Upto 60% Off on UPSC Online Courses

Avail Now

Philosophy Books for UPSC IAS Exam 2024

PWOnlyIAS June 07, 2024 06:33 781 0

Philosophy books for UPSC are crucial for candidates who take Philosophy as an optional subject in the UPSC IAS Mains exam. UPSC candidates can review the recommended Philosophy books for UPSC in this post.

Philosophy Books for UPSC IAS Exam 2024

Philosophy books for UPSC are crucial for candidates who take Philosophy as an optional subject in the UPSC IAS Mains exam. UPSC candidates can review the recommended Philosophy books for UPSC in this post.

Preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, particularly the Philosophy optional papers, requires a strategic selection of best Philosophy books for UPSC. The books you select must cover the syllabus comprehensively and should align with the exam pattern. 

In this blog, we will highlight some highly recommended Philosophy books for UPSC optional papers.

Philosophy Books for UPSC IAS Exam 2024:

There are two papers in the UPSC Philosophy optional subject. Philosophy books for UPSC vary for both the optional papers. The first paper discusses the history of philosophy in India, while the second paper addresses the philosophy of religion and socio-political philosophy. Here is a collection of Philosophy books for UPSC that go over these 2 optional papers in great detail.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Paper I: Indian and Western Philosophy

The optional paper I of UPSC philosophy covers the foundational schools and thinkers of Indian philosophy, including Nyaya, Vedanta, and Buddhism, as well as major Western philosophers like Plato, Kant, and Sartre. 

The below table is the Philosophy books for UPSC optional I paper:

Philosophy books for UPSC – Optional Paper I
  1. A Critical History of Greek Philosophy (Plato and Aristotle) – W. T. Stace
  2. A History of Philosophy (Relevant Chapters from volume I, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX & XI) – Copleston
  3. A New History of Western Philosophy (OUP Oxford) – Anthony Kenny
  4. An Introduction to Indian Philosophy. Rupa Publishing – Datta & Chatterjee
  5. A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy (MLBD) – C. D. Sharma
  6. Indian Philosophy: Volume 1 & 2 – S. Radhakrishnan
  7. Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy.
  8. Contemporary Western Philosophy – Dr B.K. Lal
  9. A History Of Western Philosophy – Bertrand Russell
  10. A Critical History of Western Philosophy- Y Masih
  11. Existentialism: A Reconstruction – David Cooper
  12. Existentialism Is A Humanism – Jean-Paul

Paper II: Socio-Political Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion

The optional paper II of UPSC philosophy explores theories of social and political organization, justice, and rights through the ideas of philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Marx. 

Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store

The below table is the best Philosophy books for UPSC optional II paper:

Philosophy books for UPSC – Optional Paper II
  1. Philosophy of Religion – John Hick
  2. Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction – Michael B. Wilkinson
  3. Social & Political Philosophy – O. P. Gauba
  4. Political Theory, An Introduction. Edited By Rajeev Bhargava & Ashok Acharya.
  5. Oxford Dictionary of Politics
  6. A History of Philosophy- Frank Thilly

Philosophy Books for UPSC Optional – Toppers Suggestions

Choosing the best Philosophy books for UPSC and maintaining a disciplined study routine will significantly enhance your preparation for the UPSC Philosophy optional papers. In below table, we have given the complete list of Philosophy books for UPSC which are suggested by toppers:

Philosophy Books for UPSC Optional – Toppers Suggestions
Book Title Author Description
A Critical History of Western Philosophy Y. Masih Comparative account of Greek, medieval, and modern thinkers
An Introduction to Indian Philosophy S. Chatterjee Covers ethics, logic, psychology, and epistemology in Indian thought
Existentialism – A Very Short Introduction Thomas Flynn Explores existential themes of Nietzsche, Heidegger, Kierkegaard, and others
An Introduction to Political Theory O. P. Gauba Concepts of social and political philosophy
A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy C. D. Sharma Overview of Indian philosophy, orthodox and heterodox schools
Indian Philosophy, A Counter Perspective Dr. Daya Krishna A unique perspective on Indian philosophy

How to Cover Philosophy books for UPSC:

  • To choose the Philosophy books for UPSC that best suit their understanding and comfort level, candidates must first review the philosophy syllabus.
  • To solidify your foundation, start with analyzing UPSC PYQs before moving on to the reference Philosophy books for UPSC. It will facilitate your preparation.
  • While reading a single topic from several books is not a good idea, it is a smart idea to learn more about a specific issue. 
  • Take brief notes as you read through the Philosophy books for UPSC to facilitate your revision.
  • In addition to the Philosophy books for UPSC, use other resources such as Physics Wallah online courses to ensure you don’t miss any crucial information.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Wrapping Up!

It is essential for anyone considering philosophy as an optional subject for the UPSC exam to familiarize oneself with the Philosophy books for UPSC. We have looked at the best Philosophy books for UPSC list which were suggested by experts and UPSC toppers. Make use of these reference books and prepare well for your UPSC mains exam.

Must Read
UPSC Daily Editorials UPSC Daily Current Affairs
Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store 
Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store UPSC Test Series 2024
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Philosophy Books for UPSC FAQs

Because of its fixed syllabus and issues that cross over into General Studies and essay papers, UPSC Philosophy is an optional subject that receives excellent marks.

Candidates should first review the philosophy syllabus and the key subjects covered to select the best Philosophy books for UPSC. It will assist you in selecting the type of books you require.

The best books for Indian Philosophy are as follows: "A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy" by C.D. Sharma, "Indian Philosophy: Volume 1 & 2" by S. Radhakrishnan, "An Introduction to Indian Philosophy" by Satischandra Chatterjee and Dhirendramohan Datta.
/*
*/

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  

by month

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

THE MOST
LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

      

 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.