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BA-HONS in Philosophy at Mahitosh Nandi Mahavidyalaya
Hooghly, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Philosophy at Mahitosh Nandi Mahavidyalaya Hooghly?
This BA Hons Philosophy program at Mahitosh Nandi Mahavidyalaya offers a deep exploration into fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Rooted in both Indian and Western philosophical traditions, the curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of diverse intellectual thought. It aims to develop strong analytical, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning skills, highly valued in India''''s evolving knowledge economy and public discourse.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen intellectual curiosity and a passion for inquiry, particularly those who excel in analytical subjects and humanities. It also suits individuals aspiring for careers in academia, civil services, journalism, law, and social work, where strong ethical foundations and critical perspectives are essential. No specific prior philosophical knowledge is strictly required beyond a general academic aptitude.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue varied career paths in India, including civil services (UPSC, PSC), teaching, content writing, policy analysis, and legal professions. Starting salaries for entry-level roles can range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals potentially earning INR 6-10 LPA or more, especially in research or policy roles. The program fosters intellectual growth, preparing students for higher studies or impactful roles in government and social sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Philosophical Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with primary texts of Indian and Western philosophy. Focus on understanding core concepts, theories, and arguments. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex ideas, clarify doubts, and critically analyze different viewpoints. Utilize online resources like Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for background information.
Tools & Resources
Primary philosophical texts, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust foundation is crucial for advanced studies, competitive exams like UPSC (where philosophy is an optional subject), and roles requiring deep analytical reasoning.
Develop Critical Reading and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice analytical reading by identifying arguments, premises, and conclusions in philosophical papers. Regularly write essays, summaries, and critiques, seeking feedback from professors. Join college literary or debate societies to hone argumentation and expression. Focus on clear, concise, and logical presentation of ideas.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, College debate societies, Professor feedback sessions
Career Connection
These skills are invaluable for any profession requiring articulate communication, whether in academia, law, journalism, or content creation.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 1-2)
Explore how philosophical concepts intersect with other disciplines such as literature, history, political science, and psychology. Read articles or books that bridge these fields. This broadens understanding and strengthens problem-solving abilities. Attend guest lectures from various departments.
Tools & Resources
Interdisciplinary journals, College guest lectures and seminars, Online courses on platforms like NPTEL
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary perspective makes graduates versatile, allowing them to apply philosophical insights to complex real-world problems in diverse sectors like policy analysis or social research.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Ethical Dilemma Analysis- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in discussions on contemporary ethical issues in India, such as environmental ethics, bioethics, or socio-political justice. Analyze these dilemmas using different philosophical frameworks taught in classes like Indian Ethics and Western Ethics. Formulate reasoned arguments for various stances.
Tools & Resources
Current affairs newspapers, Ethical case studies, Departmental seminars on applied ethics
Career Connection
Develops moral reasoning crucial for roles in NGOs, public administration, law, and journalism, enabling ethical decision-making in complex Indian societal contexts.
Enhance Formal and Informal Logic Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Regularly practice solving logic problems, both formal (symbolic logic, truth tables) and informal (identifying fallacies in everyday arguments). Utilize logic textbooks and online problem sets. Consider joining a logic club if available or creating one to engage in logical debates and puzzles.
Tools & Resources
Logic textbooks, Online logic puzzles (e.g., LogicCoach), Debate and discussion forums
Career Connection
Sharpens analytical precision, a core skill for competitive exams, legal professions, research, and any role demanding rigorous argumentation and problem-solving.
Explore Indian Philosophical Debates- (Semester 3-4)
Delve deeper into specific debates within Indian philosophy, such as the Advaita-Visistadvaita conflict or the Nyaya theory of knowledge. Attend workshops on Sanskrit philosophical texts or their translations. Engage with scholars'''' interpretations and develop your own reasoned stance on these historical dialogues.
Tools & Resources
Sanskrit and Indian philosophy texts, Scholarly articles, University libraries
Career Connection
Provides a unique academic edge, particularly valuable for pursuing higher studies in Indology, comparative philosophy, or careers in cultural research and education in India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Research Projects and Dissertations- (Semester 5-6)
Identify an area of philosophical interest and undertake a mini-research project or a dissertation under faculty guidance. This involves literature review, developing a thesis, and presenting original arguments. This deepens specialization and research capabilities essential for academic or policy-oriented careers.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, PhilPapers), Faculty mentors, College research grants (if available)
Career Connection
Prepares students for academic research, M.A./Ph.D. programs, and roles in think tanks or policy formulation bodies in India, showcasing independent scholarly work.
