CUET PG

Practice Question

Western Political Thought

1. Which is Not correct about Isaiah Berlin?

A. He preferred negative over positive liberty

B. He declared demise of political theory on the wake of behaviuoral revolution

C. Negative liberty, in his view, should be distinguished from the conditions of its exercise

D. He supported value pluralism

Answer

The correct answer is B. He declared demise of political theory on the wake of behavioural revolution.

Explanation:

  • A. He preferred negative over positive liberty: This is correct. Isaiah Berlin is famously known for his distinction between two concepts of liberty: negative liberty (freedom from interference) and positive liberty (freedom to achieve one’s potential). Berlin expressed a preference for negative liberty because he believed it was less susceptible to being used to justify authoritarianism.

  • B. He declared demise of political theory on the wake of behavioural revolution: This is not correct. Isaiah Berlin did not declare the demise of political theory. In fact, he was critical of the behavioural revolution and other movements that sought to make political science a purely empirical or scientific discipline. He believed in the importance of normative political theory and argued for the enduring value of philosophical analysis of political concepts, including liberty.

  • C. Negative liberty, in his view, should be distinguished from the conditions of its exercise: This is correct. Berlin argued that negative liberty (the absence of coercion) should be clearly distinguished from the conditions that might affect how liberty is exercised. He emphasized that the concept of liberty itself should not be confused with the broader social and economic conditions that can impact its practical realization.

  • D. He supported value pluralism: This is correct. Berlin was a proponent of value pluralism, the idea that there are many conflicting but equally valid values that cannot all be realized simultaneously. He argued that this plurality of values is inherent in the human condition and that political theories need to accommodate this diversity rather than impose a monistic vision of the good life.

2. Which is Not correct about Joh Rawls’ Theory of Justice?

A. It gave lexical priority to Liberty Principle over Equality Principle

B. It is based on the difference principle

C. It is applicable universally to all societies

D. It gave priority to rights over common good

Answer

The correct answer is C. It is applicable universally to all societies.

Explanation:

  • A. It gave lexical priority to Liberty Principle over Equality Principle: This is correct about John Rawls’ theory. In his theory, Rawls proposes two principles of justice: (1) The Liberty Principle, which states that each person has an equal right to the most extensive basic liberties compatible with similar liberties for others, and (2) The Equality Principle, which includes the Difference Principle and Fair Equality of Opportunity. The Liberty Principle has lexical priority over the Equality Principle, meaning it must be fully satisfied before any considerations of equality are addressed.

  • B. It is based on the difference principle: This is also correct. The Difference Principle is a central part of Rawls’ theory, which states that social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society. This principle allows for inequalities only if they improve the situation of those who are worst off.

  • C. It is applicable universally to all societies: This is not correct. Rawls’ Theory of Justice is primarily developed within the context of a democratic society with a shared culture and moral consensus. It is not intended to be a universal theory applicable to all societies regardless of their cultural, social, or economic contexts. In fact, Rawls himself clarifies that his theory is meant for “a well-ordered society” where there is a consensus on the principles of justice. He later developed a modified version for international application called “The Law of Peoples,” which accounts for differences among societies but is not a direct application of his original theory.

  • D. It gave priority to rights over common good: This is correct. Rawls’ theory prioritizes individual rights and liberties, which cannot be overridden by appeals to the common good or overall welfare. The principles of justice are designed to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals first, before considering the aggregate welfare.

3. Which is Not correct about ‘Veil of Ignorance’ device conceptualized by John Rawls?

A. It is a device to eliminate bias in decision making and judgement

B. Contracting parties do not know their place in society, social status, or class position

C. Parties don’t even know their conception of good life

D. Parties to the contract have encumbered selves

Answer

The correct answer is D. Parties to the contract have encumbered selves.

Explanation:

The “Veil of Ignorance” is a key concept in John Rawls’ theory of justice, particularly in his book “A Theory of Justice.” The veil of ignorance is a thought experiment designed to ensure impartiality in the creation of principles of justice.

  • A. It is a device to eliminate bias in decision making and judgment: This is correct. The veil of ignorance is meant to eliminate personal biases by ensuring that parties making decisions about the principles of justice do so without knowing how those decisions will affect them personally. This device ensures fairness and impartiality.

  • B. Contracting parties do not know their place in society, social status, or class position: This is correct. Under the veil of ignorance, individuals are unaware of their personal characteristics, such as their social status, wealth, or any other attributes that might bias their decision-making in favor of their personal circumstances.

  • C. Parties don’t even know their conception of the good life: This is correct. According to Rawls, parties under the veil of ignorance do not know their personal values, desires, or conceptions of what constitutes a good life. This lack of specific knowledge ensures that the principles chosen are fair and not tailored to benefit any particular conception of the good life.

  • D. Parties to the contract have encumbered selves: This is not correct. The term “encumbered selves” refers to individuals who are aware of their personal attributes, social circumstances, and specific life plans, which could influence their decisions. However, under the veil of ignorance, individuals are considered “unencumbered selves”—they do not know any particular details about themselves that could bias their choices. They are supposed to make decisions as if they had no knowledge of their own social position, talents, or conception of the good, ensuring impartiality in the selection of principles of justice.

4. Marx’s theory of the state and revolution is taken from

A. German classical philosophy

B. British political economy

C. French revolutionary tradition

D. American war of independence

Answer

The correct answer is C. French revolutionary tradition.

Explanation:

Karl Marx’s theory of the state and revolution draws significantly from the French revolutionary tradition. Marx was heavily influenced by the radical political changes that occurred during the French Revolution, particularly the ideas of popular sovereignty, the overthrow of the monarchy, and the establishment of a state based on the rule of the working class or the proletariat.

  • German classical philosophy: While Marx was indeed influenced by German classical philosophy, particularly the works of Hegel and Feuerbach, this philosophical tradition is more associated with Marx’s dialectical method and materialist conception of history rather than specifically with his theory of the state and revolution.

  • British political economy: Marx also studied British political economy, especially the works of Adam Smith and David Ricardo, to develop his critique of capitalism and his theory of surplus value. However, this tradition is more relevant to his economic theories than to his theory of the state and revolution.

  • French revolutionary tradition: The French revolutionary tradition is the correct answer because Marx’s theory of revolution draws on the experiences and lessons of the French Revolution of 1789 and the Paris Commune of 1871. Marx admired the way the revolutionaries in France mobilized the masses and established a government that aimed, however temporarily, at radical change. His concept of the “dictatorship of the proletariat” and his advocacy for a revolutionary overthrow of the bourgeois state are directly influenced by these revolutionary experiences.

  • American war of independence: The American War of Independence is less directly influential on Marx’s theory of the state and revolution. While it is an example of a revolutionary overthrow of a colonial power, Marx’s focus was more on class struggle within industrial societies, as exemplified by the French revolutionary tradition.

5. Who considered positive liberty as slippery slope leading to totalitarianism?

A. J.S.Mill

B. Jeremy Bentham

C. Isaiah Berlin

D. Charles Taylor

Answer

The correct answer is C. Isaiah Berlin.

Explanation:

Isaiah Berlin is the thinker who argued that positive liberty could be a slippery slope leading to totalitarianism.

  • Positive liberty is the concept of being one’s own master and having the ability to fulfill one’s potential. It is associated with self-mastery and the pursuit of one’s true self or true will. Berlin believed that positive liberty, when interpreted in a collectivist or authoritarian manner, could justify coercion and oppression in the name of “true freedom” or “real interests.”

  • Berlin argued that if a government or authority assumes it knows what is in an individual’s true interest better than the individual themselves, this could lead to justifying the use of force to align individuals with what is deemed their “true” interests. This, he argued, is the pathway to totalitarianism, where the state imposes a particular conception of the good life on its citizens.

  • In contrast, negative liberty (which Berlin preferred) is defined as freedom from interference by others. It is the absence of obstacles or constraints placed by others, allowing individuals to pursue their desires or interests as they choose.

  • J.S. Mill (A) was a strong advocate of liberty, but his concept of liberty focused more on the harm principle and the protection of individual freedom from societal or state interference, rather than the positive/negative liberty distinction that Berlin discussed.

  • Jeremy Bentham (B) was a utilitarian philosopher who did not focus on the distinction between positive and negative liberty. His main concern was the maximization of happiness or utility.

