UPSC Prelims 2015 · CSAT

Question 63: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “The conflict between man and State…” — Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC

The author’s viewpoint can be best summed up in which of the following statements ?

aThe conflict between the claims of State and individual remains unresolved.

bAnarchy and chaos are the obvious results of democratic traditions.

cOld values, ideas and traditions persist despite the dynamic nature of human society.

dConstitutional guarantee of freedom of speech is not in the interest of society.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The author says the conflict between the individual and the State is as old as the State itself, and that after centuries of trying to balance their claims, the solution is still distant, mainly because society changes and old ideas give way to new. Unlimited freedom of speech and action would lead to chaos. The viewpoint is therefore that the conflict remains unresolved. The remark on society's change is a reason, not the viewpoint, and the passage does not blame democracy or free speech.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: the solution still seems far off after centuries of attempts.
(b) Wrong: anarchy is tied to absolute freedom, not to democratic traditions.
(c) Wrong: the passage says old values give way to new ones, the opposite of persisting.
(d) Wrong: the passage warns against absolute freedom but never calls guaranteed free speech against society's interest.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.