Philosophy Mock Tests

Philosophy Syllabus for WB SLST 2025 (Class XI-XII)

This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of key philosophical concepts, theories, and thinkers, designed to prepare students for the WB SLST 2025 examination. It covers Indian and Western philosophy, ethics, psychology, logic, and social-political philosophy with an emphasis on critical understanding and practical application.

Group A: Indian Philosophy

• Overview of Indian Philosophical Schools: Introduction to major schools and their historical context.
• Cārvāka (Materialism): Fundamental principles, critique of metaphysics, and emphasis on empirical knowledge.
• Jainism and Buddhism: Core doctrines, ethical teachings, and the four Buddhist schools (Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna, and Madhyamaka).
• Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika: Epistemology focusing on pramāṇas (means of knowledge) and metaphysics including categories of reality.
• Sāṅkhya-Yoga: Theory of evolution, dualism of puruṣa and prakṛti, and paths to liberation.
• Mīmāṃsā: Pramāṇas and theory of knowledge with emphasis on ritual exegesis.
• Vedānta: Detailed study of Advaita Vedānta (Śaṅkara) and Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta (Rāmānuja) philosophies focusing on ultimate reality and self.

Group B: Ethics

• Definition and Scope: Understanding ethics as a branch of philosophy and its relevance.
• Moral Judgment and Theories: Examination of Hedonism, Deontology, and Utilitarianism with practical examples.
• Contemporary Ethical Issues: In-depth discussion on euthanasia, animal rights, and environmental ethics highlighting moral dilemmas and societal impact.

Group C: Western Philosophy

• Key Philosophers: Study of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant.
• Core Topics: Theory of Forms, Substance, Dualism, Idealism, Causality, and Categories with critical analysis.

Group D: Psychology

• Methods: Introspection and experimental approaches in psychological study.
• Concepts: Learning theories, perception, memory, and intelligence including Spearman's and Thurstone's models.
• Freuds Theory: Structure of mind (id, ego, superego) and dream analysis.

Group E: Logic

• Categorical and Symbolic Logic: Understanding syllogisms, truth tables, and quantification.
• Inductive Reasoning: Use of analogy, Mills methods of experimental inquiry, and hypothesis formulation.

Group F: Social & Political Philosophy

• Society: Concepts of community, caste, class, and social institutions.
• Political Systems: Examination of democracy, socialism, and Gandhian thought emphasizing ethical governance.
• Marxist View: Analysis of social change and class struggle.

Important Notes for Students:

• Focus on understanding key concepts and their practical implications.
• Relate philosophical theories to contemporary social and ethical issues.
• Practice critical thinking and clear articulation of arguments for the exam.
• Use examples and case studies where applicable to strengthen answers.