  • Charles Taylor (D) is a philosopher who actually critiqued Berlin’s dichotomy of positive and negative liberty and argued in favor of a more nuanced understanding of freedom. Taylor did not view positive liberty as necessarily leading to totalitarianism; instead, he saw it as potentially fostering self-realization and community values.

6. Which is Not Correct of western political thoughts?

A. Both Aristotle and Hegel gave organic and integrative theory of state

B. Aristotle and Hobbes are considered founders of philosophical-normative approach

C. Aristotle is considered as father of comparative politics

D. Plato assigned same political role to women as to men

Answer

The correct answer is B. Aristotle and Hobbes are considered founders of philosophical-normative approach.

Explanation:

A. Both Aristotle and Hegel gave organic and integrative theory of state

  • This statement is correct. Both Aristotle and Hegel provided theories that view the state as an organic whole. Aristotle’s concept of the polis as a natural entity essential for achieving the good life suggests an organic view of society. Hegel’s philosophy of the state sees it as the realization of ethical life and the culmination of the development of human freedom, also suggesting an integrative and organic theory of the state.

B. Aristotle and Hobbes are considered founders of philosophical-normative approach

  • This statement is not correct. While Aristotle is considered a founder of the philosophical-normative approach due to his ethical and normative examination of politics in works like “Politics” and “Nicomachean Ethics,” Thomas Hobbes is not typically associated with this approach. Hobbes is more closely associated with a scientific or empirical approach, particularly because of his materialist and mechanistic view of human nature and the social contract as described in “Leviathan.” Hobbes sought to apply a more scientific method to political theory, based on observations of human behavior.

C. Aristotle is considered as father of comparative politics

  • This statement is correct. Aristotle is often regarded as the “father of comparative politics” because he systematically compared the constitutions and political systems of various Greek city-states and analyzed their strengths and weaknesses. His work “Politics” includes a comparative study of different political regimes, making him a pioneer in the field of comparative politics.

D. Plato assigned the same political role to women as to men

  • This statement is correct in the context of Plato’s “Republic.” In this work, Plato argued for the radical idea that women should have the same opportunities and roles as men, including the role of philosopher-king. This was a revolutionary idea at the time and diverged significantly from the prevailing norms of Athenian society.

7. Which is Not correct about ‘General Will’ of Rousseau?

A. It represented group mind

B. It denoted participatory and deliberative democracy

C. It represented societal common Good

D. One cannot be forced to obey the General Will

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. One cannot be forced to obey the General Will.

Explanation:

  • A. It represented group mind:
    This is correct. Rousseau’s concept of the “General Will” reflects the collective will of the people or the “group mind,” which aims to achieve the common good.

  • B. It denoted participatory and deliberative democracy:
    This is correct. Rousseau believed that the General Will is formed through the active participation of citizens in a democratic process where they deliberate and decide on laws and policies that serve the common interest.

  • C. It represented societal common Good:
    This is correct. The General Will is focused on what is best for the society as a whole, rather than individual interests. It represents the common good of all citizens.

  • D. One cannot be forced to obey the General Will:
    This is not correct. Rousseau argued that individuals can indeed be “forced to be free” by obeying the General Will. In his view, the General Will is inherently aligned with the freedom and equality of individuals within the society. If an individual resists the General Will, they are considered to be acting against the collective interest and, therefore, can be compelled to conform to it for the sake of the common good. This coercion is seen as a means to ensure that everyone adheres to what is best for society as a whole.

8. Karl Popper called which thinkers as ‘enemies of open society’?

A. Plato, Hegel, and Marx

B. Aristotle, Hegel, Marx

C. Machiavelli, David Hume, Bentham

D. Edmund Burke, Marx, Hegel

Answer

The correct answer is:

A. Plato, Hegel, and Marx

Explanation:

  • A. Plato, Hegel, and Marx:
    This is correct. Karl Popper, in his work “The Open Society and Its Enemies,” identified Plato, Hegel, and Marx as the main “enemies of the open society.” He criticized these thinkers for their ideas that, in his view, laid the groundwork for totalitarianism and opposed democratic principles.

    • Plato was criticized for his ideal of a rigid, hierarchical society ruled by philosopher-kings, which Popper saw as an early form of totalitarianism.
    • Hegel was criticized for his historicism and the idea that the state embodies a higher rationality that individuals must obey.
    • Marx was critiqued for his deterministic view of history and the concept of a classless society achieved through revolutionary means, which Popper believed could lead to authoritarian rule.
  • B. Aristotle, Hegel, Marx:
    This is incorrect. Popper did not consider Aristotle as an “enemy of the open society.” While he critiqued Aristotle’s views, especially his teleological thinking, Popper did not place Aristotle in the same category as Plato, Hegel, and Marx.

  • C. Machiavelli, David Hume, Bentham:
    This is incorrect. Popper did not consider Machiavelli, David Hume, or Bentham as enemies of the open society. In fact, David Hume and Jeremy Bentham were empiricists and utilitarians, respectively, whose ideas did not align with the totalitarian thinking Popper criticized.

  • D. Edmund Burke, Marx, Hegel:
    This is incorrect. Although Popper was critical of some conservative ideas associated with Edmund Burke, he did not label Burke as an “enemy of the open society.” Marx and Hegel, however, were criticized by Popper for the reasons mentioned earlier.

9. Who among the following does not belong to Frankfurt school of critical thinkers?

A. Erich Fromm,

B. Herbert Marcuse

C. Carole Patman

D. Jürgen Habermas

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. Carole Pateman

Explanation:

  • A. Erich Fromm:
    This is incorrect. Erich Fromm was a prominent member of the Frankfurt School, which is a group of critical theorists associated with the Institute for Social Research in Frankfurt, Germany. Fromm’s work combined psychoanalysis with social theory to explore the human condition under modern capitalist societies.

  • B. Herbert Marcuse:
    This is incorrect. Herbert Marcuse was also a key figure in the Frankfurt School. He is best known for his critiques of capitalist society and his influential work on one-dimensional thought and culture, especially his book “One-Dimensional Man.”

  • C. Carole Pateman:
    This is correct. Carole Pateman is not associated with the Frankfurt School. She is a political theorist known for her work on feminist theory and democratic theory. Her most famous work, “The Sexual Contract,” critiques traditional social contract theories from a feminist perspective.

  • D. Jürgen Habermas:
    This is incorrect. Jürgen Habermas is considered one of the most significant members of the Frankfurt School. He developed the theory of communicative action and deliberative democracy and is known for his work on the public sphere and discourse ethics.

10. Which of the following is not authored or co-authored by Karl Mars?

A. Dus Kapital

B. The Holy Family

C. The State and Revolution

D. The German Ideology

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. The State and Revolution

Explanation:

  • A. Das Kapital:
    This is incorrect. Karl Marx is indeed the author of Das Kapital (or Capital), which is one of his most influential works analyzing the capitalist system, its dynamics, and its impact on labor and value.

  • B. The Holy Family:
    This is incorrect. The Holy Family (also known as The Holy Family: A Critique of Critical Criticism) was co-authored by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It critiques the work of contemporary Hegelian philosophers and is an important early text in Marxist theory.

  • C. The State and Revolution:
    This is correct. The State and Revolution was authored by Vladimir Lenin, not Karl Marx. Lenin’s work builds on Marxist theory to discuss the state’s role and the necessity of proletarian revolution.

  • D. The German Ideology:
    This is incorrect. The German Ideology was co-authored by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. In this work, Marx and Engels critique German philosophy and present their materialist conception of history.

11. Which political theorist suggested “Justice as Mutual Advantage”?

A. Johan Galtung

B. David Gauthier

C. Hobsbawm

D. Hobhouse

Answer

The correct answer is:

B. David Gauthier

Explanation:

  • A. Johan Galtung:
    Johan Galtung is a prominent scholar known for his work in peace and conflict studies, particularly his theories on peace and conflict resolution. He did not propose the concept of “Justice as Mutual Advantage.”

  • B. David Gauthier:
    This is correct. David Gauthier is a political theorist who proposed the concept of “Justice as Mutual Advantage” in his work on political philosophy and social contract theory. In his book “Morals by Agreement,” Gauthier argues that justice should be understood in terms of mutual benefit and cooperation among individuals, with a focus on the agreements that rational individuals would make under conditions of mutual advantage.

