Jammu University NON CBCS Philosophy 2nd Semester Previous Year Question Paper PDF
Philosophy under the NON CBCS system at Jammu University provides a comprehensive exploration of fundamental philosophical concepts, ethical theories, epistemology, and metaphysics. The 2nd Semester builds upon introductory knowledge with advanced topics in Indian and Western philosophy, logic, ethics, and philosophical methods essential for developing critical thinking skills.
Section A consists of 10 short-answer questions (1 mark each) covering basic philosophical concepts, terminology, philosopher identification, and fundamental principles.
Section B requires detailed explanations (6 marks each) on topics like philosophical arguments, ethical theories, logical principles, and comparative analysis.
Section C features comprehensive analytical questions (15 marks each) demanding critical analysis of philosophical texts, comparative studies between Indian and Western philosophy, and application of philosophical methods to contemporary issues.
The examination emphasizes both historical understanding and analytical application. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of philosophical concepts, ability to analyze arguments, develop coherent philosophical positions, and critically evaluate different philosophical schools of thought.
Key areas of focus include epistemology (theory of knowledge), metaphysics (nature of reality), ethics (moral philosophy), logic (reasoning methods), Indian philosophical systems, Western philosophical traditions, and philosophical methods. Special emphasis is given to comparative philosophy and applications to contemporary ethical dilemmas.
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📚 Course Structure & Syllabus Breakdown
📋 Course Overview
- Program: B.A. Philosophy (NON CBCS)
- Semester: 2nd
- University: University of Jammu
- Course Code: PHIL-102 / PHIL-202
- Total Marks: 100 (Theory: 80, Internal: 20)
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Medium: English
- Specialization: Indian & Western Philosophy
📖 Unit-wise Syllabus
| Unit | Topics & Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Unit I | Indian Philosophy - Part I: Carvaka (Materialism), Jainism (Anekantavada, Syadvada), Buddhism (Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path), Comparative analysis | 20 |
| Unit II | Indian Philosophy - Part II: Nyaya (Theory of knowledge, Pramanas), Vaisesika (Categories, Atomism), Samkhya (Prakriti-Purusha, Evolution), Yoga (Eight limbs, Meditation) | 25 |
| Unit III | Western Philosophy - Ancient: Pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato (Theory of Forms, Ideal State), Aristotle (Four Causes, Virtue Ethics), Hellenistic Philosophy | 20 |
| Unit IV | Logic & Critical Thinking: Basic logical concepts, Types of arguments (deductive, inductive), Fallacies, Philosophical methods, Critical analysis techniques | 15 |
📊 Examination Pattern
Theory Paper (80 marks)
- Section A: 10 short questions × 1 mark = 10
- Section B: 5 out of 7 questions × 6 marks = 30
- Section C: 4 out of 6 questions × 10 marks = 40
Internal Assessment (20 marks)
- Philosophical Essay Writing = 8
- Text Analysis Assignment = 6
- Class Presentation/Debate = 6
🏛️ Indian Philosophical Systems
Astika Schools (Orthodox)
- Nyaya: Logic, epistemology, 4 Pramanas (perception, inference, comparison, testimony)
- Vaisesika: Atomism, 7 categories (substance, quality, action, generality, particularity, inherence, non-existence)
- Samkhya: Dualism (Purusha-Prakriti), 25 principles, evolution theory
- Yoga: Practical philosophy, 8 limbs, meditation, Patanjali
Nastika Schools (Heterodox)
- Carvaka: Materialism, skepticism, hedonism, rejection of supernatural
- Jainism: Anekantavada (many-sided reality), Syadvada (conditional predication), Ahimsa
- Buddhism: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Anatman (no-self), Dependent Origination
Key Concepts: Dharma, Karma, Moksha, Atman, Brahman, Maya, Pramanas, Dukkha, Nirvana, Ahimsa, Anekantavada
📚 Recommended Textbooks & References
- "A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy" - C.D. Sharma
- "Indian Philosophy" - S. Radhakrishnan (2 Volumes)
- "Outlines of Indian Philosophy" - M. Hiriyanna
- "A History of Western Philosophy" - Bertrand Russell
- "Sophie's World" - Jostein Gaarder (Introductory)
- "An Introduction to Indian Philosophy" - Satischandra Chatterjee & Dhirendramohan Datta
- "The Story of Philosophy" - Will Durant
- "Logic" - Irving M. Copi
- "Ethics" - Peter Singer
- "Meditations" - Marcus Aurelius
- "Republic" - Plato
- "Nicomachean Ethics" - Aristotle
🎯 Preparation Strategy & Tips
- Concept Maps: Create visual diagrams connecting philosophical concepts, schools, and philosophers
- Comparative Analysis: Practice comparing Indian and Western philosophical concepts
- Argument Reconstruction: Learn to identify premises and conclusions in philosophical arguments
