KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
WRITTEN EXAMINATION FOR THE POSTS OF PMS OFFICER / AETO BPS-17
(2025)
PHILOSOPHY (PAPER-I)
Time Allowed: 03 Hours Total Marks: 100
Note:- Attempt any five questions. All questions carry equal marks.
Q.No.1 Define an argument and distinguish it from other forms of discourse. Analyze the structure of arguments and evaluate the criteria for judging the strength and soundness of an argument. (20)
Q.No.2 Explain the nature and structure of a categorical syllogism. Discuss the rules of a valid syllogism and critically examine the common errors that lead to syllogistic fallacies. (20)
Q.No.3 Discuss the concept of vagueness, ambiguity, and emotive language in logical discourse. How do these linguistic features affect clarity, precision, and rational argumentation? (20)
Q.No.4 Define fallacy and classify the major types of logical fallacies. Evaluate their impact on reasoning and illustrate how fallacies function in everyday communication and public argument. (20)
Q.No.5 Explain Mill’s methods of Experimental Inquiry and critically assess their effectiveness in establishing causal relationships. To what extent do these methods contribute to scientific investigation? (20)
Q.No.6 Discuss Ibn-e-Taimiyah’s major criticisms of Aristotelian logic. How does his critique challenge the foundations of syllogistic reasoning and the epistemological assumptions underlying Greek logic? (20)
Q.No.7 Define scientific explanation and differentiate it from unscientific forms of explanation. Evaluate the criteria that make an explanation scientific, with reference to the role of laws, causality, and empirical verification. (20)
Q.No.8 Explain the concepts of validity and truth in logic. Analyze their relationship and show why a valid argument may not be true, and a true conclusion may arise from an invalid argument. (20)
***************