  • C. Eric Hobsbawm:
    Eric Hobsbawm was a historian known for his work on modern history and socialism. He did not focus on the specific concept of “Justice as Mutual Advantage.”

  • D. Leonard Hobhouse:
    Leonard Hobhouse was a British political theorist known for his contributions to liberal theory and social reform. However, he is not associated with the concept of “Justice as Mutual Advantage.”

12. Which political theorist gave the concept of “negative and positive peace”?

A. Immanuel Kant

B. Michael Doyle

C. Woodrow Wilson

D. Johan Galtung

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. Johan Galtung

Explanation:

  • A. Immanuel Kant:
    Immanuel Kant is known for his work on perpetual peace and the idea of a federation of free states to prevent war. While his work laid important groundwork for peace theory, he did not specifically introduce the concepts of “negative and positive peace.”

  • B. Michael Doyle:
    Michael Doyle is known for his work on liberal peace theory and the democratic peace theory, but he did not develop the concepts of “negative and positive peace.”

  • C. Woodrow Wilson:
    Woodrow Wilson was a U.S. President known for his efforts to promote the League of Nations and his principles for a peaceful world order, but he did not define “negative and positive peace.”

  • D. Johan Galtung:
    This is correct. Johan Galtung introduced the concepts of “negative peace” and “positive peace” in his work on peace studies.

    • Negative Peace refers to the absence of direct violence or war; it is a state where conflicts are not actively occurring but underlying issues may still exist.
    • Positive Peace encompasses not just the absence of violence but also the presence of social justice, equality, and structural conditions that contribute to lasting peace.

13. “Each of them by himself may not be of good quality, but when they all come together is possible that they may surpass-collectively as a body, although not individually-the quality of the few best…and when they all meet together, the people may thus become something in the nature of a single person…”. Who said this and in which context?

A. Machiavelli advocating Republicanism over Monarchy

B. Rousseau advocating about participative democracy

C. Aristotle is advocating for the Polity as a rule of the Many

D. J.S. Mill praising about liberal democracy

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. Aristotle advocating for the Polity as a rule of the Many

Explanation:

  • A. Machiavelli advocating Republicanism over Monarchy:
    Machiavelli did discuss various forms of government and the advantages of republicanism, but the quote in question is not attributed to him. Machiavelli’s works often focused on political power and statecraft rather than the specific idea of collective decision-making.

  • B. Rousseau advocating about participative democracy:
    Rousseau’s work, especially in The Social Contract, emphasizes direct democracy and the collective will of the people, but the quote provided does not directly reflect Rousseau’s style or key concepts. Rousseau focused on the idea of the General Will and participatory democracy rather than the specific notion of the collective quality of decision-making.

  • C. Aristotle advocating for the Polity as a rule of the Many:
    This is correct. The quote reflects Aristotle’s view on the nature of collective decision-making in his concept of the “Polity,” which he considered a form of government where the many rule in a way that can produce better outcomes than the few. Aristotle argued that while individual members may not be exceptional, their collective judgment, when brought together, can lead to decisions surpassing those of a few highly skilled individuals.

  • D. J.S. Mill praising about liberal democracy:
    J.S. Mill, in works such as On Liberty and Considerations on Representative Government, did advocate for liberal democracy and the benefits of individual freedoms and representative institutions. However, the quote provided does not directly correspond to Mill’s writings or ideas.

14. Who among the following used models and assumptions drawn from economics to analyse political behaviour?

A. Anthony Downs

B. S.M. Lipset

C. JM. Keynes

D. Robert Dahi

Answer

The correct answer is:

A. Anthony Downs

Explanation:

  • A. Anthony Downs:
    This is correct. Anthony Downs is well-known for his work in political science that uses models and assumptions from economics to analyze political behavior. His influential book “An Economic Theory of Democracy” (1957) applies economic principles to the study of political behavior, particularly focusing on voting behavior and the functioning of political parties as rational actors seeking to maximize their utility.

  • B. S.M. Lipset:
    Seymour Martin Lipset was a prominent political sociologist known for his work on political sociology and the study of social structures, political culture, and democracy. While his work is significant, it does not primarily use economic models to analyze political behavior.

  • C. J.M. Keynes:
    John Maynard Keynes was an economist known for his contributions to macroeconomic theory, particularly Keynesian economics. His work focused on economic policy and macroeconomic theory rather than political behavior.

  • D. Robert Dahl:
    Robert Dahl was a political scientist known for his work on democracy and political theory, including the concept of pluralism and the analysis of democratic systems. Although he made significant contributions to political science, he did not primarily use economic models to analyze political behavior.

15. Which of these did not support positive liberty?

A. Rousseau

B. Hegel

C. T.H. Green

D. John Rawls

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. John Rawls

Explanation:

  • A. Rousseau:
    This is incorrect. Jean-Jacques Rousseau is associated with the concept of positive liberty, particularly through his notion of the General Will. In The Social Contract, Rousseau argues that true freedom is achieved when individuals participate in creating the laws and norms they are governed by, reflecting a positive conception of liberty where freedom involves active participation in self-governance.

  • B. Hegel:
    This is incorrect. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel is a proponent of positive liberty. Hegel’s philosophy emphasizes the role of the state in actualizing individual freedom through the realization of ethical life (Sittlichkeit), where freedom is understood as the alignment of personal will with universal ethical norms and the realization of self through participation in the community.

  • C. T.H. Green:
    This is incorrect. T.H. Green is known for his support of positive liberty. Green argued that true freedom involves not just the absence of interference (negative liberty) but also the provision of conditions that enable individuals to realize their potential and participate in the social and political life of the community.

  • D. John Rawls:
    This is correct. John Rawls, in his seminal work “A Theory of Justice,” primarily focuses on principles of justice and fairness, emphasizing the “veil of ignorance” and the “difference principle” to ensure fair distribution of resources. While Rawls’ theory is concerned with justice and fairness, it is more aligned with creating conditions for fair equality of opportunity rather than explicitly endorsing the concept of positive liberty as understood by Rousseau, Hegel, and Green.

16. Which of the following is not true of Rousseau?

A. He wants to reconcile liberty with sovereignty

B. Sovereignty originates in people and gets transferred to ruler

C. General Will is always morally right

D. He believed in natural differentiation between role of men and women

Answer

The correct answer is:

B. He believed in natural differentiation between the role of men and women.

Explanation:

  • A. He wants to reconcile liberty with sovereignty:
    This is correct. Rousseau aimed to reconcile liberty with sovereignty through his concept of the General Will. He believed that true freedom is realized when individuals are both the authors and subjects of the laws under which they live, thus aligning individual liberty with collective sovereignty.

  • B. Sovereignty originates in people and gets transferred to ruler:
    This is incorrect. Rousseau did not believe that sovereignty is transferred to a ruler. According to Rousseau, sovereignty resides with the people and cannot be transferred. He argued that the General Will, representing the collective will of the people, is the source of legitimate political authority.

  • C. General Will is always morally right:
    This is correct. Rousseau believed that the General Will is inherently aimed at the common good and is always morally right. He argued that even if individuals may not always act in their own best interests, the General Will, as the collective expression of the community’s shared values and interests, reflects what is morally correct.

  • D. He believed in natural differentiation between the role of men and women:
    This is correct. Rousseau is often criticized for his views on gender roles. In his work Emile, Rousseau expressed traditional views on the natural differentiation of roles between men and women, with women being relegated to domestic roles while men engaged in public life. This view reflects a belief in natural gender roles that is inconsistent with modern conceptions of gender equality.

17. Which of the following is not true of Marx’s view of the state:

A. The proletariat will need to capture state power

B. State is unnecessary evil, it should wither away

C. Capitalist State help re-produce social structure needed to maintain capitalism

D. The state is an instrument of class exploitation and to protect the interests of the capitalist class

Answer

The correct answer is C. Capitalist State help re-produce social structure needed to maintain capitalism.

According to Marx, the capitalist state is not a neutral institution that helps maintain the social structure necessary for capitalism. Instead, he argued that the state is an instrument of class exploitation and oppression, serving the interests of the ruling class (the bourgeoisie) by maintaining the existing social relations of production.

Here’s a breakdown of the other options:

  • A. The proletariat will need to capture state power: Marx believed that the proletariat, the working class, would need to overthrow the capitalist state and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat as a transitional step towards a communist society.
  • B. State is unnecessary evil, it should wither away: In a communist society, Marx envisioned that the state would become unnecessary and would eventually wither away as class distinctions disappear.
  • D. The state is an instrument of class exploitation and to protect the interests of the capitalist class: This is a core tenet of Marx’s theory of the state. He argued that the state exists to maintain the capitalist system and exploit the working class.

18. Which of the following statements is not true of Hobbes?

A. There is no occasion for disobeying the sovereign

B. His ideas on hedonism were included in moders utilitarianism

C. Sovereign, who was Not a party to the contract, must be absolute or nothing

D. His political theory is based on nominalism

Answer

The Correct Answer is A

Occasion for disobeying the sovereign: for self-preservation, to protect honour/dignity of family, when independence of the State is not in danger, etc.

19. Which of the following is not true of Aristotle’s view of the state?

A. State is prior to individual and family

C. Man, by using natural ability and sense of reason, can live without state

B. State is historical, natural, organic, and integrative entity

D. State highest manifestation of morality and ethics

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. Man, by using natural ability and sense of reason, can live without state

Explanation:

  • A. State is prior to individual and family:
    This is true. Aristotle believed that the state (polis) is a natural and organic entity that precedes the individual and family in terms of its importance and purpose. He argued that individuals and families exist within the state and that the state is necessary for achieving the highest good.

  • B. State is historical, natural, organic, and integrative entity:
    This is true. Aristotle viewed the state as a natural and organic entity that evolves historically. He believed that the state arises naturally from the basic social structures of family and village and integrates these elements into a larger political entity that fulfills the highest human potential.

  • C. Man, by using natural ability and sense of reason, can live without state:
    This is not true. Aristotle did not believe that humans could live without the state. Instead, he argued that the state is a natural necessity for humans to achieve their full potential and live a good life. In Aristotle’s view, humans are “political animals” who need the state to realize their nature and achieve the good life.

  • D. State is the highest manifestation of morality and ethics:
    This is true. Aristotle saw the state as the highest form of social organization and believed that it represents the culmination of morality and ethics. He thought that the state is essential for cultivating virtuous citizens and achieving the common good.

20. Who is not considered supporter of pluralism?

A. Robert Dahl

B. Seymour Martin Lipset.

C. David Truman

D.  Joseph Schumpeter

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. Joseph Schumpeter

Explanation:

  • A. Robert Dahl:
    This is incorrect. Robert Dahl is a key supporter of pluralism. His work, particularly in “Who Governs?” and “A Preface to Democratic Theory,” emphasizes the role of multiple competing groups in the political process, where no single group dominates and all interests have a chance to influence policy.

  • B. Seymour Martin Lipset:
    This is incorrect. Seymour Martin Lipset is also a supporter of pluralism. He analyzed how various social and economic factors influence political behavior and the structure of democratic systems, often highlighting the importance of diverse and competing groups within a democracy.

  • C. David Truman:
    This is incorrect. David Truman is a supporter of pluralism as well. In his work “The Governmental Process,” he explores the role of interest groups and how their competition shapes policy-making in a pluralistic society.

  • D. Joseph Schumpeter:
    This is correct. Joseph Schumpeter is not considered a supporter of pluralism in the same sense as the others. Schumpeter’s theory of democracy, as presented in “Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy,” focuses on the idea of democracy as a competitive process where leaders compete for votes, rather than a pluralistic model where multiple interest groups and organized factions play a significant role in policy-making. Schumpeter’s focus was more on the elite competition and the role of political leaders rather than the pluralistic competition among interest groups.

21. Who supported legal theory of right by stating ‘Natural Rights are ‘Nonsense on stilts

A. Bentham

B. J.S.Mill

C. Harold Laski

D. Robert Nozick

Answer

The correct answer is:

A. Bentham

Explanation:

  • A. Bentham:
    This is correct. Jeremy Bentham is known for his criticism of natural rights theory. He famously referred to natural rights as “nonsense on stilts.” Bentham, a proponent of utilitarianism, argued that rights are not inherent but are instead created by legal systems and societal conventions. He believed that natural rights were not based on empirical evidence and thus lacked practical validity.

  • B. J.S. Mill:
    This is incorrect. John Stuart Mill, while a proponent of utilitarianism like Bentham, did not specifically use the phrase “nonsense on stilts.” Mill’s work focused more on individual liberty and utilitarian ethics rather than a direct critique of natural rights theory in the same manner as Bentham.

  • C. Harold Laski:
    This is incorrect. Harold Laski was a political theorist who supported the idea of natural rights, especially in the context of democratic theory and social justice. Laski did not use the phrase “nonsense on stilts” to describe natural rights.

  • D. Robert Nozick:
    This is incorrect. Robert Nozick, a contemporary political philosopher, defended natural rights in his work “Anarchy, State, and Utopia.” Nozick argued for a minimal state based on natural rights, in contrast to Bentham’s critique.

22. Which pair is Not correctly matched?

A. Plato-Timaeus

B. Machiavelli- The Golden Ass

C. Bentham- A Fragment on Government

D. Lenin-Neo-colonialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism

Answer

The correct answer is B. Machiavelli- The Golden Ass.

  • Plato-Timaeus: This is a correct pairing. Plato’s Timaeus is a dialogue that explores the nature of the universe and the soul.
  • Machiavelli- The Golden Ass: This is incorrect. The Golden Ass is a satirical novel by Apuleius, not a work by Machiavelli. Machiavelli is known for his political treatises such as The Prince and The Discourses on Livy.
  • Bentham- A Fragment on Government: This is a correct pairing. Bentham’s A Fragment on Government is a critique of the English legal system.
  • Lenin-Neo-colonialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism: This is a correct pairing. Lenin’s essay Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism argues that imperialism is a natural extension of capitalism and a means for capitalist nations to exploit other countries.

23. Who said ‘taxation equals forced labour’?

A. Friedrich Hayek

B. Robert Nozick

C. Milton Friedman

D. John Locke

Answer

The correct answer is:

B. Robert Nozick

Explanation:

  • A. Friedrich Hayek:
    This is incorrect. Friedrich Hayek was known for his work on the theory of spontaneous order and the critique of central planning, but he did not specifically use the phrase “taxation equals forced labor.”

  • B. Robert Nozick:
    This is correct. Robert Nozick, in his work “Anarchy, State, and Utopia,” argues that taxation is akin to forced labor. Nozick contends that taxation for redistributive purposes is morally equivalent to a form of coercion, as it takes labor from individuals without their explicit consent.

  • C. Milton Friedman:
    This is incorrect. Milton Friedman, a proponent of free-market economics, critiqued taxation and government intervention, but he did not specifically describe taxation as “forced labor.”

  • D. John Locke:
    This is incorrect. John Locke discussed taxation in the context of government consent and the social contract, but he did not use the phrase “taxation equals forced labor.” Locke’s focus was on the protection of property and the consent of the governed.

24. Plato describes the human mind by which of his theories?k[

A. The Allegory of cave

B. Theory of divided line

C. Theory of Forms

D. All the Above

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. All the Above

Explanation:

  • A. The Allegory of the Cave:
    In this allegory, found in The Republic, Plato describes the human mind’s process of coming to knowledge and understanding. The allegory represents the journey from ignorance to enlightenment and illustrates how perceptions can be deceptive and how true knowledge is achieved through philosophical reasoning.

  • B. Theory of the Divided Line:
    This theory, also found in The Republic, is a metaphor for the different levels of knowledge and reality. Plato divides the line into sections representing various states of knowledge, from the most illusory (images and shadows) to the most accurate (Forms or Ideas). This theory describes how the human mind progresses from illusion to true understanding.

  • C. Theory of Forms:
    Plato’s Theory of Forms (or Ideas) posits that the material world is only a shadow of the true reality of the Forms, which are abstract, perfect, and immutable entities. This theory underpins Plato’s understanding of how the human mind can come to know and grasp the eternal and unchanging truths beyond the physical world.

