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GNDU Most Repeated (Important) Quesons
B.A/B.Sc 5th Semester
PHILOSOPHY (Western Metaphysics & Epistemology)
Based on 4-Year GNDU Queson Paper Trend (2021–2024)
Must-Prepare Quesons (80–100% Probability)
SECTION–A (Nature of Philosophy & Idealism)
1. Nature / Scope / Concerns of Western Philosophy
Appeared in: 2021 (Q1), 2022 (Q1), 2023 (Q1), 2024 (Q1) Probability for 2025:
(100%) Always repeated — somemes as “nature and concerns,”
somemes “scope,” somemes “fundamental issues,” but always present.
2025 Smart Predicon Table
No.
Queson Topic
Years Appeared
Probability for 2025
1
Nature / Scope of Western Philosophy
2021–2024
(100%)
GNDU Most Repeated (Important) Answers
B.A/B.Sc 5th Semester
PHILOSOPHY (Western Metaphysics & Epistemology)
Based on 4-Year GNDU Queson Paper Trend (2021–2024)
Must-Prepare Quesons (80–100% Probability)
Easy2Siksha Sample Papers
SECTION–A (Nature of Philosophy & Idealism)
Nature / Scope / Concerns of Western Philosophy
Appeared in: 2021 (Q1), 2022 (Q1), 2023 (Q1), 2024 (Q1) Probability for
2025: (100%) Always repeated — somemes as “nature and
concerns,” somemes “scope,” somemes “fundamental issues,” but always present.
Ans: Nature, Scope, and Concerns of Western Philosophy
A Fresh Beginning:
Imagine you are sitting under a quiet sky one evening, looking at the stars. A thought
suddenly crosses your mind — “Why am I here?” or “Who created the world?” or “What
is the purpose of life?”
This innocent curiosity is where philosophy begins. And when these questions are
studied deeply, systematically, and rationally — we enter the grand world of Western
Philosophy.
Western philosophy is like a long, fascinating journey of human thought — a journey
that began thousands of years ago in ancient Greece and continues to shape our ideas
even today. It is not just about learning old theories or memorizing names of
philosophers. It is about learning how to think, how to question, and how to search for
truth.
Let us now understand the nature, scope, and concerns of Western philosophy in the
most engaging and simple way possible.
1. Nature of Western Philosophy
The nature of Western philosophy tells us what philosophy really is — its spirit, method,
and purpose. It shows us how Western thinkers approached life’s biggest questions.
(a) Philosophy as the “Love of Wisdom”
The word philosophy itself comes from two Greek words — ‘philo’ (love) and ‘sophia’
(wisdom). So, philosophy literally means “love of wisdom.”
This love of wisdom is not about collecting facts but about understanding the truth
behind life and the universe. Philosophers are like explorers of ideas — they don’t sail
ships or climb mountains, but they explore thoughts and meanings.
(b) A Rational and Logical Approach
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One of the most important features of Western philosophy is its rational method.
Western thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle believed that knowledge should be
based on reason, logic, and evidence, not just faith or tradition.
They asked questions like:
• “What is justice?”
• “What is truth?”
• “What is beauty?”
And they tried to find logical answers through discussion and argument — a method
known as dialectics (a form of reasoning through dialogue).
(c) Search for Universal Truth
Western philosophy always tries to go beyond surface appearances to find universal
truths — truths that remain constant for all people and in all times.
For example, Greek philosophers believed that behind the visible world, there exists a
world of permanent and perfect ideas or forms (Plato’s Theory of Forms).
So, philosophy is not about temporary facts — it’s about eternal principles.
(d) Analytical and Critical Spirit
Western philosophers never accept anything blindly. They analyze, question, and
criticize everything — even their own beliefs.
This critical spirit makes philosophy alive and dynamic. It helps society move forward by
challenging old customs, dogmas, and narrow-minded thinking.
(e) A Quest for Meaning
At its heart, Western philosophy is a search for meaning — meaning of life, meaning of
morality, meaning of knowledge, and meaning of human existence itself.
It asks, “Why?” — and keeps asking until the answer truly satisfies reason.
So, in short, the nature of Western philosophy can be described as:
“A rational, critical, and systematic search for truth, guided by reason and motivated by
the love of wisdom.”
2. Scope of Western Philosophy
Now that we understand what philosophy is, let’s explore its scope — that is, what all
areas of life and knowledge it covers.
Philosophy is like a tree — its roots are curiosity, its trunk is reasoning, and its branches
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spread into different fields.
Let’s explore some of these main branches of Western philosophy.
(a) Metaphysics – The Study of Reality
Metaphysics asks the deepest questions:
• What is real?
• Does God exist?
• What is the soul?
• What is time and space?
For example, Aristotle called metaphysics the “first philosophy” because it deals with
the ultimate cause and nature of everything.
Philosophers like Plato spoke of an ideal world beyond the physical one, while others
like Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am,” emphasizing the reality of human
consciousness.
Metaphysics is like the root of philosophy — it tries to understand what lies beneath
everything that exists.
(b) Epistemology – The Study of Knowledge
Epistemology comes from the Greek word ‘episteme’ meaning “knowledge.”
