Jammu University Non CBCS
Philosophy Previous Year Question Paper
1st Semester
PL-101
Jammu University NON-CBCS Philosophy 1st Semester Previous Year Question Paper & Syllabus
Introduction
Philosophy is a foundational subject that introduces students to the nature of human thought, reality, knowledge and values. In the Bachelor of Arts programme at University of Jammu (Non-CBCS), the 1st Semester Philosophy paper aims to build a clear understanding of basic philosophical concepts, logic, and key thinkers. This blog post gives a detailed overview of the syllabus, expected question paper pattern, and important questions to guide your preparation.
Course Details
- Course Title: Philosophy – Semester 1
- University: University of Jammu
- Scheme: Non-CBCS
- Duration of Exam: 3 Hours
- Total Marks: 100 (Theory + Internal Assessment)
- Theory Marks: 80
- Internal Assessment / Sessionals: 20
Syllabus Overview
Based on available syllabus documents from University of Jammu and allied sources, the 1st semester Philosophy paper typically covers the following units and topics:
Unit I – Introduction to Philosophy
- Meaning, origin and development of philosophy.
- Nature, scope and aims of philosophy.
- Branches of philosophy: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Axiology.
- Key questions: “What is real?”, “How do we know?”.
Unit II – Traditional Approaches to Philosophy
- Rationalism: meaning, features (e.g., Descartes)
- Empiricism: meaning, features (e.g., Locke)
- A Priori vs A Posteriori knowledge.
- Realism, Idealism – contrasting views of reality.
Unit III – Logic and Argumentation
- Basic logical concepts: proposition, sentence, term, inference.
- Deductive and inductive reasoning.
- Validity, truth, soundness.
- Traditional logic: categorical propositions, square of opposition, syllogism.
Unit IV – Ethics and Human Values
- Meaning and scope of ethics.
- Concepts of duty, rights, moral values.
- Major ethical theories: Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics.
- Role of philosophy in promoting human welfare and social justice.
Unit V – Introduction to Indian & Western Thought
- Overview of selected classical Indian philosophical concepts (e.g., self, karma, moksha) and Western philosophical traditions (e.g., existentialism, phenomenology).
- Suppose the paper introduces key thinkers and schools rather than in-depth advanced topics.
Question Paper Pattern (Expected)
-
The exam consists of theory paper of 80 marks.
- Students will be required to attempt questions from each unit — typically one long answer or selective questions from a unit.
A typical pattern:
Long Answer Questions (Around 12-15 marks each) from each Unit.- Short Answer Questions (4-6 marks each) covering definitions, brief comments.
- Internal assessment (20 marks) through assignments/class tests.
Important / Expected Questions
Here are some high-probability questions you should prepare:
- What is philosophy? Explain its meaning and development.
- Discuss the nature and scope of philosophy with suitable examples.
- Define rationalism and empiricism. Compare their major features.
- Explain the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning.
- Write a note on categorical propositions and the square of opposition.
- What is ethics? Discuss the main features of Utilitarian theory.
- Give an overview of a selected Indian philosopher’s view on self and reality.
- Explain the concept of duty in deontological ethics.
- Short answer: Validity vs soundness, term and proposition, rights vs duties.
- Short answer: Role of philosophy in modern society, human values and ethics.
Preparation Tips
✅ Understand key terms clearly (e.g., epistemology, metaphysics, inference).
✅ Practice questions in your own words rather than memorising.
✅ Use examples from everyday life to link philosophical concepts.
✅ Organise answers: Definition → Explanation → Example → Conclusion.
✅ Revise short notes for quick revision before exams.
Conclusion
The 1st-Semester Philosophy paper at University of Jammu may look abstract, but with clarity in understanding and consistent practice, students can excel. Focus on the core concepts, practise the expected questions, and work on structuring answers — you’ll be well prepared for the exam.