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B-A-HONS in Logic Philosophy at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Logic & Philosophy at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College Mayurbhanj?
This B.A. (Hons) Logic & Philosophy program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous 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 crucial in an Indian context for fostering intellectual rigor and ethical leadership, relevant across diverse sectors demanding sharp analytical capabilities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a keen interest in abstract reasoning, ethical inquiry, and a strong foundational understanding of humanities. It also suits individuals aspiring for careers in academia, civil services, journalism, law, or any field requiring advanced problem-solving and communication skills. Students from any stream with a passion for understanding underlying principles of thought and society are well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers in teaching, research, competitive examinations (UPSC/OSSC), legal fields, and even management consulting due to their enhanced analytical abilities. Entry-level salaries in India might range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience and specialization. The critical thinking skills are highly valued in roles requiring policy analysis, content creation, and ethical decision-making in various Indian organizations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Robust Reading & Comprehension Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with prescribed texts from Indian and Western philosophy. Practice summarizing complex arguments, identifying core theses, and critiquing viewpoints. Join a study group to discuss readings weekly.
Tools & Resources
Online academic databases, College library resources, Philosophy journals
Career Connection
Essential for competitive exams like UPSC, legal studies, and research, where strong analytical reading is paramount.
Master Foundational Logic & Argumentation- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on the Logic (Western) course. Practice constructing valid arguments, identifying fallacies, and translating natural language into symbolic logic. Utilize online logic puzzles and exercises.
Tools & Resources
Irving Copi''''s Introduction to Logic, Online logic tutors (e.g., Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy resources)
Career Connection
Directly applicable to law, debate, scientific reasoning, and critical decision-making roles in any profession.
Engage in Philosophical Debates & Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Participate actively in classroom discussions and form a peer discussion forum. Regularly debate ethical dilemmas, metaphysical questions, and logical puzzles. Articulate your positions clearly and defend them logically.
Tools & Resources
College debate club, Philosophy department seminars, Online forums for philosophical discussion
Career Connection
Builds confidence, public speaking skills, and the ability to present complex ideas, valuable for civil services interviews, teaching, and communication roles.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Ethical Frameworks to Contemporary Issues- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond theoretical understanding, choose contemporary Indian social, political, or environmental issues (e.g., caste system, environmental ethics, digital privacy) and apply various ethical theories (Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Virtue Ethics) to analyze them. Write short essays or present case studies.
Tools & Resources
Current affairs news, Ethical case study repositories, Relevant academic journals
Career Connection
Prepares for roles in policy analysis, social work, journalism, and corporate social responsibility in India.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek connections between Philosophy and your Generic Elective (GE) subjects (e.g., Philosophy of Economics, Philosophy of History, Political Philosophy). Read books and articles that bridge these disciplines.
Tools & Resources
University library, Interdisciplinary research papers, Guest lectures
Career Connection
Broadens perspectives, making you a versatile candidate for research, think tanks, and roles requiring holistic problem-solving in India''''s diverse sectors.
Research a Specific Philosophical School/Thinker- (Semester 3-5)
Choose an Indian or Western philosophical school or a major philosopher that resonates with you. Conduct in-depth research, read primary texts, and prepare a detailed presentation or a substantial research paper.
Tools & Resources
Reputable philosophy encyclopedias (e.g., Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), Primary philosophical texts, Guidance from faculty mentors
Career Connection
Develops research skills crucial for higher studies (MA, PhD), academic careers, and positions in research and content development firms.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 6)
If aspiring for civil services (UPSC/OPSC), begin focused preparation for the Philosophy optional paper or general studies papers requiring analytical thinking. Solve previous year question papers and seek guidance.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/OPSC previous year question papers, Coaching institute materials (if opted), Online test series
Career Connection
Direct preparation for entry into prestigious civil service roles, a highly sought-after career path in India.
Undertake a Dissertation or Research Project- (Semester 6)
Leverage the DSE courses to undertake a substantial research project or dissertation on a chosen advanced philosophical topic under faculty supervision. Aim for originality and rigorous argumentation.
Tools & Resources
Academic research methodology guides, University library for specialized texts, Guidance from faculty mentors
Career Connection
Essential for demonstrating independent research capability, vital for academic careers, think tanks, and advanced research roles.
Network with Alumni and Professionals- (Semester 6)
Actively connect with college alumni who have pursued diverse career paths after studying philosophy. Attend career workshops, alumni meets, and professional seminars to understand industry trends and job opportunities.
