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BA-HONOURS in Philosophy at Gokhale Memorial Girls' College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Philosophy at Gokhale Memorial Girls' College Kolkata?
This Philosophy Honours program at Gokhale Memorial Girls'''' College focuses on developing critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and ethical discernment. Rooted in both Indian and Western philosophical traditions, it explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, and mind. The program is vital for fostering intellectual rigor and nuanced perspectives, skills highly valued across diverse fields in the Indian job market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for curious students with a strong aptitude for abstract reasoning and critical inquiry, seeking a deep understanding of human thought and society. It suits fresh graduates aspiring to careers in academia, civil services, journalism, law, or education, as well as those looking to enhance their problem-solving and ethical decision-making capabilities relevant to Indian contexts.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue advanced studies in philosophy, law, or social sciences. Career paths in India include civil services (UPSC/PSC), content creation, teaching, research, and policy analysis. Starting salaries for entry-level roles can range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15+ LPA in niche areas like ethical consulting or public policy research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Analytical Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with foundational philosophical texts by carefully dissecting arguments, identifying key concepts, and questioning assumptions. Utilize college library resources and online academic databases like JSTOR for supplementary readings. This builds a strong analytical base essential for all advanced studies.
Tools & Resources
College Library, Online Academic Journals (e.g., JSTOR, Project Muse via institutional access), Philosophy discussion groups
Career Connection
Sharpens critical thinking and comprehension, crucial for competitive exams, research roles, and any profession requiring complex information processing.
Participate Actively in Debates and Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Join philosophy clubs or departmental seminars to articulate your thoughts, challenge ideas, and engage in constructive intellectual discourse. Present short papers or reviews in class. This helps in developing clear communication and persuasive argumentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Philosophy club, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, logical reasoning, and teamwork abilities, vital for careers in law, journalism, teaching, and policy advocacy in India.
Build a Strong Foundation in Logic- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate extra time to practicing formal and informal logic problems, using textbooks and online exercises. Mastering logical reasoning is paramount in Philosophy. Consider using open-source logic software or online tutorials to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
Irving Copi''''s Introduction to Logic, Online logic puzzles and tutorials, Khan Academy Logic videos
Career Connection
Develops rigorous analytical skills, highly valued in civil services, data analysis, and legal professions, where precise reasoning is critical.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Collaborate with faculty on small research topics or initiate independent studies on areas of interest within Indian or Western philosophy. Focus on primary source analysis and structured academic writing. Present findings in college-level symposia.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Academic writing guides, Citation management tools (e.g., Zotero)
Career Connection
Prepares students for postgraduate research, academic careers, and positions in think tanks or policy analysis in India.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek connections between philosophy and other subjects like history, sociology, political science, or literature. Choose Generic Elective courses strategically to broaden your perspective. Attend guest lectures from other departments. This enriches philosophical understanding and reveals diverse applications.
Tools & Resources
Interdisciplinary workshops, Guest lecture series, Cross-departmental faculty
Career Connection
Fosters holistic thinking and adaptability, making graduates suitable for diverse roles in fields like media, public administration, and social work.
Network with Alumni and Academics- (Semester 3-5)
Attend college alumni events, connect with philosophy graduates on platforms like LinkedIn, and reach out to academics for guidance. Learning from their experiences can provide insights into career paths and opportunities in India and beyond.
Tools & Resources
College Alumni Association, LinkedIn, Departmental networking events
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, internships, and potential job opportunities, offering practical insights into career landscapes in India.
Advanced Stage
Specialize in Areas of Interest- (Semester 6)
Leverage Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) to delve deeper into specific branches like Applied Ethics, Philosophy of Mind, or Contemporary Indian Philosophy. Conduct intensive reading and writing in your chosen specialization to build expertise. This prepares for advanced academic pursuits or niche professional roles.