25. Who among the following would you associate the concept of “Tyranny of Majority”?

A. JS Mill

B. Alex de Tocqueville

C. Both A and B

D. Thomas Paine

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. Both A and B

Explanation:

  • A. J.S. Mill:
    This is correct. John Stuart Mill is well-known for his discussion of the “tyranny of the majority” in his work “On Liberty.” Mill argued that in a democratic society, the majority can oppress minority views and individual freedoms if not checked, thus creating a form of tyranny through societal pressure and public opinion.

  • B. Alexis de Tocqueville:
    This is also correct. Alexis de Tocqueville discussed the concept of the “tyranny of the majority” in his work “Democracy in America.” Tocqueville explored how the majority in a democracy could impose its will on minorities, leading to a form of social pressure and conformity that could suppress dissent and individuality.

  • C. Both A and B:
    This is correct. Both J.S. Mill and Alexis de Tocqueville addressed the issue of how democratic majorities can potentially become oppressive. Mill focused on the individual’s freedom and the potential for societal oppression, while Tocqueville examined the broader social implications of majority rule in democratic societies.

  • D. Thomas Paine:
    This is incorrect. Thomas Paine is known for his revolutionary writings and advocacy for democratic principles but did not specifically focus on the concept of the “tyranny of the majority.”

26. Lexical priority in Rawls’s theory of Justice is?

A. Equality Principle over Liberty Principle

B. Principle of benefit to worst off over Principle of Fair Equality of Opportunity

C. Difference principle over Principle of Equal Liberty

D. Principle of Equal Liberty over the Difference principle

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. Principle of Equal Liberty over the Difference Principle

Explanation:

In John Rawls’s theory of justice, particularly in “A Theory of Justice,” lexical priority refers to the order of importance given to his principles of justice. Rawls proposes two principles:

  1. Principle of Equal Liberty: This principle ensures that each person has an equal right to a fully adequate scheme of equal basic liberties, which are to be the same for everyone.

  2. Difference Principle: This principle allows for social and economic inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged members of society.

According to Rawls’s theory, the Principle of Equal Liberty takes lexical priority over the Difference Principle. This means that the basic liberties of individuals cannot be compromised or sacrificed for the sake of economic or social benefits. In other words, the rights and liberties of individuals are considered fundamental and must be secured before considering any social or economic advantages that might arise from inequalities.

27. Who gave capability approach?

A. Amartya Sen

B. Martha Nussbaum

C. Both A and B

D. Gerald Cohen

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. Both A and B

Explanation:

  • A. Amartya Sen:
    This is correct. Amartya Sen is credited with developing the capability approach, which emphasizes the importance of individuals’ capabilities and opportunities in assessing well-being and social justice. Sen’s work focuses on what people are able to do and be, rather than merely on the resources they have.

  • B. Martha Nussbaum:
    This is also correct. Martha Nussbaum has significantly contributed to the capability approach, building on Sen’s ideas and developing her own version of the approach. Nussbaum has formulated a list of central human capabilities that she argues are essential for a just society.

  • C. Both A and B:
    This is correct. Both Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum have developed and expanded upon the capability approach. Sen initially introduced the concept, while Nussbaum further elaborated and refined it, providing a detailed list of capabilities necessary for human flourishing.

  • D. Gerald Cohen:
    This is incorrect. Gerald Cohen was known for his work on theories of justice and Marxist theory but did not develop the capability approach.

28. Which pair is Not correctly matched?

A. Dworkin- Equality of Resources

B. Michael Walzer-Complex Equality

C. John Rawls-end-state theory of Justice

D. Robert Nozick- labour theory of property

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. Robert Nozick – labor theory of property

Explanation:

  • A. Dworkin – Equality of Resources:
    This is correctly matched. Ronald Dworkin is associated with the concept of “equality of resources,” where he argues for an egalitarian approach that focuses on the distribution of resources to ensure fairness. His theory contrasts with John Rawls’s theory of justice and emphasizes that equality should be achieved through the distribution of resources rather than just opportunities.

  • B. Michael Walzer – Complex Equality:
    This is correctly matched. Michael Walzer’s theory of “complex equality” argues that different social goods should be distributed according to different criteria, to prevent the dominance of one form of good (such as economic wealth) over others. Walzer’s approach addresses how various types of goods should be distributed to ensure a fair society.

  • C. John Rawls – End-State Theory of Justice:
    This is correctly matched. John Rawls’s theory of justice, as described in “A Theory of Justice,” is an end-state theory, which focuses on the fairness of the final distribution of goods and opportunities in society. Rawls’s theory is concerned with the just outcomes of social arrangements, given certain principles of justice.

  • D. Robert Nozick – Labor Theory of Property:
    This is not correctly matched. Robert Nozick is known for his entitlement theory of justice, which focuses on the principles of justice in acquisition and transfer, rather than a specific “labor theory of property.” Nozick’s theory addresses how property rights are acquired and transferred, and he critiques redistributive justice. The “labor theory of property” is more closely associated with John Locke, who argued that property ownership is justified by the labor one expends to acquire it.

29. Which of the following statements accurately describes Plato’s theory of justice?

A. Justice is what the strong can do, and the weak must endure.

B. Justice obtains when inequality benefits the least-advantaged.

C. Justice is doing one’s own duty as per one’s station of life.

D. justice is doing good to friends and harm to enemies

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. Justice is doing one’s own duty as per one’s station of life.

Explanation:

  • A. Justice is what the strong can do, and the weak must endure:
    This statement does not accurately describe Plato’s theory of justice. It reflects a more cynical or power-based view of justice rather than Plato’s philosophical perspective. Plato’s theory of justice, as presented in “The Republic,”emphasizes the harmony and proper function of different classes in society rather than merely the will of the strong.

  • B. Justice obtains when inequality benefits the least-advantaged:
    This statement is more closely related to John Rawls’s theory of justice, particularly the Difference Principle, rather than Plato’s theory. Plato’s concept of justice does not focus on inequality benefiting the least-advantaged but rather on the proper functioning and harmony of societal roles.

  • C. Justice is doing one’s own duty as per one’s station of life:
    This is accurate. In Plato’s theory of justice, particularly in “The Republic,” justice is defined as everyone doing their own role or duty within society. Plato argues that justice is achieved when each class (rulers, warriors, and producers) performs its function properly and does not interfere with the roles of others. This reflects his view that societal harmony and justice arise when everyone contributes according to their capabilities and societal position.

  • D. Justice is doing good to friends and harm to enemies:
    This statement reflects a more traditional or superficial view of justice that Plato criticizes. In “The Republic,” Plato argues against the idea that justice is simply about favoring friends and harming enemies. He suggests that true justice is about fulfilling one’s role in a well-ordered society and contributing to the common good rather than personal or biased interests.

30. Which one in incorrect as influences on Marx’s thoughts/theories?

A. Marx used David Ricardo’s labour theory of value to develop his theory of Surplus Labour

B. Marx used David Hume’s empiricism to develop his empirical and scientific socialism

C. Marx used Hegel’s dialectical historical idealism to develop his conception of dialectical historical materialism

D. Marx used Feuerbach’s concepts on materialism and alienation

Answer

The correct answer is:

B. Marx used David Hume’s empiricism to develop his empirical and scientific socialism

Explanation:

  • A. Marx used David Ricardo’s labour theory of value to develop his theory of Surplus Labour:
    This is correct. Marx built on David Ricardo’s labor theory of value to develop his own theory of surplus value. Marx used Ricardo’s idea that the value of a commodity is determined by the amount of labor required to produce it, but he extended this to explain how surplus value is created in the capitalist system.

  • B. Marx used David Hume’s empiricism to develop his empirical and scientific socialism:
    This is incorrect. Marx did not rely on David Hume’s empiricism for his theories. Instead, Marx’s theories were more influenced by Hegel’s dialectical method and Feuerbach’s materialism. Hume’s empiricism focused on knowledge derived from sensory experience, which is not central to Marx’s approach to historical materialism and scientific socialism.

  • C. Marx used Hegel’s dialectical historical idealism to develop his conception of dialectical historical materialism:
    This is correct. Marx adapted Hegel’s dialectical method, which emphasized the development of ideas through contradictions and their resolution, to his own materialist perspective. Marx’s dialectical historical materialism is a critique and adaptation of Hegel’s idealist dialectics, focusing on material conditions and economic factors rather than abstract ideas.

