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B-A in Philosophy at Prabhu Jagatbandhu College
Howrah, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Philosophy at Prabhu Jagatbandhu College Howrah?
This B.A. Philosophy program at Prabhu Jagatbandhu College focuses on a comprehensive study of Indian and Western philosophical traditions, logic, ethics, and contemporary thought. It provides students with critical thinking abilities, analytical rigor, and a deep understanding of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, and society. The program emphasizes both classical philosophical discourse and its relevance to modern challenges, preparing students for diverse intellectual and professional pursuits in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in abstract reasoning, critical analysis, and intellectual inquiry. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in academia, civil services, journalism, law, and social work who require strong foundational knowledge in ethics and critical thought. The program also benefits those looking to develop profound conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills applicable across various domains, regardless of their prior philosophical background.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to develop highly sought-after analytical and ethical reasoning skills. Career paths in India often include roles in teaching, content creation, policy analysis, and preparation for competitive civil service examinations like UPSC. With strong logical foundations, graduates are well-positioned for further studies in law, management, or humanities, commanding entry-level salaries typically ranging from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with significant growth potential in specialized roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Philosophical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on deeply understanding foundational Indian and Western philosophical systems and terminology. Utilize online encyclopedias like Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and Indian Philosophy websites for clarity, and form study groups with peers to discuss complex ideas. This builds a strong academic base essential for advanced topics and competitive exams like NET/SET.
Tools & Resources
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Indian Philosophy academic websites, Study groups
Career Connection
Establishes a robust knowledge base vital for advanced studies, research, and general intellectual capability required in many professional fields.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively with primary texts. Practice identifying arguments, evaluating premises, and synthesizing complex philosophical positions. Use college library resources, and participate in departmental seminars to hone analytical abilities, which are crucial for research, writing, and any intellectually demanding career.
Tools & Resources
College library (primary texts), Departmental seminars, Philosophical journals
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication, key skills for careers in law, policy, journalism, and academia.
Enhance Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly participate in classroom discussions, present short papers, and practice articulating philosophical ideas clearly and persuasively. Join the college''''s debate club or philosophical society to build confidence and refine public speaking, vital for academic pursuits, civil services interviews, and professional communication.
Tools & Resources
Debate club, Philosophical society, Public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Improves oral and written communication, presentation abilities, and persuasive argumentation, valuable for civil services, teaching, and leadership roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Applied Ethics and Contemporary Issues- (Semester 3-4)
Connect theoretical ethical frameworks to real-world dilemmas in society, technology, and environment. Participate in discussions, write essays on current affairs from a philosophical perspective, and seek out local NGOs or social organizations for volunteer work to gain practical insights into societal challenges.
Tools & Resources
Current affairs analysis, NGO volunteering, Ethical case studies
Career Connection
Develops ethical reasoning and social awareness, crucial for roles in policy-making, journalism, social work, and corporate social responsibility.
Strengthen Logical and Analytical Reasoning- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate extra time to mastering symbolic logic and critical thinking. Utilize online logic puzzles and problem-solving platforms like ''''Logic-puzzles.org'''' or ''''Lsat.org'''' (for analytical reasoning practice) to sharpen reasoning, which is invaluable for law, policy analysis, and competitive exams.
Tools & Resources
Logic-puzzles.org, LSAT analytical reasoning practice, Logic textbooks
Career Connection
Boosts problem-solving and deductive reasoning, essential for competitive exams (UPSC, Law entrances), data analysis, and technical writing.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek out courses or lectures from other departments (e.g., Political Science, Sociology, Psychology) that intersect with philosophical themes. This broadens perspective and identifies potential niches for future specialization or research, opening doors to diverse career paths.
Tools & Resources
Cross-departmental seminars, Online courses (Coursera, edX), Interdisciplinary journals
Career Connection
Fosters a holistic understanding and versatility, making graduates attractive for multidisciplinary roles in research, content development, and consulting.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Independent Research/Project Work- (Semester 5-6)
Work closely with a faculty mentor on a chosen philosophical topic, culminating in a well-researched paper or presentation. This demonstrates advanced academic capability, enhances research skills, and can be a strong portfolio addition for postgraduate applications or entry-level research roles.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentorship, Academic databases (JSTOR), Research methodology workshops
Career Connection
Prepares for advanced academic pursuits (M.A., Ph.D.), research positions, and roles requiring independent critical inquiry.
