Philosophy is an increasingly popular optional subject among IAS aspirants, due to its shorter syllabus and easier learning curve. Furthermore, philosophy helps develop analytical abilities while developing time management.
Selecting an excellent philosophy coaching institute is crucial for IAS aspirants. Tathastu ICS stands out among its rivals in Delhi by virtue of its distinguished faculty and holistic approach to optional philosophy coaching.
Dr. Tanu Jain- Ex Civil Servant teaches philosophy optional at Tathastu ICS.
What is Philosophy?
Philosophy is an academic field concerned with life’s most fundamental questions, from metaphysics and epistemology, ethics and politics through to law and jurisprudence. Philosophers investigate these fundamental inquiries both microscopically (for instance: What makes humans different?) and macroscopically (How can one live a meaningful life?)
Studies of philosophy are widely seen as one of the best ways to gain wisdom, leadership and the capacity to resolve human conflicts. Furthermore, philosophy equips its students with invaluable critical thinking skills, well constructed prose and an empathic sense of relevance for personal experiences.
Philosophical study can also equip its practitioners with skills of interpretation, comparison and persuasion that can prove indispensable in all fields of work. Students learn to frame hypotheses, conduct research and put problems into manageable forms – these abilities are highly valued by employers.
History of Philosophy
Philosophy is the intellectual investigation of questions concerning God, soul, universe’s fundamental units, knowledge, morality and human existence. To do so effectively and coherently. Philosophy relies on reasoning and critical thinking as its tools of inquiry for this investigation.
Philosophers have long had differing viewpoints about what philosophy is and its practice, with scholars often noting that philosophical traditions often stem from specific cultures and experiences from historical periods in which they developed.
Descartes revisited themes such as skepticism (he considered himself only certain that he was thinking; hence the title Cogito Ergo Sum) and metaphysics (belief in both divine beings and physical world). Auguste Comte developed positivism; which claimed philosophical speculation should follow scientific method guidelines and focussed on solving problems through observation and experimentation to define and solve them successfully. His approach proved immensely influential.
Indian Philosophy
Indian philosophy encompasses many schools and systems, yet they all share certain common themes. Indian philosophies tend toward idealism – viewing reality as ultimately spiritual rather than material – while systems which espouse dualism or pluralism also exhibit monistic features.
Pragmatism is essential in this pursuit, recognising that finding truth can often be an uphill struggle. Indian rishis (sages) used observation and meditation to understand reality’s true nature; studying elements such as fire and water and finding out they consume nothing while creating nothing of value in return.
Vaisheshika evolved separately from Nyaya but shares many of its core ideas. Known for its naturalism and unique form of atomism in which particles remain undestroyable but may combine into different mixtures which may then decompose later, it emphasizes intuition and self-cultivation and has had an immense effect on Hindu nationalist movements.
Western Philosophy
Philosophy seeks to uncover the nature of life by studying the ideas of great philosophers. It explores questions related to God, soul, religion, morality and knowledge among others. Anyone interested in exploring and logically debating various issues related to Ethics, Society, Government and Politics can study Philosophy to develop right perspectives for living by drawing insights and concepts from great thinkers into life interviews.
Searches by NGram demonstrate that Western Philosophy is an invention which emerged only recently, as an attempt at legitimation in European colonialism, fascism, white supremacism, post-second world war pan-European identity formation, etc (Contribution). Furthermore, historical evidence clearly demonstrates that “Western Philosophy” cannot exist as an isolated intellectual tradition but rather is comprised of various exchanges and interactions among cultures throughout time (See Contribution for more info) For those wishing to pursue it as an optional subject matter experts can offer guidance in order to complete it properly (Contribution).
Ethics
Philosophy stands out among optional subjects as it can easily cover its syllabus quickly. However, this subject also presents several pitfalls which could hinder your preparations; therefore it is crucial that a comprehensive SWOT analysis be completed prior to selecting this option.
Tanu Jain was born on July 17, 1986 in Sadar Bazaar, Delhi 6. She completed her early education at Cambridge School located in Srinivaspuri before going on to receive her BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) degree at Subharti Medical College Meerut. But Tanu didn’t feel satisfied as a dentist and sought to serve the nation by becoming an IAS officer – after three attempts with UPSC, she finally succeeded and is now an Assistant Director with DRDO! Tanu’s journey and achievement serves as an inspiring story for any aspiring aspirant looking forward.
Religion
Religion is a system of beliefs and practices designed to provide people with spiritual comfort, as well as express their thoughts about life and the universe. Many find hope and moral guidance through religion.
Anthropologists (scientists who study human cultures and origins) hold that religion arose out of biological or cultural needs, rather than as an abstract idea. Anthropologists believe religion evolved as a response to unpredictable elements of their environment such as weather or hunting for sustenance; early humans likely created religion to cope with such forces while believing death to be part of life and sought an escape route or way to continue living beyond earth’s surface.
Religion remains an integral part of most cultures today, providing followers with structure, moral code and an eschatological belief system. With over 85 percent of world populations identifying themselves as religious, religion remains an integral part of human experience.
