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BA in Philosophy at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University)
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Philosophy at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University) Chengalpattu?
This Philosophy program at Sri Ramaswamy Memorial Institute of Science and Technology focuses on critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and comprehensive understanding of diverse philosophical traditions, both Eastern and Western. It cultivates intellectual rigor and analytical skills essential for a wide array of career paths. In the Indian context, there''''s growing demand for professionals who can navigate complex ethical dilemmas and contribute to public discourse, making this program highly relevant.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for curious high school graduates with a keen interest in fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, values, and reason. It suits students aspiring for careers in academia, civil services, journalism, law, and social work who need strong analytical and communication skills. Individuals from any academic stream (Arts, Science, Commerce) who wish to delve into intellectual inquiry and critical thought will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to develop exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills, highly valued in the Indian job market. Career paths include civil services, journalism, teaching, content writing, policy analysis, and legal research. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-6 LPA, growing significantly with experience. It provides a strong foundation for higher studies like MA, M.Phil, and Ph.D., and aligns with requirements for competitive exams.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Logical Reasoning- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding the fundamentals of logic, including deductive and inductive reasoning, fallacies, and propositional calculus. Utilize online resources and textbooks to practice problem-solving and critical analysis of arguments. Join student debate clubs or philosophical discussion groups to apply logical principles in real-time.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Logic, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Open-access logic textbooks
Career Connection
Strong logical reasoning is foundational for competitive exams like UPSC, MBA entrance tests, and enhances problem-solving skills crucial for any professional role.
Engage with Foundational Texts- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom lectures, make it a habit to read original philosophical texts from Indian and Western traditions. Actively annotate, summarize, and critique the arguments presented. Participate in reading circles to deepen understanding and gain diverse perspectives on complex ideas.
Tools & Resources
University library, Project Gutenberg for public domain texts, Online academic journals
Career Connection
This practice builds strong comprehension and analytical skills, essential for research, content creation, and nuanced decision-making in various fields.
Cultivate Effective Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and well-structured philosophical essays. Seek regular feedback from professors and peers on your writing. Practice articulating complex ideas logically and supporting arguments with evidence. Utilize university writing centers for guidance on academic conventions.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, University Writing Center services, Grammarly
Career Connection
Excellent writing skills are universally valuable for career advancement, especially in fields like journalism, civil services, research, and technical writing in India.
Intermediate Stage
Participate in Departmental Research- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities to assist professors with their research projects or undertake small independent research under faculty mentorship. This provides practical experience in philosophical inquiry, data collection (qualitative), and academic contribution. Present your findings at departmental seminars.
Tools & Resources
Faculty research profiles, Research ethics guidelines, Mendeley/Zotero for citation management
Career Connection
This experience is vital for students considering higher studies (MA, Ph.D.) or research roles in think tanks and academic institutions in India.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for connections between philosophy and other disciplines like psychology, sociology, political science, and literature. Take interdisciplinary electives or attend guest lectures outside the department. This broadens perspective and reveals diverse applications of philosophical concepts.
Tools & Resources
Interdisciplinary journals, Cross-departmental seminars, MOOCs on related subjects
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary knowledge makes graduates highly adaptable and valuable in roles that require holistic problem-solving, such as policy analysis, content development, and strategic planning.
Engage in Ethical Debates and Case Studies- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in debates, workshops, and discussions on contemporary ethical dilemmas (e.g., bioethics, AI ethics, environmental ethics). Analyze real-world case studies to apply philosophical theories to practical situations. This sharpens moral reasoning and prepares for ethical leadership.
Tools & Resources
Current news articles, TED Talks on ethics, Indian legal and ethical case studies
Career Connection
This builds a strong foundation for careers in law, public administration, corporate social responsibility, and journalism, where ethical considerations are paramount.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 6)
In the final year, choose a research topic that genuinely interests you and aligns with your career aspirations. Dedicate significant effort to conducting thorough research, critical analysis, and original argumentation for your project or dissertation. Seek intensive faculty mentorship.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST research guidelines, Plagiarism check software, Academic databases
Career Connection
A strong dissertation serves as a portfolio piece, demonstrating advanced research and analytical skills, which is a major advantage for academic pursuits and specialized research roles.
Prepare for Competitive Exams and Further Studies- (Semester 5-6)
Begin focused preparation for civil services (UPSC), NET/SET, or entrance exams for MA/Ph.D. programs. Leverage your philosophical background for the Ethics, Essay, and optional subjects. Attend coaching, solve previous year papers, and form study groups.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/NET exam guides, Online test series, SRMIST career counseling center
Career Connection
This direct preparation streamlines entry into prestigious government roles, research fellowships, and advanced academic programs, providing clear career progression pathways in India.
