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MA in Philosophy at University of Calicut
Malappuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Philosophy at University of Calicut Malappuram?
This MA Philosophy program at the University of Calicut focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of diverse philosophical traditions, from ancient Indian and Western thought to contemporary global perspectives. It emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and analytical skills highly relevant across various sectors. The program is designed to cultivate deep intellectual inquiry, preparing students for both academic pursuits and roles requiring advanced analytical capabilities in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for philosophy graduates seeking advanced knowledge and research opportunities, as well as graduates from other humanities or social sciences disciplines with a keen interest in fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, and values. It also caters to individuals aspiring for careers in academia, research, civil services, journalism, and ethical leadership, looking to enhance their analytical and argumentative skills.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to develop strong critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, opening pathways to diverse careers. Potential career paths in India include academic roles (lecturer, researcher), positions in public policy, think tanks, content development, journalism, ethical consulting, and qualifying for competitive examinations like UPSC. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience into senior analytical or academic roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Active Reading and Note-Taking Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a rigorous approach to reading philosophical texts by active annotation, summarizing arguments, and identifying key concepts. Practice structured note-taking methods like Cornell notes or mind maps for better retention and recall.
Tools & Resources
Zotero (for research management), Evernote, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Career Connection
Essential for any research-intensive career, academic writing, and understanding complex policy documents in public service, improving information processing skills.
Join Departmental Study Groups and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in or form study groups to discuss complex philosophical concepts, prepare for exams, and refine arguments. Engage in departmental debates or seminars to practice articulating philosophical positions clearly and responding to critiques.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, University library resources, Online collaborative platforms (e.g., Google Meet)
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, teamwork, and critical argumentation skills crucial for academic presentations, civil services interviews, and media roles in India.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 1-2)
While focusing on core philosophy, explore how philosophical concepts intersect with other disciplines like literature, history, social sciences, or even technology. Attend guest lectures and workshops outside the immediate philosophy department.
Tools & Resources
University events calendar, Inter-departmental seminars, MOOCs on related subjects (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL)
Career Connection
Broadens perspective for diverse career paths, such as content writing, policy analysis, and ethical development in tech, making one a more versatile candidate for Indian employers.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any candidate who has passed BA Degree in Philosophy or BA Degree in any other discipline with Philosophy as an optional subject or BA /B.Sc. Degree of the University of Calicut or a Degree recognized as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P1C01 | Indian Philosophy I | Core | 4 | Vedas and Upanisads, Heterodox Systems (Carvaka, Jainism, Buddhism), Orthodox Systems (Nyaya-Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga), Purva Mimamsa, Vedanta |
| P1C02 | Greek and Roman Philosophy | Core | 4 | Early Greek Philosophy (Milesians, Heraclitus, Parmenides), Sophists and Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Post-Aristotelian Philosophy (Epicureanism, Stoicism, Skepticism) |
| P1C03 | Logic and Scientific Method | Core | 4 | Formal Logic, Categorical Propositions and Syllogism, Symbolic Logic, Informal Fallacies, Scientific Method |
| P1C04 | Moral Philosophy | Core | 4 | Nature of Moral Philosophy, Major Ethical Theories (Teleological, Deontological), Virtue Ethics, Metaethics, Applied Ethics |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P2C05 | Indian Philosophy II | Core | 4 | Nyaya-Vaisesika Theory of Knowledge, Samkhya-Yoga Metaphysics and Epistemology, Advaita Vedanta (Sankara), Visistadvaita Vedanta (Ramanuja), Dvaita Vedanta (Madhva) |
| P2C06 | Modern Western Philosophy | Core | 4 | Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz), Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume), Kant''''s Critical Philosophy, Hegel''''s Absolute Idealism, Schopenhauer |
| P2C07 | Philosophical Psychology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Psychology, Schools of Psychology (Behaviorism, Gestalt, Psychoanalysis), Consciousness, Perception, Memory and Emotion |
| P2C08 | Social and Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Nature of Society and State, Theories of Justice, Political Ideologies (Liberalism, Socialism, Marxism), Sovereignty, Rights and Duties, Democracy |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P3C09 | Contemporary Western Philosophy | Core | 4 | Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger), Phenomenology (Husserl), Analytical Philosophy (Russell, Wittgenstein), Logical Positivism, Postmodernism |
| P3C10 | Philosophy of Religion | Core | 4 | Nature of Religion, Arguments for Existence of God, Problem of Evil, Religious Experience, Faith and Reason, Religious Language |
| P3C11 | Aesthetics | Core | 4 | Nature of Aesthetics, Theories of Art (Imitation, Expression, Formalism), Aesthetic Experience, Beauty and Sublime, Art Criticism, Indian Aesthetics (Rasa Theory) |
| P3E01 | Elective I (e.g., Philosophy of Science) | Elective | 4 | Nature of Science, Scientific Explanation, Theories of Confirmation and Falsification, Scientific Realism vs. Anti-realism, Social Construction of Science |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P4C12 | Modern Indian Thought | Core | 4 | Pre-modern Indian thinkers (Jyotiba Phule, Narayana Guru), Vivekananda, Tagore, Gandhi, Aurobindo, Radhakrishnan, J. Krishnamurti |
| P4E02 | Elective II (e.g., Environmental Philosophy) | Elective | 4 | Nature and Scope of Environmental Ethics, Anthropocentrism vs. Non-anthropocentrism, Deep Ecology, Ecofeminism, Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development |
| P4C13 | Dissertation/Project | Core | 4 | Research methodology, Literature review, Data collection and analysis, Thesis writing, Presentation and defense |
| P4V01 | Viva Voce | Core | 4 | Overall understanding of philosophy, Defense of dissertation findings, General philosophical knowledge and critical thinking |
