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M-A in Philosophy at Guru Nanak Dev University
Amritsar, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is Philosophy at Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar?
This MA Philosophy program at Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar focuses on comprehensive philosophical inquiry, blending classical Indian and Western traditions. It emphasizes critical thinking and ethical reasoning relevant to societal challenges in India and globally. The program fosters deep understanding of diverse worldviews and their contemporary implications, addressing the growing demand for analytical and ethical leadership.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates seeking a rigorous intellectual pursuit and a foundation for academic or research careers. It also suits individuals passionate about ethical issues, social justice, and profound questions of existence, mind, and reality. Career changers looking to transition into fields requiring strong analytical and critical reasoning skills will also find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in academia, civil services, journalism, research, and policy analysis within India. Entry-level salaries might range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in research or educational roles. The program provides a strong base for competitive exams like UPSC and UGC NET, and for pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core philosophical concepts from Indian and Western traditions. Actively participate in class discussions and review foundational texts regularly. Utilize library resources for in-depth study of classical works.
Tools & Resources
GNDU Library physical and digital resources, online philosophy encyclopedias like Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Career Connection
A solid conceptual base is crucial for academic research, teaching, and passing competitive examinations that test fundamental knowledge.
Develop Critical Reading and Argumentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with primary philosophical texts critically. Practice identifying arguments, evaluating their validity, and constructing coherent counter-arguments. Form study groups to debate and analyze complex philosophical ideas.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, peer-reviewed articles, writing centers (if available at GNDU), online forums for philosophical discussion
Career Connection
Essential for research, legal reasoning, journalism, and any role requiring persuasive communication and analytical thinking.
Cultivate Effective Study Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Establish a consistent study schedule, prioritize challenging subjects, and regularly revise learned material. Seek clarification from faculty during office hours and use concept mapping techniques to connect different philosophical theories.
Tools & Resources
Personal planners, note-taking apps, faculty office hours, peer mentorship programs
Career Connection
Enhances academic performance, reduces stress during exams, and builds discipline valued in all professional environments.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Advanced Research and Seminars- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and guest lectures to broaden perspectives beyond the curriculum. Begin exploring potential research interests and topics for your final dissertation. Seek mentorship from faculty for advanced philosophical inquiry.
Tools & Resources
Research paper databases (e.g., JSTOR, PhilPapers), academic conferences (university or national level), departmental research groups
Career Connection
Develops specialized knowledge and research aptitude crucial for M.Phil./Ph.D. admissions, academic roles, and advanced policy analysis.
Strengthen Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3)
Explore how philosophical concepts intersect with other disciplines like sociology, political science, literature, or cognitive science. Consider reading articles or attending talks from related departments to foster interdisciplinary understanding.
Tools & Resources
Interdisciplinary journals, university lecture series, online courses on related subjects (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL)
Career Connection
Broadens career scope, preparing graduates for roles in think tanks, public policy, and journalism where diverse perspectives are valued.
Publish Short Philosophical Essays- (Semester 3)
Attempt to refine strong essays or term papers from previous semesters into publishable short articles or blog posts. Seek feedback from professors or peers before submission to student journals or academic blogs.
Tools & Resources
University writing workshops, student philosophy journals, personal academic blogs, peer review from faculty
Career Connection
Builds a publication record, enhancing CVs for academic applications and demonstrating research and writing prowess to potential employers.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation and Research Excellence- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your final semester dissertation, ensuring rigorous research, clear argumentation, and adherence to academic standards. Regularly consult with your supervisor for guidance and feedback.
Tools & Resources
Reference management software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley), plagiarism checkers, university research guidelines, supervisor meetings
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a strong portfolio piece, demonstrating independent research capability for higher studies or specialized research roles.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 4)
Begin intensive preparation for national-level competitive exams like UGC NET for lectureship and junior research fellowship, or UPSC Civil Services Examination. Focus on general studies, essay writing, and philosophy optional papers.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, coaching institutes (if applicable), online study platforms, philosophy textbooks specific to exam syllabi
Career Connection
Directly targets career paths in academia, government services, and public sector undertakings, offering significant career advancement.