Network with Alumni and Professionals- (Semester 5-6)
Attend alumni events, seminars, and workshops to connect with philosophy graduates working in diverse fields. Seek informational interviews to understand various career paths and gain insights into industry expectations. Build a professional network for mentorship and future opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, SRMIST alumni association portal, Departmental networking events
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for identifying internship opportunities, gaining industry insights, and securing referrals, significantly enhancing placement prospects and career guidance in the Indian market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in 10+2 / HSC / CBSE / ICSE or equivalent examination with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LPH101J | Fundamentals of Logic | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Logic, Deduction and Induction, Propositions and Terms, Categorical Syllogism, Informal Fallacies |
| 21LPH102J | Indian Philosophy - I (Early Schools) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Indian Philosophy, Vedic and Upanishadic Thought, Carvaka and Jainism, Buddhism, Sankhya-Yoga Darshana |
| 21LPH103J | Environmental Ethics | Elective (Generic) | 3 | Ethics and Environment, Anthropocentrism and Ecocentrism, Sustainable Development Goals, Environmental Justice Issues, Climate Change and Responsibility |
| 21LTA101J | Foundational Tamil - I | Language | 3 | Modern Tamil Poetry, Short Stories and Dramas, Basic Tamil Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Composition Skills |
| 21LEN101J | Communicative English | Language | 3 | Grammar and Usage, Listening and Speaking Skills, Reading Strategies, Writing Paragraphs and Essays, Public Speaking Basics |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LPH201J | Ethics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Ethics, Normative Ethical Theories, Meta-Ethics, Moral Decision Making, Applied Ethical Dilemmas |
| 21LPH202J | Indian Philosophy - II (Later Schools) | Core | 4 | Nyaya-Vaishesika Systems, Mimamsa Darshana, Vedanta (Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita), Shaivism and Vaishnavism Philosophy, Contemporary Indian Thought |
| 21LPH203J | Social and Political Philosophy | Elective (Generic) | 3 | Foundations of Social Thought, Justice, Rights, and Equality, Theories of State and Governance, Democracy and Its Challenges, Global Political Issues |
| 21LTA201J | Foundational Tamil - II | Language | 3 | Classical Tamil Literature, Literary Criticism, Advanced Grammar and Usage, Translation Skills, Essay Writing in Tamil |
| 21LEN201J | Professional English | Language | 3 | Business Communication, Report and Proposal Writing, Presentation Skills, Interview Techniques, Cross-cultural Communication |
| 21LBS201L | Value Education | Mandatory Non-Credit | 0 | Human Values and Ethics, Moral Development, Social Responsibility, Professional Ethics, Personal Growth |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LPH301J | Western Philosophy - I (Ancient & Medieval) | Core | 4 | Pre-Socratic Philosophers, Plato''''s Idealism, Aristotle''''s Metaphysics and Ethics, Hellenistic Schools, Scholasticism (Augustine, Aquinas) |
| 21LPH302J | Epistemology | Core | 4 | Nature of Knowledge, Theories of Justification, Sources of Knowledge (Rationalism, Empiricism), Skepticism and Certainty, Truth and Belief |
| 21LPH303J | Philosophy of Religion | Core | 4 | Nature of Religious Experience, Arguments for God''''s Existence, Problem of Evil, Religious Language, Faith, Reason, and Revelation |
| 21LGE301J | Gender Studies | Elective (General) | 3 | Concepts of Gender and Sex, Feminist Theories and Movements, Gender and Society, Gender-based Violence, Gender Equality and Justice |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LPH401J | Western Philosophy - II (Modern) | Core | 4 | Continental Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz), British Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume), Kant''''s Critical Philosophy, German Idealism (Hegel), Enlightenment and Modernity |
| 21LPH402J | Metaphysics | Core | 4 | Nature of Reality, Mind-Body Problem, Free Will and Determinism, Identity, Substance, and Change, Existence and Being |
| 21LPH403J | Aesthetics | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Art and Beauty, Aesthetic Experience and Judgment, Artistic Creation and Interpretation, Role of Art in Culture, The Sublime and the Beautiful |
| 21LSS401J | Introduction to Psychology | Elective (General) | 3 | Nature and Scope of Psychology, Cognition and Perception, Learning and Memory, Personality Theories, Mental Health and Well-being |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LPH501J | Contemporary Western Philosophy | Core | 4 | Existentialism (Sartre, Heidegger), Phenomenology (Husserl, Merleau-Ponty), Analytical Philosophy (Wittgenstein, Russell), Postmodernism (Foucault, Derrida), Critical Theory and Frankfurt School |
| 21LPH502J | Applied Ethics | Core | 4 | Bioethics and Medical Ethics, Business and Corporate Ethics, Media and Cyber Ethics, Environmental Ethics (Advanced), Professional Ethics |
| 21LPH503J | Philosophy of Mind | Core | 4 | Mind-Body Problem Theories, Consciousness and Qualia, Intentionality and Mental Content, Artificial Intelligence and Cognition, Personal Identity and Self |
| 21LPH5EXA | Elective (Discipline Specific - 1) | Elective | 3 | Topics vary based on chosen elective: examples include Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Language, Feminist Philosophy, Philosophy of Human Rights. |
| 21LPH5EXB | Elective (Discipline Specific - 2) | Elective | 3 | Topics vary based on chosen elective: examples include Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Education, Philosophy of Law, Indian Aesthetics. |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LPH601J | Philosophy of Science | Core | 4 | Nature of Scientific Method, Scientific Explanation and Theories, Demarcation Problem (Science vs. Pseudoscience), Theory Change and Progress in Science, Ethics of Scientific Research |
| 21LPH602J | Research Methodology in Philosophy | Core | 4 | Nature of Philosophical Research, Research Design and Problem Formulation, Methodologies in Humanities, Argumentation and Critical Analysis, Academic Writing and Publication Ethics |
| 21LPH6PRJ | Project Work / Dissertation | Project | 6 | Problem Identification and Scope, Extensive Literature Review, Methodology and Data Collection, Analysis, Interpretation, and Findings, Report Writing and Viva Voce |
| 21LPH6EXC | Elective (Discipline Specific - 3) | Elective | 3 | Topics vary based on chosen elective: examples include Logic and Critical Thinking, Hermeneutics, Existential Ethics, Philosophy of History. |
| 21LPH6EXD | Elective (Discipline Specific - 4) | Elective | 3 | Topics vary based on chosen elective: examples include Philosophy of Culture, Philosophy of Language, Vedic Philosophy, Marxian Philosophy. |