Tools & Resources
Specialized journals, Advanced textbooks, Research supervisors
Career Connection
Develops expertise for specific postgraduate programs, research fellowships, or specialized roles in ethical consulting, policy formation, or advocacy.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 6)
Begin focused preparation for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, NET/SET for academia, or entrance exams for law or journalism postgraduate courses. Integrate philosophy concepts into essay writing and general studies. Consider joining coaching classes if suitable.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/NET study materials, Previous year question papers, Coaching institutes
Career Connection
Directly enables entry into prestigious civil services, academic positions, and other competitive government and private sector roles in India.
Develop Professional Communication Skills- (Semester 6)
Refine both written and verbal communication skills by practicing academic paper presentations, drafting formal reports, and participating in mock interviews. Focus on translating complex philosophical ideas into clear, accessible language, an invaluable skill for any profession. Utilise career counseling services.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling cell, Public speaking workshops, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Essential for job interviews, professional correspondence, and effective communication in any corporate, academic, or public sector environment in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 examination from a recognized Board/Council with a minimum of 50% in aggregate and 45% in Philosophy (if studied at H.S. Level) OR 55% in Philosophy (if studied at H.S. Level) OR 50% in aggregate.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Approx. 13.33% (10 marks out of 75 for 6-credit papers), External: Approx. 86.67% (65 marks out of 75 for 6-credit papers)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIA-CC1 | Outlines of Indian Philosophy – I | Core | 6 | Nature of Indian Philosophy, Carvaka System, Jainism: Anekantavada, Syadvada, Buddhism: Four Noble Truths, Ksanikavada, Nyaya Epistemology: Pratyaksa, Anumana |
| PHIA-CC2 | General Psychology | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Psychology, Methods of Psychology, Sensation and Perception, Attention and Consciousness, Learning: Theories and Principles |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies / English / MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - 1 | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIA-CC3 | Outlines of Indian Philosophy – II | Core | 6 | Samkhya-Yoga: Prakriti, Purusa, Astanga Yoga, Advaita Vedanta: Brahma, Maya, Atman, Jagat, Moksa, Vaisesika: Padarthas (Categories), Mimamsa: Sabda, Apurva, Theism in Indian Philosophy |
| PHIA-CC4 | History of Western Philosophy – I (Ancient, Medieval) | Core | 6 | Early Greek Philosophy: Milesians, Heraclitus, Parmenides, Plato: Theory of Forms, Knowledge and Opinion, Aristotle: Form and Matter, Causation, Potentiality and Actuality, St. Augustine: Problem of Evil, Faith and Reason, St. Thomas Aquinas: Proofs for God''''s Existence |
| AECC-2 | Environmental Studies / English / MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - 2 | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIA-CC5 | Western Logic – I | Core | 6 | Propositions and Arguments, Categorical Syllogisms and Venn Diagrams, Truth Functions and Symbolization, Truth Tables for Arguments, Quantification Theory (Basic) |
| PHIA-CC6 | Ethics (Indian) | Core | 6 | Purusarthas: Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksa, Karma Yoga and Niskama Karma, Buddhist Ethics: Eightfold Path, Jaina Ethics: Mahavratas and Anuvratas, Concept of Dharma and Rita |
| PHIA-CC7 | Socio-Political Philosophy (Indian) | Core | 6 | Concept of State and Society in Kautilya, Gandhian Philosophy: Satya, Ahimsa, Sarvodaya, Ambedkar''''s Social Justice and Equality, Tagore''''s Nationalism and Internationalism, Socialism in Indian Thought |
| SEC-A | Skill Enhancement Course - A (e.g., Critical Thinking / Philosophical Counseling) | Skill Enhancement Course (Elective) | 2 | Critical Thinking Skills (If chosen), Argument Analysis and Evaluation (If chosen), Detection of Fallacies (If chosen), Philosophical Counseling techniques (If chosen), Ethical decision making (If chosen) |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - 3 | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIA-CC8 | Western Logic – II | Core | 6 | Symbolic Logic and its Applications, Formal Proofs of Validity, Truth-Tree Method, Predicate Logic: Symbolization, Quantification Rules, Advanced Techniques in Propositional Logic |
| PHIA-CC9 | Ethics (Western) | Core | 6 | Nature of Moral Judgment, Hedonism, Utilitarianism (Bentham, Mill), Kantian Ethics: Categorical Imperative, Duty, Virtue Ethics (Aristotle), Moral Relativism vs. Universalism |
| PHIA-CC10 | Socio-Political Philosophy (Western) | Core | 6 | Social Contract Theories: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Liberalism: Classical and Modern, Marxian Theory of State and Society, Justice: Rawls'''' Theory of Justice, Equality and Freedom |
| SEC-B | Skill Enhancement Course - B (e.g., Values and Ethics / Art of Communication) | Skill Enhancement Course (Elective) | 2 | Value Education (If chosen), Professional Ethics (If chosen), Effective Communication Skills (If chosen), Ethics in daily life (If chosen), Social responsibility (If chosen) |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - 4 | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIA-CC11 | Philosophy of Mind | Core | 6 | Mind-Body Problem: Dualism, Materialism, Consciousness: Theories and Nature, Personal Identity, Artificial Intelligence and the Mind, Problem of Free Will and Determinism |
| PHIA-CC12 | Philosophy of Religion | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Philosophy of Religion, Proofs for God''''s Existence (Ontological, Cosmological), Problem of Evil, Religious Experience and Faith, Immortality of the Soul |
| PHIA-DSE-A1 (Option 1) | History of Western Philosophy (Modern) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Rationalism: Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Empiricism: Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant''''s Critical Philosophy, Mind and Idea, Causality and Substance |
| PHIA-DSE-A1 (Option 2) | Philosophy of Language | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Word, Sentence, and Meaning, Reference and Description, Verification Principle (Logical Positivism), Speech Acts Theory (Austin), Language and Reality |
| PHIA-DSE-A2 (Option 1) | Epistemology (Indian) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Pramanas: Pratyaksa (Perception), Anumana (Inference): Vyapti, Hetvabhasa, Upamana (Comparison), Sabda (Testimony), Arthapatti (Postulation), Anupalabdhi (Non-apprehension), Theories of Truth and Error |
| PHIA-DSE-A2 (Option 2) | Vedānta | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Advaita Vedanta (Sankara): Brahma, Maya, Jiva, Visistadvaita Vedanta (Ramanuja): Brahman, Cit, Acit, Dvaita Vedanta (Madhva): Fivefold Difference, Concept of Moksa in different Vedanta schools, Relationship between God, Soul, and World |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIA-CC13 | Metaphysics | Core | 6 | Ontology and the Nature of Reality, Substance, Attributes, and Modes, Causality and Determinism, Space and Time, Universals and Particulars |
| PHIA-CC14 | Contemporary Indian Philosophy | Core | 6 | Swami Vivekananda: Practical Vedanta, Universal Religion, Rabindranath Tagore: Humanism, Religion of Man, Mahatma Gandhi: Truth, Non-violence, Swaraj, Sri Aurobindo: Integral Yoga, Evolution, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: Intuition, Idealist View |
| PHIA-DSE-B1 (Option 1) | Ethics (Applied) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Environmental Ethics, Bio-Ethics: Euthanasia, Abortion, Surrogacy, Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility, Media Ethics and Freedom of Expression, Ethical Issues in Technology |
| PHIA-DSE-B1 (Option 2) | Aesthetics | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature of Art and Beauty, Rasa Theory (Indian Aesthetics), Western Theories of Art (Imitation, Expression), Aesthetics and Morality, Art as knowledge |
| PHIA-DSE-B2 (Option 1) | Logic (Indian) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nyaya Theory of Anumana (Inference), Buddhist Logic and Apoha Theory, Vyapti (Invariable Concomitance), Hetvabhasa (Fallacies of Inference), Prama and Aprama |
| PHIA-DSE-B2 (Option 2) | Twentieth Century Western Philosophy | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Logical Positivism and Verification Principle, Ordinary Language Philosophy (Wittgenstein), Existentialism (Sartre, Heidegger), Phenomenology (Husserl, Merleau-Ponty), Postmodernism (Foucault, Derrida) |