Tools & Resources
College alumni association, LinkedIn, Career counseling services
Career Connection
Opens doors to internships, mentorship, and job opportunities across various sectors by building professional relationships in the Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- As per Higher Education Department, Odisha norms for BA admission (typically 10+2 pass from a recognized board with minimum aggregate marks)
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 148 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Natural resources and associated problems, Ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, Environmental pollution and control measures, Human population and environment |
| CC1 | Indian Philosophy I | Core | 6 | Nature of Indian Philosophy, Carvaka School of Thought, Jainism: Metaphysics and Ethics, Buddhism: Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, Samkhya-Yoga: Dualism and liberation |
| CC2 | History of Western Philosophy - Ancient & Medieval | Core | 6 | Pre-Socratic Philosophers, Plato: Theory of Ideas, Aristotle: Metaphysics and Ethics, St. Augustine: Problem of Evil, Faith and Reason, St. Thomas Aquinas: Proofs for God''''s existence |
| GE1 | Generic Elective I | Generic Elective | 6 | Fundamental concepts of chosen discipline (e.g., Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC2 | MIL (Odia/Alternative English) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Language specific literary texts, Grammar and composition, Communication skills in the chosen language |
| CC3 | Indian Philosophy II | Core | 6 | Nyaya-Vaisesika: Metaphysics and Epistemology, Mimamsa: Theory of Knowledge and Dharma, Advaita Vedanta (Sankara): Brahman, Maya, Atman, Visistadvaita Vedanta (Ramanuja): Qualified Non-dualism |
| CC4 | History of Western Philosophy - Modern | Core | 6 | Rationalism: Descartes (Methodic Doubt, Cogito), Rationalism: Spinoza (Substance, Attributes, Modes), Rationalism: Leibniz (Monads, Pre-established Harmony), Empiricism: Locke (Ideas, Qualities, Substance), Empiricism: Berkeley (Esse est percipi), Empiricism: Hume (Impressions, Ideas, Causality) |
| GE2 | Generic Elective II | Generic Elective | 6 | Fundamental concepts of chosen discipline (e.g., Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC5 | Logic (Western) | Core | 6 | Basic logical concepts and terms, Categorical Propositions and Inferences, Categorical Syllogism: Rules and Fallacies, Symbolic Logic: Truth-Functions and Truth-Tables, Quantification Theory: Symbols and Rules |
| CC6 | Ethics (Western) | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Moral Philosophy, Hedonism and Utilitarianism, Kantian Ethics: Categorical Imperative, Duty, Virtue Ethics (Aristotle), Theories of Punishment, Rights and Justice |
| CC7 | Psychology | Core | 6 | Nature and Methods of Psychology, Sensation and Perception, Learning: Theories and Principles, Memory: Encoding, Storage, Retrieval, Emotion, Intelligence, Personality |
| SEC1 | Skill Enhancement Course I | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication Skills and Argumentation, Value Education and Human Rights |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC8 | Philosophy of Religion | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Philosophy of Religion, Arguments for the Existence of God, Problem of Evil, Religious Experience and Faith, Immortality of the Soul |
| CC9 | Social & Political Philosophy (Western) | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Social Philosophy, Justice: Theories and Forms, Rights and Duties, Liberty and Equality, Political Ideologies: Democracy, Socialism, Sovereignty and State |
| CC10 | Continental Philosophy | Core | 6 | Phenomenology (Husserl, Heidegger), Existentialism (Sartre, Camus), Hermeneutics (Gadamer), Structuralism (Saussure, Lévi-Strauss), Post-structuralism (Foucault, Derrida) |
| SEC2 | Skill Enhancement Course II | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Media Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Applied Logic and Argumentation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC11 | Epistemology and Metaphysics (Western) | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Epistemology, Sources of Knowledge: Rationalism, Empiricism, Theories of Truth: Correspondence, Coherence, Pragmatic, Nature of Reality, Mind-Body Problem, Substance, Causality, Space and Time |
| CC12 | Contemporary Indian Philosophy | Core | 6 | Vivekananda: Practical Vedanta, Universal Religion, Aurobindo: Integral Yoga, Evolution of Consciousness, Gandhi: Satyagraha, Ahimsa, Sarvodaya, Tagore: Humanism, Religion of Man, Radhakrishnan: Idealism, Intuitive Apprehension |
| DSE1 | Discipline Specific Elective I | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Advanced topics in Philosophy (e.g., Philosophy of Mind, Applied Ethics, Feminism), Research Methodology in Philosophy |
| DSE2 | Discipline Specific Elective II | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Advanced topics in Philosophy (e.g., Vedānta, Jainism, Buddhist Philosophy), Special study of a prominent philosopher |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC13 | Philosophy of Language (Western) | Core | 6 | Nature of Language and Communication, Theories of Meaning and Reference, Speech Acts Theory (Austin, Searle), Ordinary Language Philosophy (Wittgenstein), Logic and Language |
| CC14 | Contemporary Western Philosophy | Core | 6 | Logical Positivism (Vienna Circle), Ordinary Language Philosophy (Later Wittgenstein), Postmodernism and Deconstruction (Derrida, Lyotard), Philosophy of Science (Popper, Kuhn), Philosophy of Mind (Functionalism, Eliminative Materialism) |
| DSE3 | Discipline Specific Elective III | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Advanced research project or dissertation in a chosen area of philosophy |
| DSE4 | Discipline Specific Elective IV | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Advanced study in a specialized philosophical domain or another research project |
