UPSC Books
Best Philosophy Optional Booklist for UPSC IAS Mains
Best Philosophy Optional Booklist for UPSC IAS Mains - Vajirao and Reddy.
VRVajirao & Reddy Institute
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Best Philosophy Optional Booklist for UPSC IAS Mains - Vajirao and Reddy.
Book list for Philosophy Optional
Paper I
- W. T. Stace: A Critical History of Greek Philosophy (Plato and Aristotle).
- Copleston: A History of Philosophy (Relevant Chapters from volume I, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX & XI).
- Anthony Kenny: A New History of Western Philosophy. OUP Oxford.
- Datta & Chatterjee: An Introduction to Indian Philosophy. Rupa Publishing.
- C. D. Sharma: A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy. MLBD.
- Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy.
Paper II
- John Hick: Philosophy of Religion.
- Michael B. Wilkinson: Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction.
- O. P. Gauba: Social & Political Philosophy.
- Political Theory, An Introduction. Edited By Rajeev Bhargava & Ashok Acharya.
- Oxford Dictionary of Politics.
- Syllabus first: Match every Philosophy source with the relevant UPSC syllabus topics.
- PYQ check: Use previous-year questions to decide the depth required from each book.
- Revision: Keep a limited source list and revise it repeatedly instead of adding overlapping books.
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Which books are recommended for Philosophy in UPSC preparation?
The page provides a subject-wise list of recommended Philosophy sources for UPSC preparation. Use it with the official syllabus and previous-year questions before finalising your core books.
How should aspirants use the Philosophy booklist for UPSC?
Map each book to a defined syllabus area, read one core source at a time, make concise notes and revise through UPSC previous-year questions.
Should every book in the Philosophy UPSC booklist be read cover to cover?
No. Select chapters according to the syllabus and question trend. A limited, repeatedly revised source list is more useful than reading several overlapping books once.