Recommended Philosophy Books For UPSC Optional Paper

Philosophy is one of the optional papers for the IAS Mains exam. It is also a paper that requires not only an extensive reading but also selective. Since it is one of the subjects in the UPSC conducted exam with the smallest course, it has a lot of potential for scoring. Most of the topics are related to Western and Indian philosophy in paper I. The lack of application, as the paper is purely conceptual, makes it even easier to score. In paper II, the syllabus is limited to religious and socio-political philosophy. 

The Top Recommended Books for UPSC philosophy paper are listed below. IAS aspirants are advised to read through them for better preparation of the exam.

For paper 1:

• Western Philosophy
  • Y Masih’s A Critical History of Western Philosophy
  • Dr B.K. Lal’s Contemporary Western Philosophy
• Existentialism 
  • David Cooper’s Existentialism: A Reconstruction 
  • Jean-Paul’s Existentialism Is A Humanism 
• Indian Philosophy
  • C Sharma’s A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy
  • S Chatterjee’s An Introduction to Indian Philosophy
• History & Problems of Philosophy
  • Dr S. Radhakrishnan’s Indian Philosophy II Volume
  • Frank Thilly’s A History of Philosophy
  • Dr Daya Krishna’s Indian Philosophy, A Counter Perspective
  • C D Sharma’s Survey of Indian Philosophy 

For Paper II:

• Philosophy of Religion
  • John H. Hick’s Philosophy of Religion
  • Y Masih’s Introduction to Religious Philosophy
• Social-Political Philosophy 
  • O P Gauba’s An Introduction to Political Theory

As compared to other subjects for optional paper in IAS Mains, philosophy encompasses a very brief syllabus. As long as an IAS candidate studies the entire course, passing the exam with flying colours becomes much simpler. Give these books a whirl to be better equipped for the exam.

The Guide To Buying An E-Reader For Book Lovers

The best books to read are the ones that engross the mind and the heart. They are also the ones that can be read while on the move or at home, seamlessly. Thankfully the birth of e-readers has made this dream very much possible. You can whip out an e-book reader anywhere and start reading from where you left it. So, if you are one of the few bibliophiles who have not yet invested in an e-reader, here is a guide for you.

·      Your choices

There was a time when Kindle alone dominated the market. It was the sole e-book reader that the majority of people bought. But Amazon’s e-reader is not the only reasonable option today. From Barnes & Noble’ Nook to Kobo’s Forma and Clara, the field is wide open when shopping for gadgets to read books on.

·      The screen

The most significant factor to ponder while purchasing an e-book reader is the screen. If you want a basic device then their screen will use E-Ink. This type of display is very similar to paper, and it is the easiest on the eyes. Unlike tablets and laptops that harm due to constant and prolonged use, monochrome E-Ink screen are relatively innocuous. 

The drawback of basic readers is that they lack backlights. If you want to read in the dark, you’ll need a lamp. It should be noted that new e-readers come with edge lighting.

·      The size

Barring the screen type, the other factor to consider while shopping for e-readers is the size. Most devices stick to the tried and tested 6 inches, but a few come in bigger 8-inch size like the Forma by Kobo.

The screen, the size and the brand are the three basic elements to contemplate while buying an e-reader.

How E-books Are Changing The Classrooms?

A decade back the classrooms had a completely different look. There was one teacher with a white or blackboard and many students each with a book in hand. Today, the class has a very different picture. The digital shift has transformed the way education is given to a child.  Every room in a school has a projector and a screen for video lectures. The students have iPads and Kindles to access eBooks. Tests are not taken on using pen and paper but through internet and gadgets. This shift is partly thanks to technology and partly due to the next generation.

 

The kids of today are more comfortable with unconventional means of learning. They understand better when traditional methods of teaching are augmented with modern tools, i.e., when they have access to books, notes, and material on their screens. Ergo, the current classroom is changing, slowly but steadily, to a place that is no more limited to one teacher, one book and one board. Education, we can say, has reached a tipping point, a junction where fantastic opportunities can be reaped and benefits availed.

 

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