Prepare for Post-Graduate Studies/Civil Services- (Semester 5-6)
Based on career goals, start focused preparation. For academics, identify target universities and refine research interests. For civil services, begin intensive study of General Studies and Philosophy optional syllabus, engaging with coaching materials and mock tests. Network with alumni who have successfully entered these fields.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/NET study materials, Alumni network, Career counseling cell
Career Connection
Directly links academic learning to career aspirations, significantly increasing chances of success in highly competitive Indian exams and specialized post-graduate programs.
Participate in National Philosophy Conferences/Seminars- (Semester 5-6)
Attend and, if possible, present papers at national-level philosophy conferences or student seminars. This provides exposure to current academic discourse, networking opportunities with scholars across India, and builds confidence in public speaking and scholarly interaction. Look for events hosted by Indian Philosophical Congress.
Tools & Resources
Conference announcements (online, departmental), Travel grants (if available), Indian Philosophical Congress
Career Connection
Builds a professional network, enhances academic profile, and provides insights into advanced research trends, crucial for a career in Indian academia or research.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 with 45% marks in aggregate or 50% marks in Philosophy/Psychology/Political Science/Sociology/Education/History/Sanskrit/Bengali/English/Journalism & Mass Communication in 10+2 examination from a recognized board.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 116 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC1 | Indian Philosophy-I | Core | 6 | Nature of Indian Philosophy, Carvaka Materialism, Jainism (Anekantavada, Syadvada), Buddhism (Four Noble Truths, Ksanikavada), Nyaya Epistemology (Perception, Inference), Samkhya Metaphysics (Prakrti, Purusa) |
| CC2 | Western Philosophy-I | Core | 6 | Plato''''s Theory of Forms, Aristotle''''s Form and Matter, Descartes'''' Methodic Doubt and Cogito, Spinoza''''s Substance Monism, Locke''''s Empiricism (Ideas, Qualities), Hume''''s Skepticism (Impressions, Ideas, Causality) |
| AECC1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources (Forest, Water, Mineral), Ecosystems (Structure, Function), Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution (Types, Control Measures), Social Issues and the Environment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC3 | Indian Philosophy-II | Core | 6 | Nyaya Theory of Self and Liberation, Vaisesika Atomism (Padarthas), Samkhya Theory of Evolution, Yoga Psychology (Patanjali''''s Yoga), Mimamsa Epistemology (Sabda, Arthapatti), Advaita Vedanta (Brahman, Maya, Jagat) |
| CC4 | Western Philosophy-II | Core | 6 | Kant''''s Critical Philosophy (Transcendental Idealism), Hegel''''s Dialectical Method, Marx''''s Historical Materialism, Russell''''s Logical Atomism, Wittgenstein''''s Language Philosophy (Tractatus, Investigations), Existentialism (Sartre, Heidegger) |
| AECC2 | English/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication (Types, Barriers), Listening Skills, Speaking Skills (Group Discussion, Presentation), Reading Skills (Comprehension, Critical Reading), Writing Skills (Grammar, Paragraph Writing, Report Writing), Language & Communication in Indian Contexts |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC5 | Indian Ethics | Core | 6 | Concept of Dharma (Varnasrama, Sadharanadharma), Karma-Vada and Rebirth, Purusarthas (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha), Niskama Karma (Gita), Buddhist Ethics (Pancasila, Astangika Marga), Jaina Ethics (Mahavrata, Anuvrata, Triratna) |
| CC6 | Western Ethics | Core | 6 | Moral Responsibility and Freedom of Will, Aristotle''''s Virtue Ethics (Eudaemonia), Kant''''s Deontology (Categorical Imperative), Utilitarianism (Bentham, Mill), Emotivism (Ayer, Stevenson), Meta-Ethics (Is-Ought Problem) |
| CC7 | Logic (Western) | Core | 6 | Categorical Propositions (A, E, I, O), Categorical Syllogisms (Validity, Fallacies), Truth Functions and Truth Tables, Methods of Proof in Propositional Logic, Quantificational Logic (Symbolization, Proofs), Informal Fallacies (Relevance, Ambiguity) |
| SEC1-A | Critical Thinking & Decision Making (Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Nature of Critical Thinking, Arguments and Their Structure, Cognitive Biases and Fallacies, Problem Solving Strategies, Stages of Decision Making, Ethical Considerations in Decision Making |