  • D. Marx used Feuerbach’s concepts on materialism and alienation:
    This is correct. Marx was influenced by Ludwig Feuerbach’s materialism, which rejected Hegelian idealism in favor of a focus on material conditions. Feuerbach’s ideas on alienation also influenced Marx’s own concept of alienation in the capitalist system, where workers are alienated from the products of their labor, from their own human nature, and from each other.

31. Sabine said “What Aristotle calls the ideal state is always Plato’s second best state”. Plato gave his second based state in which of his book?

A. Republic

B. Crito

C. Laws

D. Timaeus

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. Laws

Explanation:

  • A. Republic:
    This is incorrect. In “The Republic,” Plato presents his ideal state, which is a theoretical model of a perfectly just society. This work outlines Plato’s vision of the ideal city-state governed by philosopher-kings, which he considers the best possible state.

  • B. Crito:
    This is incorrect. “Crito” is one of Plato’s dialogues focusing on the moral and legal obligations of Socrates as he faces execution. It does not present any model of a state or political theory.

  • C. Laws:
    This is correct. In “Laws,” Plato presents what is considered his “second-best” state. Unlike the ideal state described in “The Republic,” the state in “Laws” is more practical and achievable, given the imperfections and realities of human nature. Plato’s “Laws” outlines a more pragmatic approach to governance and law for a society that cannot achieve the ideal conditions he described in “The Republic.”

  • D. Timaeus:
    This is incorrect. “Timaeus” is a dialogue where Plato discusses cosmology and the creation of the universe. It does not focus on political theory or present a model of a state.

32. Which is incorrect about John Locke’s book an Essay Concerning Human Understanding”?

A. He gave the concept of new born child’s mind as blank slate (white paper)- tabula rasa

B. This book took positive view of human nature refuting Hobbes’ very negative views on human nature

C. This book was harbinger of the Enlightenment movement

D. This book was refutation to Robert Filmer’s Patriarcha

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. This book was a refutation to Robert Filmer’s Patriarcha

Explanation:

  • A. He gave the concept of new born child’s mind as blank slate (white paper) – tabula rasa:
    This is correct. In “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding,” John Locke introduces the concept of the mind as a “tabula rasa” (blank slate), suggesting that knowledge is not innate but rather acquired through experience and sensory input.

  • B. This book took a positive view of human nature, refuting Hobbes’ very negative views on human nature:
    This is correct. Locke’s work presents a more optimistic view of human nature compared to Thomas Hobbes. Locke believed in the potential for human reason and cooperation, whereas Hobbes had a more pessimistic view, seeing humans as naturally self-interested and in constant conflict.

  • C. This book was a harbinger of the Enlightenment movement:
    This is correct. Locke’s “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” was influential in shaping Enlightenment thinking, particularly in its emphasis on empirical evidence, reason, and the potential for human progress through knowledge.

  • D. This book was a refutation to Robert Filmer’s Patriarcha:
    This is incorrect. Locke’s refutation of Robert Filmer’s Patriarcha (which argued for the divine right of kings) is actually found in Locke’s “Two Treatises of Government,” not in “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding.”“Two Treatises of Government” addresses the legitimacy of political authority and is where Locke critiques Filmer’s ideas about absolute monarchy and divine right.

33. Which is Not correct about Machiavelli?

A. He preferred Republic form of Government over absolute Monarchy

B. He was first political thinker in the modern era to separate political realm from theology/religion

C. Concept of modern nation-state could be traced in his political thought

D. He advised the king (prince) not to use religion for maintaining his state

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. He advised the king (prince) not to use religion for maintaining his state

Explanation:

  • A. He preferred Republic form of Government over absolute Monarchy:
    This is incorrect. Machiavelli did not necessarily prefer a republic over an absolute monarchy. While he analyzed various forms of government, his most famous work, “The Prince,” is often interpreted as offering pragmatic advice for rulers, regardless of their form of government. His analysis was more about effective rule rather than an outright preference for one form over another.

  • B. He was the first political thinker in the modern era to separate the political realm from theology/religion:
    This is correct. Machiavelli is noted for his separation of politics from religious or moral considerations. In “The Prince,” he focused on political pragmatism and the effectiveness of rulers, often setting aside traditional moral and theological concerns.

  • C. The concept of modern nation-state could be traced in his political thought:
    This is correct. Machiavelli’s ideas, particularly in “The Prince,” are often seen as contributing to the development of modern political theory and the concept of the nation-state. His focus on power, statecraft, and realpolitik are foundational for the modern understanding of state sovereignty and political authority.

  • D. He advised the king (prince) not to use religion for maintaining his state:
    This is incorrect. Machiavelli did not advise against using religion; rather, he suggested that a ruler might use religion strategically to maintain power and control. In “The Prince,” he discusses how rulers can use various tools, including religion, to legitimize and strengthen their rule, showing that religion could be a useful instrument for political ends.

34. Which is Not correct about theory of Forms by Plato?

A. Ideas are substances

B. Ideas are eternal and universal

C. Ideas cannot be fully known by knowledge

D. Ideas are essence of all things

E. Ideas exist prior to particular things and apart from them

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. Ideas cannot be fully known by knowledge

Explanation:

  • A. Ideas are substances:
    This is correct. In Plato’s Theory of Forms, the Forms (or Ideas) are considered as the true substances, the ultimate reality behind the physical world. They are not physical objects but abstract entities that represent the essence of various phenomena.

  • B. Ideas are eternal and universal:
    This is correct. Plato’s Forms are eternal and unchanging. They are universal in the sense that they represent the ideal and unalterable essence of things that exist in the physical world.

  • C. Ideas cannot be fully known by knowledge:
    This is incorrect. According to Plato, the Forms can be known through reason and philosophical inquiry. While the physical world is imperfect and ever-changing, the Forms are considered to be fully knowable and understood through intellectual insight.

  • D. Ideas are the essence of all things:
    This is correct. For Plato, the Forms are the essential, defining qualities of all things. They represent the true essence and ideal characteristics that exist beyond the physical manifestations.

  • E. Ideas exist prior to particular things and apart from them:
    This is correct. Plato posits that the Forms exist independently of the particular instances in the physical world. They are the abstract templates or archetypes that precede and exist separately from the material objects we encounter.

35. Which of these thinkers put women below men?

A. Plato & Hegel

B. Aristotle and Hegel

C. J.S.Mill and Rousseau

D. Plato and Rousseau

Answer

The correct answer is:

B. Aristotle and Hegel

Explanation:

  • A. Plato & Hegel:
    This is partially incorrect. Plato’s views on women in “The Republic” are more progressive compared to his contemporaries, as he argues that women should have the same opportunities as men in his ideal state, although this is still a theoretical model. Hegel, however, held traditional views on gender roles, placing women in a subordinate position in his political and social theory. Therefore, this pair includes one thinker who did not put women below men and one who did.

  • B. Aristotle and Hegel:
    This is correct. Aristotle’s views on women, as expressed in his works such as “Politics” and “Nicomachean Ethics,” were quite traditional and patriarchal, suggesting that women were naturally inferior to men and suited only for domestic roles. Similarly, Hegel’s philosophy, particularly in his work “The Philosophy of Right,” also reflects traditional gender roles, placing women in a subordinate position relative to men in the social and familial spheres.

  • C. J.S. Mill and Rousseau:
    This is incorrect. John Stuart Mill, in his work “The Subjection of Women,” argued for gender equality and women’s rights, challenging traditional gender roles. Rousseau, while he had traditional views on gender roles in “Emile,” did not advocate for the same level of gender inequality as Aristotle or Hegel, although his views were still limited by contemporary standards.

  • D. Plato and Rousseau:
    This is incorrect. As mentioned, Plato’s views on women in “The Republic” are more progressive compared to his contemporaries. Rousseau had traditional views on women, particularly in “Emile,” where he emphasized distinct and traditional roles for men and women. However, Rousseau’s views were not as explicitly restrictive or hierarchical as those of Aristotle and Hegel.

36. Statement 1: Antonio Gramsci considered civil society as part of Superstructure

Statement 2: for him, real ideological battle of class dominance is played out in the arena of civil society

Options:

A. Both Statement I and II are correct

B. Both Statement I and II are incorrect

C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

D. Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Answer

The correct answer is:

A. Both Statement I and II are correct

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Antonio Gramsci considered civil society as part of Superstructure
    This is correct. Antonio Gramsci, in his theory of cultural hegemony, included civil society as a part of the superstructure. According to Gramsci, the superstructure consists of various institutions and practices (including civil society) that are shaped by and help to maintain the economic base of society. Civil society, in this context, encompasses institutions such as the media, education, and cultural organizations that play a role in reinforcing or challenging the dominant ideology.

  • Statement 2: For him, the real ideological battle of class dominance is played out in the arena of civil society
    This is correct. Gramsci argued that the struggle for ideological dominance and the battle for class hegemony occur not just in the economic base but significantly in the realm of civil society. He believed that cultural and ideological institutions are crucial arenas where class interests and ideologies are contested and negotiated, which reflects the broader power dynamics in society.

37. In which thinker’s view education is the process of developing men as natural men and women as natural women?

A Locke

B. Plato

C. Aristotle

D. Rousseau

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. Rousseau

Explanation:

  • A. Locke:
    John Locke’s views on education, particularly in “Some Thoughts Concerning Education,” focus on the development of rational and moral individuals rather than reinforcing natural roles based on gender. Locke’s educational philosophy is more about nurturing individual capacities and virtues rather than developing people in accordance with their “natural” gender roles.

  • B. Plato:
    In “The Republic,” Plato advocates for an education system that aims to develop individuals in accordance with their roles in the ideal state, but he does not emphasize developing people as “natural” men or women. Plato’s education is designed to cultivate philosopher-kings, warriors, and producers based on their inherent qualities, but not specifically along traditional gender lines.

  • C. Aristotle:
    Aristotle’s views on education, as expressed in works like “Nicomachean Ethics” and “Politics,” emphasize the development of virtue and reason but do not specifically focus on developing individuals as natural men and women. His education philosophy is more about fostering moral and intellectual virtues.

  • D. Rousseau:
    In “Emile, or On Education,” Jean-Jacques Rousseau presents a view of education that emphasizes developing individuals according to their “natural” roles. Rousseau argues that education should align with the natural differences between men and women, and his educational philosophy reflects the belief that men and women have distinct natures and roles that education should address. Rousseau’s idea is that education should help individuals develop in harmony with their natural dispositions and roles, as he saw them.

38. For whom rights of men were two dimensional?

A. Marry Wollstonecraft

B. Alexandra Kollontai

C. Thomas Paine

D. Susan Miller Okin

Answer

The correct answer is A. Mary Wollstonecraft.

Mary Wollstonecraft, a prominent 18th-century feminist, argued that the rights of women were limited to domestic and private spheres, making them “two-dimensional.” She criticized the prevailing societal norms that restricted women’s opportunities and denied them equal education and political participation. Wollstonecraft advocated for the education and empowerment of women, arguing that they were capable of contributing to society in all spheres.

39. According to Plato population of an ideal state should be?

A. 50040

B. 50400

C. 5040

D. 4050

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. 5040

Explanation:

In Plato’s “Republic,” he provides detailed specifications for the ideal state, including the number of citizens. Plato suggests that the population of the ideal state should be around 5,040. This number is chosen to ensure that the state is neither too large to manage effectively nor too small to function as a proper society. Plato believed this size would allow for effective administration and cohesion among the various classes of the state, including the rulers, auxiliaries (warriors), and producers.

40. Assertion: Francis Fukuyama declared ‘End of History’ after the cold war in 1992

Reason: After Fasciam falling from grace after WWII and demise of USSR after the cold war Liberalism remained the only major surviving political ideology

Choose the correct option:

A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B. Both A and Rare true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

C. A is true but R is false.

D. A is false but R is true

Answer

The correct answer is:

A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:

  • Assertion: Francis Fukuyama declared the “End of History” in 1992.
    This is true. In his 1992 book “The End of History and the Last Man,” Fukuyama argued that the end of the Cold War marked the end of ideological evolution, with liberal democracy emerging as the final form of human government.

  • Reason: After fascism falling from grace after WWII and the demise of the USSR after the Cold War, liberalism remained the only major surviving political ideology.
    This is true. The fall of fascism and the dissolution of the Soviet Union led to the dominance of liberal democracy as the prevailing political ideology, which Fukuyama saw as indicative of the “End of History,” where liberal democracy had triumphed over other ideologies.

Reason R correctly explains Assertion A because Fukuyama’s thesis was indeed based on the idea that with the end of major ideological competition (fascism and communism), liberal democracy emerged as the dominant and seemingly final form of political organization.

41. Which of these is not associated with Hobbes?

A. Individualism

B. Constitutionalism

C. Absolutism

D. Hedonism

E. Nominalism

Answer

The correct answer is:

B. Constitutionalism

Explanation:

  • A. Individualism:
    This is associated with Hobbes. Hobbes’s political theory, especially in “Leviathan,” is grounded in the concept of individualism. He emphasizes the individual’s rational self-interest and the social contract as foundational to political authority.

  • B. Constitutionalism:
    This is not associated with Hobbes. Constitutionalism involves the idea that government should be constrained by a constitution or a set of laws, which is more aligned with thinkers like John Locke or Montesquieu. Hobbes, on the other hand, supported a form of government with absolute power and did not advocate for constitutional constraints.

  • C. Absolutism:
    This is associated with Hobbes. In “Leviathan,” Hobbes argues for an absolute sovereign with centralized power to maintain order and prevent the state of nature, which he viewed as chaotic and violent.

  • D. Hedonism:
    This is associated with Hobbes. Hobbes’s theory includes the idea that individuals are motivated by the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain, which aligns with a form of psychological hedonism.

  • E. Nominalism:
    This is associated with Hobbes. Hobbes is known for his nominalist approach to philosophy, rejecting the existence of universal abstract entities and focusing on concrete individuals and their interactions.

42. The doctrine of overlapping consensus is advocated by

A. Berlin

B. Barry

C. Nozick

D. Rawls

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. Rawls

Explanation:

  • A. Berlin:
    Isaiah Berlin is known for his work on the concepts of liberty and pluralism but did not advocate the doctrine of overlapping consensus.

  • B. Barry:
    Brian Barry was a political philosopher who engaged with issues of justice and democracy but did not specifically develop the doctrine of overlapping consensus.

  • C. Nozick:
    Robert Nozick is known for his libertarian views and critiques of Rawls’s theories, but he did not advocate for the doctrine of overlapping consensus.

  • D. Rawls:
    John Rawls introduced the doctrine of overlapping consensus in his work “Political Liberalism.” This doctrine refers to the idea that in a pluralistic society, individuals with different comprehensive doctrines can agree on certain principles of justice based on their different perspectives, leading to a stable and just society. The overlapping consensus is a key part of Rawls’s theory of political liberalism, aiming to establish common ground on principles of justice despite differing personal beliefs.

43. Mars does not believe in

A. Human consciousness determines social existence

B. Ideas are the reflections of the interplay of material forces

C. The base determines the superstructure

D. Matter is active, dynamic, and dialectic in nature

Answer

The correct answer is:

A. Human consciousness determines social existence

Explanation:

  • A. Human consciousness determines social existence:
    This is incorrect. Karl Marx’s theory actually posits that material conditions and social existence shape human consciousness, not the other way around. Marx’s materialist conception of history argues that the economic base (the means and relations of production) determines the superstructure (law, politics, ideology), and consciousness is a product of these material conditions.

  • B. Ideas are the reflections of the interplay of material forces:
    This is correct. Marx believed that ideas and ideologies are a reflection of the material conditions and class relations within a society. He argued that the dominant ideas of any epoch are those of the ruling class and reflect their material interests.

  • C. The base determines the superstructure:
    This is correct. In Marxist theory, the base (economic structure of society) determines the superstructure (institutions, culture, ideology). Marx argued that changes in the base lead to changes in the superstructure.

  • D. Matter is active, dynamic, and dialectic in nature:
    This is correct. Marx’s dialectical materialism views matter as active and dynamic, with historical and social development driven by contradictions and changes within the material conditions of society.