Network and Explore Career Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Attend career counseling sessions, alumni meet-ups, and academic conferences to network with professionals in philosophy-related fields. Research potential employers and academic institutions for post-MA opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, university alumni network, career services department, professional philosophical associations in India
Career Connection
Facilitates direct entry into the job market, provides insights into career paths, and opens doors to internships or full-time positions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. (Hons.) in Philosophy or B.A. with Philosophy as an elective subject from Guru Nanak Dev University or any other University recognized as equivalent to it by Guru Nanak Dev University, with at least 50% marks in aggregate or 45% marks in the subject of Philosophy.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHIL-101 | Classical Indian Philosophy I | Core | 4 | Vedic and Upanishadic Philosophy, Early Buddhism, Jainism, Carvaka, Samkhya |
| MPHIL-102 | History of Western Philosophy I (Ancient) | Core | 4 | Pre-Socratic Philosophers, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Post-Aristotelian Philosophy |
| MPHIL-103 | Ethics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Ethics, Ethical Theories (Deontology, Teleology), Virtue Ethics, Meta-Ethics, Applied Ethics |
| MPHIL-104 | Logic | Core | 4 | Basic Logical Concepts, Categorical Propositions, Syllogisms, Truth Functions, Quantification Theory |
| MPHIL-105 | Problems of Philosophy | Core | 4 | Epistemology, Metaphysics, Mind-Body Problem, Free Will and Determinism, Problem of Evil |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHIL-201 | Classical Indian Philosophy II | Core | 4 | Nyaya-Vaishesika, Mimamsa, Vedanta (Advaita, Vishistadvaita, Dvaita), Yoga |
| MPHIL-202 | History of Western Philosophy II (Medieval & Modern) | Core | 4 | Medieval Philosophy (Anselm, Aquinas), Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz), Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume), Kant |
| MPHIL-203 | Social and Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Social Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Justice, Rights, Democracy, Socialism |
| MPHIL-204 | Philosophy of Religion | Core | 4 | Nature of Religion, Proofs for God''''s Existence, Problem of Evil, Religious Language, Religious Experience |
| MPHIL-205 | Philosophy of Human Rights | Core | 4 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Rights and Duties, Human Rights in India, Global Perspectives |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHIL-301 | Contemporary Indian Philosophy | Core | 4 | Tagore, Gandhi, Aurobindo, Radhakrishnan, Iqbal, K.C. Bhattacharya |
| MPHIL-302 | Contemporary Western Philosophy | Core | 4 | Phenomenology (Husserl, Heidegger), Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Sartre), Logical Positivism, Ordinary Language Philosophy, Postmodernism |
| MPHIL-303 | Aesthetics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Aesthetics, Theories of Art, Beauty, Artistic Creation, Aesthetic Experience |
| MPHIL-304 | Philosophy of Science | Core | 4 | Nature of Science, Scientific Method, Induction, Falsification (Popper), Paradigms (Kuhn), Realism vs Anti-realism |
| MPHIL-305 | Applied Ethics | Core | 4 | Environmental Ethics, Bioethics, Business Ethics, Media Ethics, Gender Ethics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHIL-401 | Indian Epistemology | Core | 4 | Nature of Knowledge, Pramanas (Perception, Inference, Testimony), Theories of Error, Nature of Truth |
| MPHIL-402 | Western Epistemology | Core | 4 | Nature of Knowledge (Plato, Descartes, Locke, Kant), Justification, Scepticism, Theories of Truth |
| MPHIL-403 | Indian Metaphysics | Core | 4 | Concepts of Reality, Soul, God, World, Causality, Karma |
| MPHIL-404 | Western Metaphysics | Core | 4 | Being, Substance, Causality, Universals, Space and Time, Free Will |
| MPHIL-405 | Project/Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Methodology, Literature Review, Data Collection, Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation |
