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MA in Philosophy at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University
Nagpur, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Philosophy at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University Nagpur?
This MA Philosophy program at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University focuses on a comprehensive study of both Indian and Western philosophical traditions. It delves into metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, and socio-political thought, offering a deep understanding of humanity''''s fundamental questions. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, making it highly relevant for various roles in academia, research, and public service in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates with a keen interest in fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, values, and society. It suits individuals aspiring for careers in teaching, research, civil services, or journalism. Working professionals looking to enhance their analytical and ethical reasoning skills, or those contemplating a career change into fields requiring strong critical thinking, will also find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths such as university lecturers, researchers at think tanks, content writers, ethical consultants, and civil service officers. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience, potentially reaching INR 8-15+ LPA in academia or specialized roles. The strong foundation in critical inquiry prepares students for advanced studies and leadership positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Philosophical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental concepts in Indian and Western metaphysics, epistemology, and logic. Create concept maps and summaries for each school of thought to clarify interconnections and distinctions. Participate actively in classroom discussions to strengthen comprehension and articulate arguments.
Tools & Resources
Key texts of Indian and Western philosophy, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, NPTEL/MOOCs for philosophy basics
Career Connection
A strong foundation in core philosophy is crucial for all advanced studies and any career requiring analytical rigor, ensuring you can dissect complex arguments and build coherent logical structures.
Develop Critical Reading and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with primary philosophical texts, focusing on identifying arguments, assumptions, and implications. Practice writing concise summaries and critical analyses regularly. Seek feedback from professors on essays and assignments to refine your academic writing style and argumentation.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Purdue OWL for academic writing, Journal of Indian Philosophy, The Philosophical Review
Career Connection
Excellent critical reading and writing skills are indispensable for research, academia, journalism, content creation, and civil services, enabling effective communication of complex ideas.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussion Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to discuss challenging philosophical concepts, theories, and readings. Debates and discussions help in understanding diverse perspectives, identifying logical flaws, and articulating your own philosophical stance more effectively. Present topics to your group to test your understanding.
Tools & Resources
Study group meetups, Online collaborative platforms like Google Docs for shared notes
Career Connection
Enhances collaborative skills and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, beneficial for group projects, interviews, and professional discussions in any field.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Electives with Career Relevance- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose elective subjects like Applied Ethics, Philosophy of Science, or specific Indian philosophical schools that align with your long-term interests and potential career paths. Dive deeper into these areas to develop specialized knowledge and identify potential research topics.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors for guidance on elective choices, Online academic journals related to elective fields
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge in areas like ethics or science philosophy can open doors to specific roles in policy-making, ethical consulting, journalism, or advanced research in interdisciplinary fields.
Attend Seminars, Workshops, and Conferences- (Semester 3)
Actively seek out and attend university seminars, departmental workshops, and national conferences related to philosophy. This exposes you to ongoing research, new ideas, and provides valuable networking opportunities with scholars and experts from across India.
Tools & Resources
University notice boards, Academic event listings online, Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) events
Career Connection
Builds your professional network, enhances your awareness of contemporary philosophical discourse, and is crucial for those considering academia or research careers.
Initiate Small Research Projects/Papers- (Semester 3)
Beyond coursework, attempt to write short research papers on topics of personal interest or as extensions of your assignments. This helps in developing independent research capabilities and prepares you for the final dissertation. Seek guidance from faculty members.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, PhilPapers), University library''''s research support services
Career Connection
Prepares you for the demands of a dissertation, cultivates research aptitude vital for M.Phil/Ph.D. pursuits, and strengthens your profile for research-oriented roles.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic early in your final year that genuinely interests you and has potential for original contribution. Work closely with your supervisor, meticulously research, structure your arguments, and adhere to academic standards. This is your capstone project showcasing your philosophical abilities.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated faculty supervisor, Extensive library and online database research, Reference management software
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a strong credential for academic and research careers, demonstrating your capacity for in-depth independent study and critical analysis.