- Primary Text Reading: Read selected passages from original philosophical texts
- Logical Exercises: Practice identifying logical fallacies and constructing valid arguments
- Historical Timeline: Create chronological charts of philosophical developments
- Previous Papers: Solve last 5 years' papers focusing on comparative and analytical questions
- Discussion Groups: Participate in philosophical discussions and debates
- Application Practice: Apply philosophical concepts to contemporary ethical dilemmas
🏛️ Major Philosophical Traditions
Indian Philosophy
Astika & Nastika schools, Spiritual focus, Moksha, Karma, Dharma
Western Philosophy
Greek origins, Rational inquiry, Systematic analysis, Individual focus
Comparative Philosophy
East-West dialogue, Cross-cultural analysis, Universal themes
Applied Philosophy
Ethics in practice, Political philosophy, Environmental ethics, Bioethics
📚 Essential Philosophical Terminology
Epistemology
Theory of knowledge, Pramanas, Empiricism, Rationalism, Skepticism, Justification
Metaphysics
Nature of reality, Ontology, Cosmology, Substance, Attribute, Causality, Time/Space
Ethics
Moral philosophy, Virtue ethics, Deontology, Utilitarianism, Dharma, Karma, Ahimsa
Logic
Deductive/Inductive reasoning, Syllogism, Fallacies, Validity, Soundness, Inference
👨🏫 Eminent Philosophers
Indian Philosophers
Gautama Buddha, Mahavira, Patanjali, Kanada, Gautama (Nyaya), Kapila (Samkhya)
Greek Philosophers
Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Thales, Heraclitus, Parmenides, Epicurus
Modern Philosophers
Descartes, Kant, Hume, Nietzsche, Sartre, Wittgenstein, Russell
Contemporary Thinkers
Martha Nussbaum, Peter Singer, Amartya Sen, Slavoj Žižek, Judith Butler
⚖️ Major Ethical Theories
- Virtue Ethics (Aristotle): Focus on character, golden mean, eudaimonia
- Deontology (Kant): Duty-based, categorical imperative, universalizability
- Utilitarianism (Bentham/Mill): Consequence-based, greatest happiness principle
- Dharma Ethics (Indian): Duty, righteousness, cosmic order
- Care Ethics (Gilligan): Relationships, empathy, responsibility
- Existential Ethics (Sartre): Authenticity, freedom, responsibility
💼 Philosophy Career Opportunities
Philosophy graduates from Jammu University have diverse career options:
🏔️ Philosophical Traditions in Jammu & Kashmir
- Kashmiri Shaivism: Philosophical school emphasizing consciousness, Pratyabhijna system
- Buddhist Heritage: Ancient Buddhist centers, influence on regional philosophy
- Sufi Traditions: Mystical philosophy, poets like Lal Ded and Nund Rishi
- Interfaith Dialogue: Historical coexistence of multiple religious philosophies
- Contemporary Thinkers: Modern philosophers from Jammu & Kashmir region
- Cultural Synthesis: Unique philosophical blend in regional culture
🔍 Common Logical Fallacies
- Ad Hominem: Attacking person instead of argument
- Straw Man: Misrepresenting opponent's position
- False Dilemma: Presenting only two options when more exist
- Slippery Slope: Assuming one step leads to extreme outcome
- Circular Reasoning: Using conclusion as premise
- Appeal to Emotion: Using emotion instead of reason
- Hasty Generalization: Broad conclusion from small sample
- Post Hoc: Assuming causation from correlation
🧠 Philosophical Methods & Approaches
- Dialectical Method (Socrates): Question and answer to reach truth
- Phenomenology (Husserl): Study of consciousness and experience
- Analytic Philosophy: Logical analysis of language and concepts
- Continental Philosophy: Historical, cultural, existential approaches
- Hermeneutics: Theory and methodology of interpretation
- Deconstruction (Derrida): Analyzing conceptual oppositions
- Comparative Method: Cross-cultural philosophical analysis
🌿 Major Branches of Philosophy
- Metaphysics: Nature of reality, existence, time, space, causality
- Epistemology: Theory of knowledge, belief, justification, truth
- Ethics: Moral philosophy, right/wrong, good/bad, virtue
- Logic: Principles of valid reasoning and argument
- Aesthetics: Philosophy of art, beauty, taste
- Political Philosophy: State, justice, rights, authority
- Philosophy of Mind: Consciousness, mental states, mind-body problem
- Philosophy of Science: Scientific methods, assumptions, implications
💡 Pro Tip: Philosophy requires active engagement rather than passive memorization. Practice reconstructing arguments from primary texts. Develop the habit of questioning assumptions in everyday situations. Create comparative charts between Indian and Western concepts (e.g., Dharma vs Duty, Moksha vs Salvation). When answering questions, always: 1) Define key terms clearly, 2) Present multiple perspectives, 3) Give examples, 4) Offer critical evaluation, 5) Draw logical conclusions. Practice writing philosophical essays with clear thesis statements and logical progression. Join or form study groups for discussion and debate. Read philosophical texts slowly and reflectively, taking notes on arguments and counterarguments.