| SEC1-B | Professional Ethics (Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Concept of Profession and Professionalism, Ethical Theories in Professional Context, Codes of Conduct and Best Practices, Confidentiality and Privacy, Whistle Blowing and Conflict of Interest, Ethics in Business and Governance |
| SEC1-C | Human Rights (Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Categories of Rights (Civil, Political, Social), Human Rights Institutions in India, Challenges to Human Rights Protection, Role of State and Society in Human Rights |
| SEC1-D | Value Education (Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Meaning and Importance of Values, Types of Values (Moral, Social, Spiritual), Theories of Moral Development, Value Crisis in Contemporary Society, Role of Education in Value Inculcation, Harmony and Co-existence |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC8 | Psychology | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Psychology, Methods of Psychology (Observation, Experimentation), Perception (Gestalt Principles), Learning Theories (Classical, Operant Conditioning), Memory and Forgetting, Theories of Emotion, Intelligence and Personality |
| CC9 | Philosophy of Religion | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Philosophy of Religion, Origin of Religion (Animism, Naturism), Arguments for God''''s Existence (Ontological, Cosmological), Problem of Evil (Theodicy), Religious Experience and Faith, Immortality of the Soul and Rebirth |
| CC10 | Socio-Political Philosophy | Core | 6 | Theories of State (Social Contract Theory), Concept of Justice (Rawls'''' Theory), Liberty and Equality, Democracy (Direct, Representative), Human Rights and its Philosophical Basis, Nationalism and Secularism |
| SEC2-A | Values and Ethics (Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Value and Morality, Ethics (Normative, Applied), Dharma and Purusharthas, Nishkama Karma (Selfless Action), Tolerance and Peace, Global Ethics and Intercultural Dialogue |
| SEC2-B | Logical Reasoning (Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Syllogism and Deductive Reasoning, Venn Diagrams and Argument Validity, Analytical Reasoning (Puzzles, Seating Arrangements), Non-Verbal Reasoning (Series, Analogies), Verbal Reasoning (Statement-Conclusion), Data Sufficiency and Interpretation |
| SEC2-C | Environmental Ethics (Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Nature and Scope of Environmental Ethics, Deep Ecology and Ecofeminism, Anthropocentrism vs. Non-anthropocentrism, Animal Rights and Welfare, Climate Change and Ethical Responsibility, Sustainable Development and Intergenerational Justice |
| SEC2-D | Gender Studies (Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Concepts of Sex and Gender, Patriarchy and Gender Roles, Waves of Feminism (First, Second, Third), Gender Equality and Empowerment, LGBTQ+ Issues and Rights, Gender and Development in India |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC11 | Epistemology & Metaphysics (Indian) | Core | 6 | Pramanas (Perception, Inference, Testimony), Theory of Error (Akhyati, Anyathakhyati), Theories of Self (Atman, Anatman), Concept of Moksha (Liberation), Indian Theories of Causality (Satkaryavada, Asatkaryavada), Universal and Particulars |
| CC12 | Epistemology & Metaphysics (Western) | Core | 6 | Rationalism vs. Empiricism, Kant''''s Transcendental Argument, Realism and Anti-Realism, Free Will and Determinism, Mind-Body Problem (Dualism, Materialism), Personal Identity |
| DSE-A(i) | Philosophy of Mind (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Mind-Body Problem (Interactionism, Parallelism), Materialist Theories (Identity Theory, Behaviorism), Functionalism and Computational Theory of Mind, Consciousness and Qualia, Artificial Intelligence and the Mind, Perception and Action |
| DSE-A(ii) | Philosophy of Language (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Meaning (Sense and Reference), Theories of Names and Descriptions (Russell), Speech Acts (Austin, Searle), Verificationism and Logical Positivism, Private Language Argument (Wittgenstein), Language and Thought |
| DSE-B(i) | Applied Ethics (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature of Applied Ethics, Euthanasia (Active, Passive), Abortion (Pro-Life, Pro-Choice), Animal Rights and Welfare, Business Ethics (Corporate Social Responsibility), Media Ethics (Freedom of Speech, Censorship) |