It deals with questions such as:
• What is knowledge?
• How do we know what we know?
• Can we ever be sure of anything?
Some philosophers, like Empiricists (Locke, Hume), believed that knowledge comes from
experience.
Others, like Rationalists (Descartes, Spinoza), believed that true knowledge comes from
reason and thinking.
Thus, epistemology tries to understand the nature, sources, and limits of human
knowledge.
(c) Ethics – The Study of Right and Wrong
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Ethics is the heart of philosophy. It teaches us how to live a good and meaningful life.
It asks:
• What is good?
• What is evil?
• What is duty?
• What makes actions right or wrong?
For example, Aristotle’s Ethics taught that happiness (Eudaimonia) is the highest goal of
life, achieved through virtue and good character.
Later, philosophers like Immanuel Kant argued that morality must be based on reason
and duty, not personal desire.
Thus, ethics guides us to live responsibly and morally in society.
(d) Political Philosophy – The Study of Society and Government
Political philosophy studies how humans should live together and organize society.
It asks:
• What is justice?
• What is the best form of government?
• What are the rights and duties of citizens?
Philosophers like Plato (in The Republic) imagined an ideal state ruled by wise
philosophers.
Later, thinkers like Locke, Rousseau, and Hobbes discussed freedom, rights, and social
contracts — ideas that shaped modern democracy.
(e) Aesthetics – The Study of Beauty and Art
Aesthetics deals with questions like:
• What is beauty?
• Why does art move us?
• Is beauty subjective or universal?
Plato believed that art is an imitation of reality, while Kant thought beauty arises from
the harmony between imagination and understanding.
Thus, aesthetics connects philosophy with art, literature, and creativity.
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(f) Logic – The Study of Reasoning
Logic teaches us how to think correctly.
It helps us separate true reasoning from false or misleading arguments.
Aristotle was the first to systematize logic, and his ideas are still studied today.
In short, logic is like the grammar of thought — it ensures our ideas make sense and
follow valid rules of reasoning.
(g) Philosophy of Science, Religion, Mind, and Language
In modern times, Western philosophy has expanded into many new fields:
• Philosophy of Science explores how scientific knowledge is created and tested.
• Philosophy of Religion examines questions about God, faith, and spirituality.
• Philosophy of Mind studies consciousness and the relationship between mind
and body.
• Philosophy of Language explores how words and symbols shape our thoughts.
Thus, the scope of Western philosophy covers almost every area of human life — from
the stars in the sky to the thoughts in our minds.
3. Major Concerns of Western Philosophy
Western philosophy doesn’t only study ideas; it is deeply concerned with solving
problems that affect human life and society. Let’s look at some of its main concerns.
(a) The Search for Truth
The first and foremost concern of philosophy is truth.
Philosophers believe that behind every appearance lies a deeper truth waiting to be
discovered.
Whether it’s about God, nature, or the self — the ultimate goal is always to know what
is true and what is illusion.
(b) Understanding Human Existence
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Western philosophy is also concerned with understanding what it means to be human.
Existential philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Jean-Paul Sartre
explored questions of freedom, choice, and meaning in life.
They emphasized that humans must create their own purpose in a world that doesn’t
always provide clear answers.
(c) Moral and Ethical Values
Philosophy tries to build a society based on justice, equality, and moral responsibility.
It teaches us how to live rightly — not just for ourselves, but for others too.
Western ethics has influenced legal systems, political thought, and human rights all over
the world.
(d) Social and Political Order
Another key concern is how humans can live together peacefully and fairly.
From Plato’s Republic to John Locke’s theories of democracy, Western philosophy has
always tried to balance freedom and order, individual rights and social welfare.
(e) The Relationship Between Man and Nature
Modern philosophers are deeply concerned with how humans treat nature.
Philosophy now explores environmental ethics, sustainability, and the moral
responsibility of humans toward the Earth.
(f) The Meaning of Knowledge and Progress
In the age of science and technology, philosophy asks:
• Is all knowledge useful?
• Does scientific progress make us happier?
• What are the limits of reason?
Philosophy thus ensures that human progress remains guided by wisdom and ethics, not
just by ambition or power.
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4. The Living Spirit of Western Philosophy
Western philosophy is not something locked in old books — it’s a living conversation
that continues even today.
Every philosopher adds a new voice to the dialogue that began in ancient Greece.
When you question something deeply — when you refuse to accept something without
proof — you are already taking part in this great conversation.
Western philosophy teaches us:
• To think critically rather than blindly follow others.
• To seek truth rather than comfort.
• To understand life rather than just live it.
Conclusion
To conclude, Western philosophy is like a grand river flowing through time — beginning
in the hills of Greece, enriched by the ideas of countless thinkers, and still flowing
through our modern world.
Its nature lies in its rational, critical, and questioning spirit.
Its scope covers every area of life — from the mystery of the universe to the laws of
thought and society.
And its concerns reflect the eternal human quest for truth, justice, beauty, and meaning.
In simple words, Western philosophy is the story of human thought — a story of
curiosity, courage, and the never-ending search for wisdom.
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