Prepare for Higher Education and Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
Begin focused preparation for postgraduate entrance exams for M.A. Philosophy programs (e.g., JNU, DU, HCU) or civil service examinations. Utilize online test series, previous year papers, and coaching resources (if desired) to achieve academic and career advancement goals.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers (UPSC, NET/SET), Online test series, Coaching institutes
Career Connection
Directly supports entry into prestigious postgraduate programs or securing positions in the Indian Civil Services and other public sectors.
Network and Explore Career Avenues- (Semester 5-6)
Attend departmental alumni events, connect with professionals in fields related to philosophy (e.g., journalism, think tanks, education), and explore internship opportunities. Build a professional network and understand real-world applications of philosophical training to better plan for post-graduation careers in India.
Tools & Resources
Alumni network platforms, LinkedIn, Career counseling services, Industry webinars
Career Connection
Facilitates job placements, mentorship, and informed career choices in diverse sectors including media, education, and policy analysis.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum 50% marks in aggregate with 45% marks in Philosophy or a related subject (Psychology, Political Science, Education, Mathematics, Sociology, Economics, History, Logic) at the previous qualifying examination (H.S. or its equivalent).
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHILCC1 | Indian Philosophy I | Core | 6 | Carvaka and Jainism (Anekantavada), Buddhism (Four Noble Truths, Anatmavada), Nyaya (Perception, Inference, Upamana, Sabda), Vaisesika (Categories, Atomism, Asatkaryavada), Samkhya (Prakriti, Purusa, Satkaryavada, Evolution) |
| PHILCC2 | History of Western Philosophy I | Core | 6 | Plato (Theory of Forms, Knowledge and Opinion), Aristotle (Causation, Form and Matter, Potentiality and Actuality), Descartes (Method of Doubt, Cogito, Mind-Body Dualism), Spinoza (Substance, Attributes, Modes, Pantheism), Leibniz (Monads, Pre-established Harmony, Theory of Knowledge) |
| AECC1 | Environmental Studies / Bengali / Hindi / MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Basic concepts of environmental studies and ecosystems, Biodiversity and its conservation, Environmental pollution and management, Basic principles of communication in chosen language |
| GE1 | Generic Elective I (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHILCC3 | Indian Philosophy II | Core | 6 | Yoga (Citta, Citta-vritti, Astanga Yoga), Mimamsa (Sabda, Arthapatti, Anupalabdhi), Advaita Vedanta (Brahman, Maya, Jagat, Atman), Visistadvaita (Brahman, Jagat, Jiva, God), Sakti (Sakti as cosmic power, Tantric Philosophy) |
| PHILCC4 | History of Western Philosophy II | Core | 6 | Locke (Empiricism, Primary and Secondary Qualities, Ideas), Berkeley (Subjective Idealism, Esse est percipi), Hume (Impressions and Ideas, Causality, Scepticism), Kant (Synthetic a priori, Noumenon and Phenomenon), Rationalism vs. Empiricism debate |
| AECC2 | Environmental Studies / Bengali / Hindi / MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Global environmental issues and solutions, Sustainable development practices, Ethics and public awareness in environment, Advanced communication skills in chosen language |
| GE2 | Generic Elective II (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHILCC5 | Western Logic I | Core | 6 | Basic Logical Concepts (Arguments, Validity, Truth, Soundness), Categorical Propositions (Quality, Quantity, Distribution), Categorical Syllogisms (Figure, Mood, Venn Diagrams), Informal Fallacies (Relevance, Ambiguity, Presumption), Definition and Classification |
| PHILCC6 | Ethics (Indian and Western) | Core | 6 | Indian Ethics (Dharma, Karma, Rta, Purusarthas, Niskama Karma), Western Ethics (Hedonism, Utilitarianism, Deontology), Virtue Ethics (Aristotle), Moral and Non-Moral Actions, Theories of Punishment |
| PHILCC7 | Psychology | Core | 6 | Methods of Psychology (Introspection, Observation, Experimental), Sensation and Perception (Gestalt Principles), Attention (Determinants, Span), Learning (Classical and Operant Conditioning), Memory (Short Term, Long Term, Forgetting), Emotion |
