Philosophy UPSC CSE Books

We have compiled a list of books for Philosophy Optional Paper for UPSC CSE. This list includes both recommended and optional books for the exam.

These books are designed to help you understand the philosophical concepts and theories that are essential for the exam. Ensure that you have read the syllabus before selecting the books.

Philosophy Books for UPSC: A Comprehensive Guide

Philosophy is a popular optional subject in the UPSC Mains Exam, and selecting the right books is crucial for success. The philosophy optional subject is divided into two papers, each requiring a different set of books. This guide will help you choose the best resources to excel in both papers.

Paper 1: History and Problems of Philosophy

Paper 1 covers the history and problems of philosophy, divided into Western and Indian philosophy. The Western philosophy section includes major philosophical schools and thinkers from ancient to contemporary times, such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Russell, Wittgenstein, and Sartre. The Indian philosophy section covers the six orthodox systems (Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta) and heterodox schools like Buddhism, Jainism, and Charvaka. Topics include logic, ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, and philosophy of language.

Recommended Books for Paper 1

1. W. T. Stace: A Critical History of Greek Philosophy (focus on Plato and Aristotle).
2. Copleston: A History of Philosophy (Relevant chapters from volumes I, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and XI).
3. Anthony Kenny: A New History of Western Philosophy.
4. Datta & Chatterjee: An Introduction to Indian Philosophy.
5. C. D. Sharma: A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy.
6. Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy.
7. Bertrand Russell: A History Of Western Philosophy.

Paper 2: Socio-Political Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion

Paper 2 is divided into socio-political philosophy and philosophy of religion. The socio-political philosophy section covers concepts like justice, equality, rights, liberty, democracy, secularism, nationalism, feminism, and multiculturalism. The philosophy of religion section includes arguments for and against the existence of God, the problem of evil, the nature and attributes of God, the relationship between faith and reason, and comparative studies of major world religions.

Recommended Books for Paper 2

1. John Hick: Philosophy of Religion.
2. Michael B. Wilkinson: Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction.
3. O. P. Gauba: Social & Political Philosophy.
4. Political Theory, An Introduction. Edited by Rajeev Bhargava & Ashok Acharya.
5. Oxford Dictionary of Politics.

Strategies to Cover Philosophy Books for UPSC

1. Understand the Syllabus: Review the philosophy optional syllabus to identify key topics.
2. Select Key Books: Choose books based on your understanding and comfort level.
3. Start with Basics: Begin with fundamental texts to build a strong foundation.
4. Avoid Overlap: Read each topic from one primary source, but gather additional information as needed.
5. Join Coaching: Consider joining a philosophy optional coaching for expert guidance.
6. Make Notes: Create short notes while reading to simplify revision.

FAQs

Which book is best for UPSC Philosophy Optional?

The best books for UPSC Philosophy Optional include:

• "A Critical History of Western Philosophy" by Y. Masih
• "Indian Philosophy" by Radhakrishnan
• "Political Theory" by O.P. Gauba

How to read Philosophy for UPSC?

1. Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the UPSC philosophy optional syllabus.
2. Select Key Books: Choose standard philosophy books like "A Critical History of Western Philosophy" and "Indian Philosophy."
3. Start with Basics: Begin with fundamental texts to build a strong foundation.
4. Make Concise Notes: Create short notes while reading to aid in revision.
5. Practice Answer Writing: Regularly practice writing answers to enhance understanding.
6. Diversify Sources: Refer to multiple sources, including online materials, to gain diverse perspectives.
7. Join Coaching: Joining a coaching program will give you access to expert guidance.
8. Stay Consistent: Maintain a consistent study routine to cover the syllabus effectively.

By following this guide, you can strategically choose and cover the best philosophy books for the UPSC exam, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and higher scores.