| DSE-B(ii) | Bioethics (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Concept and Principles of Bioethics, Medical Experimentation and Informed Consent, Genetic Engineering and Human Cloning, Organ Transplantation and Ethical Issues, Euthanasia and Right to Die, Abortion and Reproductive Rights |
| DSE-C(i) | Philosophy of Science (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Scientific Method and Induction, Demarcation Problem (Popper), Confirmation and Falsification, Scientific Revolutions (Kuhn), Realism vs. Anti-Realism in Science, Explanation and Prediction |
| DSE-C(ii) | Aesthetics (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature of Art and Aesthetic Experience, Theories of Beauty (Objective, Subjective), Art and Morality, Mimesis and Expression Theories of Art, Indian Aesthetics (Rasa Theory), Philosophy of Film and Photography |
| DSE-D(i) | Formal Logic (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Propositional Logic (Truth Trees, Natural Deduction), Predicate Logic (Quantifier Rules, Identity), Axiomatic Systems (Soundness, Completeness), Metatheory of Logic, Gödel''''s Incompleteness Theorems (Introduction), Modal Logic (Basic Concepts) |
| DSE-D(ii) | Social and Political Philosophy (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Justice (Nozick''''s Entitlement Theory), Theories of Rights (Natural, Legal), Concept of Democracy and its Critiques, State, Sovereignty and Power, Marx''''s Political Philosophy, Gandhi''''s Sarvodaya and Ideal State |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC13 | Contemporary Indian Philosophy | Core | 6 | Vivekananda''''s Practical Vedanta, Gandhi''''s Satyagraha and Ahimsa, Aurobindo''''s Integral Yoga and Evolution, Tagore''''s Religion of Man, Radhakrishnan''''s Intuition, Iqbal''''s Philosophy of Self |
| CC14 | Analytic Philosophy | Core | 6 | Frege''''s Sense and Reference, Russell''''s Theory of Descriptions, Logical Atomism (Russell, Early Wittgenstein), Logical Positivism (Verification Principle), Ordinary Language Philosophy (Later Wittgenstein), Kripke''''s Rigid Designators and Necessity |
| DSE-A(i) | Philosophy of Mind (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Mind-Body Problem (Interactionism, Parallelism), Materialist Theories (Identity Theory, Behaviorism), Functionalism and Computational Theory of Mind, Consciousness and Qualia, Artificial Intelligence and the Mind, Perception and Action |
| DSE-A(ii) | Philosophy of Language (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Meaning (Sense and Reference), Theories of Names and Descriptions (Russell), Speech Acts (Austin, Searle), Verificationism and Logical Positivism, Private Language Argument (Wittgenstein), Language and Thought |
| DSE-B(i) | Applied Ethics (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature of Applied Ethics, Euthanasia (Active, Passive), Abortion (Pro-Life, Pro-Choice), Animal Rights and Welfare, Business Ethics (Corporate Social Responsibility), Media Ethics (Freedom of Speech, Censorship) |
| DSE-B(ii) | Bioethics (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Concept and Principles of Bioethics, Medical Experimentation and Informed Consent, Genetic Engineering and Human Cloning, Organ Transplantation and Ethical Issues, Euthanasia and Right to Die, Abortion and Reproductive Rights |
| DSE-C(i) | Philosophy of Science (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Scientific Method and Induction, Demarcation Problem (Popper), Confirmation and Falsification, Scientific Revolutions (Kuhn), Realism vs. Anti-Realism in Science, Explanation and Prediction |
| DSE-C(ii) | Aesthetics (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature of Art and Aesthetic Experience, Theories of Beauty (Objective, Subjective), Art and Morality, Mimesis and Expression Theories of Art, Indian Aesthetics (Rasa Theory), Philosophy of Film and Photography |
| DSE-D(i) | Formal Logic (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Propositional Logic (Truth Trees, Natural Deduction), Predicate Logic (Quantifier Rules, Identity), Axiomatic Systems (Soundness, Completeness), Metatheory of Logic, Gödel''''s Incompleteness Theorems (Introduction), Modal Logic (Basic Concepts) |
| DSE-D(ii) | Social and Political Philosophy (Option for DSE1-4, 2 chosen in this sem) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Justice (Nozick''''s Entitlement Theory), Theories of Rights (Natural, Legal), Concept of Democracy and its Critiques, State, Sovereignty and Power, Marx''''s Political Philosophy, Gandhi''''s Sarvodaya and Ideal State |
