Blunders in revised CSS–2016 syllabi

The FPSC has recently revised the syllabi of Central Superior Service (CSS). The previous syllabi seemed not to fall in with modern standards of competitive examinations. The change thus is positive. Overall, the new trends will culminate in fresh ideas which will turn out our future bureaucrats. Microscopic examination of the new syllabi has led me to bring to light abundant conceptual mistakes in it, typos are no exceptions. Being a student of Philosophy, I have taken into account the part of ‘Political Thought — Western and Muslim’ in the subject of Political Science which is replete with such blunders and it cannot be overlooked since it makes up the lion’s share, say 40 per cent of the whole course.

Running to page 120, CSS Syllabi–2016 uploaded on FPSC website, dated 17-4-15, subject Political Science, for instance, Pierre Bourdieu and Gramsci were sociologists who actually had no political theories; similarly, Sartre, Descartes and Kierkegaard had never had any political theory. In Muslim political thought, the case is the same, Imam Ghazali and Al-Ghazali are considered two different persons. May I consider it a typographical mistake or ignorance of syllabus designer. As for typos, Rawls is written as Rawis, Francis as Frances, Kierkegaard as Kierkegard and Descartes as Descarte.

Moreover, some philosophers have been enlisted who have no political theories. For instance, Descartes inspite of being the father of modern western philosophy had never theorised any idea of political philosophy but he set new trends in epistemology. Therefore, in my opinion, the syllabus of political science is not workable. I would suggest FPSC to have an expert opinion particularly on the syllabus of political science approved for CSS 2016 examination. The said syllabus should be made reasonable, free from all conceptual and typographical errors. Some seasoned political scientists may be consulted for further revision of the subject.

SHAHRUKH RASHEED

Lahore