distinction and his subsequent philosophical arguments.(2012/15)
  14. Is Strawson’s concept of person a refutation of Hume’s concept of self? Discuss. (2010/30)
  15. What are Quine’s objections with regards to the verification theory of meaning? (2009/30)
  16. State and discuss Strawson’s theory of Person. (2007/60)
  17. Quine’s criticism of analytic-synthetic distinction. Short Notes. (2005/20)
  18. Strawson’s notion of person as primitive. Notes. (2003/20)
  19. Quine’s attack on Analytic-Synthetic Distinction. Short Notes. (2002/20)

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2 Comments

  1. priyanshu yadav

    please provide compilation of indian philosophy and paper 2 philosophy question topic wise.
    above compilation is too handy and helpful .

    Reply
  2. Mukul

    Indian philosophy pyq?

    Reply

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