Philosophy is one of the critical subjects in the GCE Advanced Levels in Cameroon. To succeed, students must understand key concepts, exam formats, question types, and how to practically answer past paper questions.
This guide offers strategies, sample past questions with answers, and tips that boost exam performance.
Why Philosophy Past Questions Matter
Practising past questions:
- Helps you understand the exam pattern.
- Improves time management.
- Exposes you to commonly asked themes in metaphysics, ethics, logic, and epistemology.
- Builds confidence through familiarity.
Cameroon GCE Philosophy Exam Format
The GCE Philosophy paper typically includes:
- Section A: Multiple Choice / Short Answer
- Section B: Essay Questions
- Section C: Applied Philosophy / Case Scenarios
Questions test critical thinking, argument analysis, and knowledge of major philosophers like Plato, Descartes, Kant, and Aristotle.
How to Answer Philosophy Exam Questions
Here’s a step-by-step approach to maximize marks:
- Read the Question Carefully
Identify command words: Discuss, Evaluate, Explain, Compare. Ensure you know what is being asked before answering.
- Plan Your Answer
Write quick bullet points of your main arguments. Decide on examples or philosopher viewpoints to include.
- Use Clear Structure
Introduction – Brief definition and outline your argument. Body Paragraphs – Develop points with examples.
Philosophy Past Questions and Answers
Below is the list of all Cameroon GCE Advanced Level Philosophy past papers and answers available:
- Paper 1, June 2025 PDF
- Paper 2, June 2025
- Paper 3, June 2025 PDF
- Paper 1, June 2024
- Paper 2, June 2024 PDF
- Paper 3, June 2024
- Paper 3, June 2023
- Paper 3, June 2019
- Paper 1, June 2018
- Paper 2, June 2018
- Paper 3, June 2018
- A-Level Philosophy Paper 1, June 2017 PDF Download (MCQs)
- Paper 2, June 2017
- Paper 3, June 2017
Sample Past Questions and Answers
Question 1:
Explain the difference between rationalism and empiricism.
Model Answer:
Rationalism argues that knowledge primarily comes from reason and innate ideas, while empiricism holds that knowledge comes from sensory experience. For example, Descartes is a rationalist because he believed in innate ideas, whereas John Locke is an empiricist who argued that the mind is a tabula rasa at birth.
Question 2:
Discuss whether morality is relative or universal.
Model Answer:
Morality is relative if ethical standards vary between cultures and individuals. Cultural relativists argue that right and wrong depend on social norms. In contrast, universalists claim that some moral principles apply to all humans regardless of context—such as the belief in human rights. A balanced answer evaluates both views and may conclude that certain core values are universal while specific moral rules can be relative.
Question 3:
Evaluate Descartes’ claim “I think therefore I am.”
Model Answer:
Descartes’ statement asserts that doubting one’s existence proves the existence of self because there must be a thinking entity to doubt. This foundational idea in rationalism shows consciousness is undeniable. Critics argue that it assumes the self rather than objectively proving an external reality. Overall, it’s strong in establishing self-awareness but limited in proving the existence of the external world.
Top Themes Frequently Asked in GCE Philosophy
- Theme What to Focus On
- Ethics Moral theories: utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics
- Epistemology Knowledge vs belief, sources of knowledge
- Logic Arguments, validity, fallacies
- Metaphysics Mind-body problem, existence of God, free will
Improve
The collection of GCE questions and answers in Philosophy is an ongoing process. If you have a past question paper you are willing to share, do the following:
- Contact Temo Vision via WhatsApp at +237655004189 or on Telegram.
- Submit the snapshot of the past question paper.
Conclusion
Success in Cameroon GCE Philosophy depends on regular practice, understanding core concepts, and mastering exam techniques. Use past questions actively, develop clear written arguments, and apply philosophical theories thoughtfully. With the right approach, your confidence and grades will improve.