44. Who among the following criticized Bentham’s Philosophy as “Pig Philosophy”?

A. Leslie Stephen

B. Karl Marx

C. Carlyle

D. J.S. Mill

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. Carlyle

Explanation:

  • A. Leslie Stephen:
    Leslie Stephen, an English essayist and critic, did engage with utilitarianism and the ideas of Bentham, but he did not famously label Bentham’s philosophy as “Pig Philosophy.”

  • B. Karl Marx:
    Karl Marx criticized Bentham’s utilitarianism from a different perspective, focusing on the limitations of utilitarianism in addressing class struggle and economic inequality, but he did not use the term “Pig Philosophy.”

  • C. Carlyle:
    Thomas Carlyle, a Victorian essayist and critic, is known for coining the term “Pig Philosophy” to criticize Bentham’s utilitarianism. Carlyle used this term to deride the utilitarian focus on pleasure and happiness as overly simplistic and materialistic.

  • D. J.S. Mill:
    John Stuart Mill, a proponent of utilitarianism, defended and developed Bentham’s philosophy rather than criticizing it. Mill sought to address some of the criticisms of Bentham’s utilitarianism and refine the theory.

45. For whom “All existence is simply a matter in motion.”?

A. Plato

B. Hobbes

C. TH Green

D. Rousseau

Answer

The correct answer is:

B. Hobbes

Explanation:

  • A. Plato:
    Plato’s philosophy, particularly in his Theory of Forms, is not centered around the concept that all existence is simply matter in motion. Instead, Plato emphasized the distinction between the material world and the ideal Forms or Ideas.

  • B. Hobbes:
    Thomas Hobbes is known for his materialist view of the world, particularly in “Leviathan.” Hobbes argued that all phenomena, including human thoughts and actions, can be explained in terms of matter in motion. According to Hobbes, everything in the universe, including human beings, is essentially a collection of particles in motion governed by physical laws.

  • C. T.H. Green:
    T.H. Green was a philosopher associated with the British idealist tradition and did not focus on the idea that existence is merely a matter in motion. His work was more concerned with moral and political philosophy, particularly regarding the nature of freedom and the state.

  • D. Rousseau:
    Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s philosophy, especially in works like “The Social Contract,” focuses on social and political theory rather than a materialist view of existence. Rousseau is known for his ideas on natural human goodness and the impact of society on human nature.

46. Which is not true about Ideas/thoughts of J.S.Mill?

A. Pleasures differ in quality

B. active role of state in moral and intellectual development of citizen

C. Labour association should own joint stock of companies

D. Felicific calculator can objectively measure the pleasure

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. Felicific calculator can objectively measure the pleasure.

Explanation:

  • A. Pleasures differ in quality:
    This is true. John Stuart Mill argued that not all pleasures are of the same quality. In his “Utilitarianism,” he distinguished between higher (intellectual and moral) and lower (bodily) pleasures, asserting that higher pleasures are of greater quality and more valuable.

  • B. Active role of the state in moral and intellectual development of citizens:
    This is true. Mill believed that the state should play an active role in the moral and intellectual development of its citizens to promote their well-being and to cultivate their capacities for higher pleasures.

  • C. Labour associations should own joint stock of companies:
    This is true. Mill advocated for more democratic forms of economic organization, including labor associations that would jointly own and manage companies. This was part of his broader vision for social and economic reform.

  • D. Felicific calculator can objectively measure the pleasure:
    This is not true. The felicific or hedonic calculator, proposed by Jeremy Bentham, is an attempt to quantify and measure pleasure and pain. Mill, however, was skeptical about the idea that pleasure could be measured objectively in such a manner. He emphasized qualitative differences between pleasures rather than relying on a purely quantitative measure.

47. For Hegel which one of the following is Not correct?

A. Family is the thesis, Bourgeois society is the anti-thesis and the State represents synthesis.

B. The rational is real and the real is rational.

C. Contradictions are not obstacles preventing us reaching truth.

D. Right is preferred over common Good

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. Right is preferred over common Good.

Explanation:

  • A. Family is the thesis, Bourgeois society is the anti-thesis and the State represents synthesis:
    This is correct. In Hegelian dialectics, the development of ethical life (Sittlichkeit) involves the family (thesis), the bourgeois society (antithesis), and the state (synthesis). The state represents the culmination of ethical development, integrating and transcending the earlier stages.

  • B. The rational is real and the real is rational:
    This is correct. This statement encapsulates Hegel’s famous dictum, which reflects his belief that reality and rationality are interconnected. For Hegel, what is rational is real, and what is real is rational, meaning that reality can be understood through reason.

  • C. Contradictions are not obstacles preventing us reaching truth:
    This is correct. Hegel saw contradictions as essential to the dialectical process. Rather than being obstacles, contradictions drive the development of ideas and the unfolding of truth through synthesis.

  • D. Right is preferred over common Good:
    This is not correct. Hegel’s philosophy emphasizes the integration of individual rights with the common good. He does not prioritize individual rights (right) over the common good; rather, he sees both as interconnected within the ethical life of the state. The state represents a synthesis where individual rights and the common good are harmonized.

48. Whom did Machiavelli blame for the moral degradation of Italy?

A. The Prince

B. The Church

C. The Aristocracy

D. Corrupt People

Answer

The correct answer is:

B. The Church

Explanation:

  • A. The Prince:
    Machiavelli’s work “The Prince” is often interpreted as a guide for rulers on how to maintain power and navigate political challenges, rather than a critique of moral degradation. It does not specifically blame the prince for Italy’s moral problems.

  • B. The Church:
    Machiavelli did indeed blame the Church for the moral and political corruption in Italy. He viewed the Church as a major source of moral and political decay, arguing that its influence contributed to the instability and fragmentation of Italian states.

  • C. The Aristocracy:
    While Machiavelli criticized the aristocracy for various failings, his main focus was on the role of the Church and its impact on Italian politics and morality.

  • D. Corrupt People:
    Although Machiavelli acknowledged that corruption was widespread, he specifically targeted the Church as a significant factor in the moral degradation of Italy.

49. Which one among the following statements is true?

A. Plato’s Republic is a book on ethics

B. It is a book on politics

C. It is both on ethics and politics

D. It is a book on education

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. It is both on ethics and politics

Explanation:

  • A. Plato’s Republic is a book on ethics:
    While “The Republic” addresses significant ethical questions, particularly about justice and the nature of a just life, it is not solely a book on ethics. It explores broader themes beyond ethics.

  • B. It is a book on politics:
    “The Republic” is indeed a political philosophy work, discussing the nature of justice, the ideal state, and the role of the philosopher-king. However, its scope includes more than just political theory.

  • C. It is both on ethics and politics:
    This is true. “The Republic” examines both ethical and political issues. It discusses the nature of justice, the structure of an ideal society, and the roles of individuals within that society. The book explores how ethical principles should inform political structures and vice versa.

  • D. It is a book on education:
    While education is a component of “The Republic,” especially in terms of the training of rulers and the development of the philosopher-king, the book is not solely focused on education.

50. Match the following

1. Philosophy of Poverty 

A. Robert Nozick 

2. The Poverty of Philosophy 

B. Karl Marx 

3. The Open Society and Its Enemies 

C. Karl Popper 

4. Anarchy, State, and Utopia 

D. Proudhon 

 Options

1-D,2-C, 3-B, 4-A

1-D, 2-B, 3-C, 4-A

1-C, 2-D, 3-B, 4-A

1-A, 2-C, 3-B, 4-D

Answer

The correct matches are:

B. 1-D, 2-B, 3-C, 4-A

Explanation:

  1. Philosophy of Poverty
    D. Proudhon
    This work by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon critiques the economic theories of his time and is known for its analysis of poverty and social issues.

  2. The Poverty of Philosophy
    B. Karl Marx
    This work by Karl Marx is a critique of Proudhon’s “Philosophy of Poverty” and addresses economic and philosophical ideas from a Marxist perspective.

  3. The Open Society and Its Enemies
    C. Karl Popper
    Karl Popper wrote this book, which defends liberal democracy and critiques totalitarian ideologies, including those of Plato, Hegel, and Marx.

  4. Anarchy, State, and Utopia
    A. Robert Nozick
    This book by Robert Nozick presents arguments for a minimal state and critiques more expansive theories of justice, contrasting his views with those of John Rawls.

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