CSS Philosophy Guide
Paper Overview
The Philosophy paper tests candidates' understanding of philosophical concepts, theories, and critical thinking abilities.
| Component | Marks | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Philosophy | 35 | Ancient & Medieval Thought |
| Modern Philosophy | 35 | Modern & Contemporary Ideas |
| Logic & Ethics | 30 | Reasoning & Moral Philosophy |
Syllabus Breakdown
1. Classical Philosophy (35 Marks)
Core Topics
-
Greek Philosophy
- Pre-Socratics
- Plato
- Aristotle
- Hellenistic Schools
-
Medieval Philosophy
- Islamic Philosophy
- Scholasticism
- Religious Thought
- Metaphysics
2. Modern Philosophy (35 Marks)
Key Areas
-
Rationalism & Empiricism
- Descartes
- Locke
- Hume
- Kant
-
Contemporary Philosophy
- Existentialism
- Pragmatism
- Analytic Philosophy
- Post-modernism
3. Logic & Ethics (30 Marks)
Important Topics
-
Logic
- Formal Logic
- Arguments
- Fallacies
- Critical Thinking
-
Ethics
- Moral Philosophy
- Applied Ethics
- Value Theory
- Social Philosophy
Study Strategy
1. Theoretical Understanding
- Read Primary Texts
- Study Commentary
- Analyze Arguments
- Compare Perspectives
2. Practical Application
- Critical Analysis
- Argument Construction
- Ethical Reasoning
- Problem-Solving
Exam Preparation
1. Essential Resources
- "History of Western Philosophy" by Bertrand Russell
- "Islamic Philosophy" by Oliver Leaman
- "Introduction to Logic" by Irving M. Copi
2. Online Materials
Answer Writing Tips
1. Analysis Skills
- Clear Arguments
- Logical Flow
- Critical Evaluation
- Philosophical Method
2. Writing Structure
- Thesis Statement
- Argument Development
- Counter-Arguments
- Synthesis
3. Presentation
- Clear Expression
- Technical Terms
- Proper Citations
- Balanced View
"Philosophy begins in wonder." - Aristotle
Remember: Success in Philosophy requires both deep understanding of philosophical concepts and strong analytical skills. Focus on developing clear thinking and argumentation abilities while maintaining awareness of diverse philosophical traditions.