| PHILSEC1 | Skill Enhancement Course I (Option: Critical Thinking) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Nature and Scope of Critical Thinking, Arguments, Premises, and Conclusions, Identifying and Avoiding Fallacies, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Evaluating Information and Sources |
| GE3 | Generic Elective III (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHILCC8 | Western Logic II | Core | 6 | Symbolic Logic (Truth Functions, Connectives), Truth-Tables (Validity Testing, Consistency), Formal Proof of Validity (Rules of Inference, Replacement), Quantification Theory (Quantifiers, Symbolization), Methods of Deduction for Quantified Statements |
| PHILCC9 | Social and Political Philosophy (Indian and Western) | Core | 6 | Indian Social Concepts (Varna, Dharma, Ashrama, Purusarthas), State and Sovereignty in Indian Thought (Kautilya), Western Political Theories (Social Contract, Liberty, Equality), Justice (Plato, Rawls), Democracy (Types, Ideals), Marxism and its critique of capitalism |
| PHILCC10 | Philosophy of Religion | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Philosophy of Religion, Proofs for God''''s Existence (Ontological, Cosmological, Teleological), Problem of Evil (Logical and Evidential), Faith and Reason, Religious Experience, Concept of Liberation and Immortality |
| PHILSEC2 | Skill Enhancement Course II (Option: Value Education) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Concept and Significance of Value Education, Moral and Ethical Values (Truth, Non-violence), Human Values (Compassion, Tolerance, Integrity), Cultural and Social Values, Value Conflicts and Resolution |
| GE4 | Generic Elective IV (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHILCC11 | Philosophy of Mind | Core | 6 | Mind-Body Problem (Dualism, Materialism, Functionalism), Consciousness (Phenomenal Experience, Qualia), Intentionality and Mental Representation, Personal Identity and Self, Artificial Intelligence and the Chinese Room Argument |
| PHILCC12 | Epistemology and Metaphysics (Western) | Core | 6 | Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz), Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume), Kant''''s Critical Philosophy (Categories, Synthetic A Priori), Causality, Substance, Universal and Particular, Space, Time, and Existence |
| PHILDSE1 | Discipline Specific Elective I (Option: Applied Ethics) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature and Scope of Applied Ethics, Bioethics (Euthanasia, Abortion, Surrogate Motherhood), Environmental Ethics (Deep and Shallow Ecology), Media Ethics (Privacy, Censorship, Social Media), Business Ethics (Corporate Social Responsibility) |
| PHILDSE2 | Discipline Specific Elective II (Option: Human Rights) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Concept and Nature of Rights, Natural Rights vs. Legal Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Generations of Human Rights, Human Rights and Global Justice |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHILCC13 | Contemporary Indian Philosophy | Core | 6 | Swami Vivekananda (Practical Vedanta, Universal Religion), Rabindranath Tagore (Religion of Man, Philosophy of Education), Mahatma Gandhi (Truth, Non-violence, Satyagraha, Sarvodaya), Sri Aurobindo (Evolution, Integral Yoga, Supermind), B.R. Ambedkar (Social Justice, Annihilation of Caste, Neo-Buddhism) |
| PHILCC14 | Twentieth Century Western Philosophy | Core | 6 | G.E. Moore (Defense of Common Sense, Analysis), Bertrand Russell (Logical Atomism, Theory of Descriptions), Ludwig Wittgenstein (Early and Late Philosophy, Language Games), Logical Positivism (Verification Principle), Phenomenology (Husserl), Existentialism (Sartre) |
| PHILDSE3 | Discipline Specific Elective III (Option: Indian Metaphysics) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Theories of Causation (Satkaryavada, Asatkaryavada), Reality (Brahman, Isvara, Maya), Self (Atman, Jiva, Anatman), World (Jagat, Prakriti, Purusa), Bondage and Liberation (Moksha, Nirvana) |
| PHILDSE4 | Discipline Specific Elective IV (Option: Indian Epistemology) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Pramanas (Perception, Inference, Comparison, Testimony), Theories of Error (Akhyati, Anirvacaniyakhyati), Nature of Knowledge (Prama, Aprama), Validity of Knowledge (Svatahpramanyavada, Paratahpramanyavada), Nature of Cognition (Savikalpaka, Nirvikalpaka) |
