FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2025
PHILOSOPHY: PHIDSC-253
(Social and Political Philosophy)
UNIT-I
Question 1 (a) 2 Marks
Define social philosophy.
Social philosophy is the philosophical study of social behavior and interpretations of society and social institutions in terms of ethical values rather than empirical relations.
Question 1 (b) 2 Marks
What is political philosophy?
Political philosophy is the branch of philosophy that explores fundamental questions about the state, government, politics, liberty, justice, and the enforcement of a legal code by authority.
Question 1 (c) 2 Marks
In what sense social philosophy is related to ethics?
Social philosophy is deeply rooted in ethics because it evaluates social institutions and behaviors based on moral principles like justice, rights, and the "good life." It asks what society ought to be, which is a normative ethical inquiry.
Question 2 (a) 10 Marks
Discuss the scopes and main concerns of social philosophy.
The scope of social philosophy is broad, encompassing the foundational principles of social existence.
Its main concerns include:- Nature of Society: Analyzing the origin and structure of social groups.
- Individual vs. Society: Examining the tension and relationship between personal autonomy and social obligation.
- Social Values: Investigating ideals such as justice, equality, and liberty.
- Social Institutions: Critically evaluating the role of family, education, and religion.
Question 2 (b) (OR) 10 Marks
How is social philosophy related to sociology? Discuss in detail.
Social philosophy and sociology are closely related yet distinct in their methodology.
| Feature | Sociology | Social Philosophy |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Empirical/Descriptive (What is) | Normative/Evaluative (What ought to be) |
| Method | Data collection and observation | Rational reflection and analysis |
Sociology provides the factual data about social structures, while social philosophy interprets and evaluates that data through a moral lens.
UNIT-II
Question 3 (c) 2 Marks
Mention any two elements of a state.
- Population: A permanent group of people.
- Territory: A defined geographical area.
Question 4 (b) 10 Marks
Define Nation. Define State. How are they related to each other?
State: A political entity characterized by population, territory, government, and sovereignty.
Nation: A socio-cultural entity defined by shared heritage, language, or ethnicity.
Relationship: While a state is a legal concept, a nation is a psychological/cultural one. A "Nation-State" occurs when the boundaries of the cultural group align with the political borders.
UNIT-III
Question 6 (a) 10 Marks
What is meant by reform? Distinguish between reform and revolution.
Reform: Gradual improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory within existing structures.
Revolution: A fundamental and relatively sudden change in political power and social structure.
Distinctions: Reform works within the system through legal means, whereas revolution seeks to overthrow the system, often through extra-legal or violent means.
UNIT-IV
Question 7 (a) 2 Marks
Who are the chief exponents of social contract theory?
- Thomas Hobbes
- John Locke
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Question 8 (a) 10 Marks
What do you mean by social contract? Discuss critically the social contract theory of the origin of the state.
Social contract is the hypothetical agreement between individuals to leave the "state of nature" and form a governed society to ensure security and order.
Exponents:
- Hobbes: Contract for survival; absolute sovereignty.
- Locke: Contract to protect natural rights (life, liberty, property).
- Rousseau: Contract based on the "General Will."
Critique: Critics argue that the theory is unhistorical (there is no record of such a contract) and illogical, as a contract requires a legal framework that only exists after a state is formed.
UNIT-V
Question 9 (b) 2 Marks
What is civil liberty?
Civil liberty refers to the freedom of a citizen to exercise customary rights, such as of speech or assembly, without unwarranted or arbitrary interference by the government.
Question 10 (b) 10 Marks
What is meant by terrorism? Discuss briefly the causes of terrorism.
Terrorism: The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political, religious, or ideological aims.
Causes:
- Political Injustice: Lack of representation or oppression by a state.
- Economic Deprivation: Poverty and lack of opportunity fueling resentment.
- Ideological Extremism: Radical interpretations of religious or political doctrines.
- Psychological Factors: Seeking identity or belonging through radical groups.