Jammu University Non CBCS
Philosophy Previous Year Question Paper
6th Semester
PL-601
Jammu University NON-CBCS Philosophy 6th Semester Previous Year Question Paper
Course Title: Indian and Western Philosophy
Course No: PH-601
Semester: VI (6th Semester)
Type: NON-CBCS (B.A. Philosophy)
University: University of Jammu
Total Marks: 100
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Theory: 80 Marks
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Internal Assessment: 20 Marks
Exam Duration: 3 Hours
📘 Detailed Syllabus – Jammu University Philosophy 6th Semester (NON-CBCS)
Unit I – Indian Philosophy (Darshanas Overview)
- Nature, scope, and characteristics of Indian Philosophy.
- Common features of Indian philosophical systems.
- Orthodox (Āstika) and Heterodox (Nāstika) systems of Indian thought.
- Classification of Indian philosophy.
Unit II – Orthodox Systems (Āstika Darshanas)
- Nyāya Philosophy – Nature of knowledge, pramāṇas, and God.
- Vaiśeṣika Philosophy – Padārthas (categories) and atomic theory.
- Sāṃkhya Philosophy – Purusha and Prakriti; evolution theory.
- Yoga Philosophy – Eightfold path (Ashtanga Yoga) and concept of liberation.
Unit III – Heterodox Systems (Nāstika Darshanas)
- Cārvāka Philosophy – Materialism, perception as the only source of knowledge.
- Buddhism – Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Doctrine of Dependent Origination.
- Jainism – Anekantavāda, Syādvāda, and concept of Karma.
Unit IV – Western Philosophy (Modern Period)
- Rationalism: Descartes’ method of doubt, Cogito Ergo Sum (“I think, therefore I am”).
- Empiricism: Locke’s theory of knowledge, Berkeley’s idealism, Hume’s skepticism.
- Kant’s Critical Philosophy: Synthetic a priori judgments, categories of understanding.
Unit V – Applied & Moral Philosophy
- Meaning and scope of Ethics.
- Theories of Good and Right — Hedonism, Utilitarianism, Kantian Ethics.
- Concepts of Duty and Moral Law.
- Relation between Religion and Morality.
📜 Previous Year Important Questions (Frequently Asked in Exams)
🔹 Unit I: Indian Philosophy – Introduction
- Define Indian Philosophy. What are its main characteristics?
- Distinguish between Āstika and Nāstika schools of thought.
- Write short notes on the sources of Indian philosophy.
- Explain the common features of Indian philosophical systems.
🔹 Unit II: Orthodox Systems (Āstika Darshanas)
- Explain the Nyāya theory of knowledge.
- Discuss the six Padārthas (categories) of Vaiśeṣika Philosophy.
- Explain Purusha and Prakriti according to Sāṃkhya philosophy.
- Write short notes on Ashtanga Yoga and liberation (Moksha) in Yoga system.
🔹 Unit III: Heterodox Systems (Nāstika Darshanas)
- Explain Cārvāka’s concept of perception as the only means of knowledge.
- Discuss the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism.
- Write short notes on Anekantavāda and Syādvāda in Jainism.
- Compare Jain and Buddhist conceptions of liberation.
🔹 Unit IV: Western Philosophy
- Explain Descartes’ method of doubt and his concept of Cogito Ergo Sum.
- Discuss Locke’s theory of ideas and knowledge.
- Explain Berkeley’s idealism — “Esse est percipi” (To be is to be perceived).
- Write a short note on Kant’s synthetic a priori judgments.
🔹 Unit V: Ethics and Applied Philosophy
- Define Ethics and explain its nature and scope.
- What is Utilitarianism? Discuss the views of Bentham and Mill.
- Explain Kant’s theory of moral law and duty.
- Discuss the relation between Religion and Morality.
🧾 Pattern of Question Paper
- There shall be five units, and questions will be set unit-wise.
- Each unit will have two long answer questions (12 marks each) and two short answer questions (4 marks each).
- Students must attempt five long answer questions and five short answer questions (one from each unit).
- Total: 80 Marks (Theory) + 20 Marks (Internal Assessment).
📚 Recommended Books
- Dr. S. Radhakrishnan – Indian Philosophy (Vol. I & II)
- C.D. Sharma – A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy
- Y. Masih – A Comparative Study of Indian and Western Philosophy
- Bertrand Russell – History of Western Philosophy
- Frank Thilly – A History of Philosophy
- Kant – Critique of Pure Reason (Selected portions)
- Will Durant – The Story of Philosophy
🧩 Exam Preparation Tips
✅ Focus on definitions and comparisons (e.g., Indian vs. Western approaches).
✅ Revise philosophical terms and doctrines (like Anekantavāda, Pramāṇas, Cogito Ergo Sum).
✅ Prepare short notes on thinkers — Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant.
✅ Write structured answers: Definition → Explanation → Example → Criticism → Conclusion.
✅ For long answers, always include philosophical quotations if possible.
✨ Conclusion
The Jammu University NON-CBCS Philosophy 6th Semester paper explores the evolution of human thought — from ancient Indian Darshanas to modern Western philosophy. Students should master the key doctrines, comparisons, and ethical theories to score well in exams.