Prepare for NET/SET and Civil Services Exams- (Semester 4)
If aspiring for teaching in Indian universities or government service, begin dedicated preparation for exams like UGC NET/SET (for Assistant Professorship) and UPSC Civil Services. Focus on the philosophy optional paper and general studies, integrating your MA knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Coaching institutes, Online study materials for NET/SET/UPSC
Career Connection
Directly enables entry into academic roles as an Assistant Professor or various administrative positions within the Indian government, offering stable and impactful career paths.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 4)
Actively network with alumni, faculty, and visiting scholars to explore career opportunities and gain insights into different fields where philosophy graduates excel. Seek mentorship from experienced professionals to guide your career planning and professional development.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni events, Professional associations (e.g., ICPR)
Career Connection
Leverages personal connections for internships, job referrals, and advice, providing a significant advantage in navigating career transitions and securing desirable positions post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline with Philosophy as one of the subjects or a graduate with Philosophy as an allied subject (from RTMNU general admissions information)
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-101 | Indian Metaphysics | Core | 4 | Nature of Indian Metaphysics, Cārvāka, Jaina, Bauddha, Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika, Sāṃkhya-Yoga, Mīmāṃsā and Vedānta doctrines, Concepts of Reality and Causation |
| P-102 | Western Metaphysics | Core | 4 | Pre-Socratic Philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, Rationalists: Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Empiricists: Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant''''s Critical Philosophy |
| P-103 | Indian Epistemology | Core | 4 | Nature of Indian Epistemology, Prāmāṇya-vāda (Theories of Truth), Theories of Error (Khyātivādas), Perception (Pratyakṣa), Inference (Anumāna) and Testimony (Śabda), Comparison (Upamāna) and Non-cognition (Anupalabdhi) |
| P-104 | Western Epistemology | Core | 4 | Rationalism vs. Empiricism, Kant''''s Epistemological Synthesis, Sources and Limits of Knowledge, Justification of Beliefs, Skepticism and Certainty |
| P-105 | Classical Indian Logic | Core | 4 | Nature of Logic in Indian Philosophy, Anumana (Inference) and Vyāpti, Nyāya Syllogism (Pañcāvayavi Vakya), Hetvābhāsas (Fallacies of Inference), Buddhist and Jaina Logic |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-201 | Modern Indian Thought | Core | 4 | Swami Vivekananda''''s Practical Vedanta, Mahatma Gandhi''''s Satyagraha and Sarvodaya, Sri Aurobindo''''s Integral Yoga, Rabindranath Tagore''''s Humanism, S. Radhakrishnan''''s Idealism |
| P-202 | Ethics (Indian and Western) | Core | 4 | Nature of Ethical Philosophy, Concepts of Dharma, Karma, Puruṣārthas, Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics, Moral Relativism and Absolutism, Ethics of Care and Justice |
| P-203 | Social and Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Nature of Society and State, Theories of Justice, Liberty, Equality, Concepts of Rights and Duties, Political Ideologies: Liberalism, Marxism, Democracy and Power |
| P-204 | Contemporary Western Philosophy | Core | 4 | Existentialism (Sartre, Camus), Phenomenology (Husserl, Heidegger), Logical Positivism and Analytic Philosophy, Ordinary Language Philosophy (Wittgenstein), Postmodernism and Deconstruction |
| P-205 | Philosophy of Religion | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Philosophy of Religion, Proofs for the Existence of God, Problem of Evil, Religious Experience and Faith, Immortality of the Soul |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-301 | Philosophy of Language (Indian and Western) | Core | 4 | Sphota theory and Śabda, Theories of Meaning (Abhihitānvaya, Anvitābhidhāna), Reference and Description, Speech Acts (Austin, Searle), Language and Reality |
| P-302 | Philosophy of Mind | Core | 4 | Mind-Body Problem (Dualism, Materialism), Theories of Consciousness, Intentionality and Mental States, Artificial Intelligence and the Mind, Personal Identity and Self |
| P-303 (A) | Applied Ethics | Elective Group I | 4 | Environmental Ethics and Animal Rights, Bioethics: Euthanasia, Abortion, Cloning, Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility, Media Ethics and Freedom of Speech, Professional Ethics and Values |
| P-303 (B) | Philosophy of Science | Elective Group I | 4 | Scientific Method and Induction, Confirmation and Falsification (Popper), Scientific Realism vs. Anti-Realism, Paradigm Shifts (Kuhn), Explanation and Causation in Science |
| P-304 (A) | Vedānta Philosophy | Elective Group II | 4 | Advaita Vedānta (Śaṅkara), Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta (Rāmānuja), Dvaita Vedānta (Madhva), Śuddhādvaita (Vallabha), Dvaitādvaita (Nimbārka) |
| P-304 (B) | Jaina Philosophy | Elective Group II | 4 | Anekāntavāda (Non-absolutism), Syādvāda (Theory of Conditioned Predication), Nayavāda (Doctrine of Standpoints), Concept of Karma and Bondage, Path to Liberation (Moksha) |
| P-305 | Project/Dissertation / Classical Indian Texts / Research Methodology (Open Elective) | Elective/Project | 4 | Research Design and Problem Formulation, Data Collection and Analysis Methods, Academic Writing and Citation Styles, Interpretation of Classical Philosophical Texts, Ethical Considerations in Research |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-401 | Value Education & Professional Ethics | Core | 4 | Concept of Values and Ethics, Importance of Value Education, Ethics in various professions (e.g., medical, legal), Integrity, Accountability, Transparency, Ethical Decision-Making |
| P-402 | Human Rights, Justice & Globalization | Core | 4 | Theories of Human Rights, Concepts of Social Justice and Global Justice, Impact of Globalization on Human Rights, Poverty, Inequality, and Development, Role of International Institutions |
| P-403 (A) | Contemporary Indian Philosophy | Elective Group III | 4 | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar''''s Philosophy of Social Justice, J. Krishnamurti''''s Philosophy of Freedom, M.N. Roy''''s Radical Humanism, K.C. Bhattacharya''''s Subjectivity, Tagore''''s Universalism |
| P-403 (B) | Feminism | Elective Group III | 4 | Waves of Feminism, Gender, Patriarchy, and Power, Intersectionality, Feminist Epistemology and Ethics, Queer Theory and Gender Identity |
| P-404 (A) | Philosophy of Art and Culture | Elective Group IV | 4 | Aesthetics: Beauty, Art, Experience, Theories of Art: Imitation, Expressionism, Formalism, Culture: Meaning, Diversity, Evolution, Symbolism and Interpretation in Art, Creativity and Artistic Production |
| P-404 (B) | Philosophy of History | Elective Group IV | 4 | Nature of Historical Knowledge, Historical Explanation and Causation, Teleology and Determinism in History, Objectivity and Bias in Historical Writing, Role of Narratives in History |
| P-405 | Dissertation / Classical Indian Texts / Research Methodology (Open Elective) | Elective/Project | 4 | Advanced Research Project Development, In-depth Study of Selected Classical Texts, Advanced Research Methods in Philosophy, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Critical Analysis of Philosophical Literature |
