Essay-How to deal with Philosophical Essays?

Though I have already written in bits and pieces regarding same, I am writing a dedicated post on how to deal with philosophical essay topics in UPSC and other competitive exams.

Examples of Philosophical essays asked by UPSC in recent past:

1. CSM 2019 Solution: Wisdom finds truth.
2. CSM 2019 Solution: Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be.
3. CSM 2019 Solution: Best for an Individual is not necessarily best for the society.
4. A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
5. A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both.
6. Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
7. Quick but steady wins the race.
8. Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
9. Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.
10. Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
11. Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.
12. If development is not engendered, it is endangered.
13. With greater power comes greater responsibility.
14. Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.
15. “Be The Change You Want To See In Others” – Gandhiji.

INTIMIDATED?

Well, lets see what we can do to get out of this particular jail:

Our 1st hope is on elimination of philosophical topic. I.e. possible if you can select some other topic. I have already dealt with how to select or eliminate essay topic here.

God forbid, if you are left with no other option than to write a philosophical essay, then try following:

• Write multidimensional essay including socio-eco-pol-environment-psychological-sports-world etc.
• You can try out writing entire essay from SDGs in goal sequence! This is applicable for essay number 3, 4, 6, 12 etc listed above.
• Avoid view based content as it is highly likely in a philosophical essay that either you miss the plot altogether or that your views do not sync with that of examiner. So, focus on dimensions and make it a long GS answer.
• Avoid mistake of focusing too much on person who has given a quote like Gandhi ji in case of be the change..or Kalam sahab in case of dreams.. The essay is on topic. So stick to it.
• Make headings and diagrams so that examiner gets something refreshing even for a ‘boring’ topic.
• Write example based essays so that you avoid monotony and put across your point clearly.
• Include as much as possible from current affairs. This will give ‘GS look’ to your essay.

But all philosophical essays can not be written in multidimensions or via SDGs. These shall be avoided at best. Example: Words are sharper than the two-edged sword can not be easily managed in multiple dimensions. The max you can do is write an examplr based essay including from current.

So, select topic for which prima facie you seem to recall 10-15 points or sub dimensions. Be careful on philosophical topics.

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Books you may Refer:

• Fundamentals of Essay and Answer Writing by Anudeep Durishetty, IAS.
• 151 Essays by Arihant Publications.
• 7 Years UPSC IAS/ IPS Mains Essay Year-wise Solved Papers (2013 – 2019) by Disha Publications.
• 151 Essays for IAS/ PCS & other Competitive Exams 3rd Edition by Disha Publications.
• Select Essays For Civil Services Examination by Drishti Publications.
• Essay ( Nibandh) for UPSC Civil Services Exam/ सिविल सेवा परीक्षा के लिए निबंध by Rajkamal Prakashan/ Akshar.
• Nibandh Manjusha | Civil Seva/Rajya Seva Ki Mukhya Pariksha Hetu by McGraw-Hill.