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M-A in Philosophy at University of Delhi
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Philosophy at University of Delhi Delhi?
This M.A. Philosophy program at the University of Delhi focuses on cultivating critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and a nuanced understanding of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and mind. It offers a comprehensive blend of Indian and Western philosophical traditions, preparing students for intellectual leadership and various roles in academia, research, and public service within the Indian context. The program is renowned for its depth and intellectual rigor.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for philosophy graduates seeking advanced academic engagement, aspiring researchers, and those aiming for civil services or careers in education. It also suits individuals with a strong interdisciplinary academic background looking to delve into critical thinking. Fresh graduates passionate about intellectual inquiry and working professionals seeking to enhance their analytical and ethical reasoning skills will find this program highly beneficial for their intellectual growth.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers in academia as professors or researchers, enter think tanks, or become subject matter experts in government agencies. Many also succeed in competitive civil service examinations (UPSC, State PSCs) due to the program''''s emphasis on critical analysis. Salary ranges vary widely, from entry-level academic positions starting at INR 4-6 LPA to senior research or administrative roles reaching INR 10-15+ LPA in India. Professional certifications in ethics or critical thinking can further enhance career prospects.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Philosophical Texts- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with foundational Indian and Western philosophical texts from Semester 1 and 2. Focus on understanding the original arguments, key concepts, and historical context. Actively participate in classroom discussions and form study groups to debate complex ideas, ensuring a strong grasp of core theories.
Tools & Resources
University Library Resources, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, NPTEL Philosophy courses
Career Connection
Develops strong analytical and comprehension skills essential for research, academic writing, and competitive examinations like the Civil Services.
Cultivate Critical Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice writing philosophical essays and arguments regularly. Seek feedback from professors and peers on clarity, coherence, and argumentative strength. Participate in departmental essay competitions or submit articles to student journals to refine your academic voice.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL for academic writing, Grammarly Premium, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Crucial for publishing research, writing compelling grant proposals, and effective communication in any professional role.
Build a Foundational Reading Habit- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond prescribed texts, read widely across different philosophical traditions and contemporary debates. Subscribe to academic journals (e.g., Journal of Indian Philosophy, Philosophy East and West) and reputable philosophy blogs. This habit fosters intellectual curiosity and broadens perspectives.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Project MUSE (via university login), Daily Nous, Aeon.co
Career Connection
Establishes a lifelong learning mindset, vital for staying current in academia and adapting to evolving intellectual landscapes.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Interdisciplinary Research- (Semester 3-4)
Explore connections between philosophy and other disciplines like cognitive science, literature, law, or economics. Attend workshops and seminars organized by other departments at the University of Delhi. Consider taking an open elective from another faculty to broaden your perspective.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental seminar schedules, DU Research Council updates, Cross-listed courses
Career Connection
Prepares for roles in think tanks, policy analysis, and interdisciplinary research projects where philosophical insights are increasingly valued.
Participate in Departmental & National Conferences- (Semester 3-4)
Present papers at departmental colloquia or participate in national-level philosophy conferences. Even if not presenting, attending provides exposure to current research, networking opportunities, and a chance to engage with leading scholars in India and abroad.
Tools & Resources
ICPR (Indian Council of Philosophical Research) announcements, University conference listings
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, presentation skills, and establishes a professional network, crucial for academic and research career progression.
Choose Electives Strategically for Specialization- (Semester 3-4)
Select elective courses in Semester 3 and 4 that align with your emerging research interests or desired career path. For example, if aiming for policy, choose applied ethics; if aiming for cognitive science, choose philosophy of mind. This deepens expertise and builds a strong foundation for your dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisor consultations, Alumni career talks
Career Connection
Allows for early specialization, making you a more attractive candidate for specific PhD programs or specialized roles in relevant sectors.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Robust Dissertation Project- (Semester 4)
If opting for a dissertation in Semester 4, start identifying your topic and supervisor early. Conduct thorough literature reviews, develop a clear research question, and adhere to a strict writing schedule. Aim for a publishable quality thesis, seeking regular feedback.
Tools & Resources
University Research Ethics Committee guidelines, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a key credential for PhD admissions, research fellowships, and demonstrates independent research capability to potential employers.
Prepare for NET/JRF Examinations- (Semester 4)
Begin rigorous preparation for the UGC NET/JRF examination well in advance. Focus on both Paper I (Teaching & Research Aptitude) and Paper II (Philosophy). Utilize previous year''''s papers and coaching materials, as clearing NET/JRF is mandatory for Assistant Professor positions in India.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF previous year papers, Standard reference books for philosophy NET
Career Connection
Directly enables eligibility for lectureship and junior research fellowships, opening doors to academic careers in Indian universities and colleges.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 4)
Leverage the vast alumni network of Delhi University''''s Philosophy department. Attend alumni events, connect on LinkedIn, and seek informational interviews. Explore diverse career paths beyond academia, such as content creation, journalism, publishing, or ethical consulting.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni association portal, Departmental career fair
Career Connection
Gains insights into varied career opportunities, mentorship, and potential job referrals, broadening post-MA prospects in India''''s dynamic job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. (Hons.) Philosophy from University of Delhi with 50% marks in aggregate, OR B.A. from a recognized Indian University or equivalent with 50% marks in Philosophy and 50% marks in aggregate, OR B.A. (Hons.) from any other discipline with 60% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in Philosophy (if studied), OR Master’s Degree from any discipline with 50% in aggregate and 50% in Philosophy (if studied).
Duration: 2 years (4 Semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P 101 | Indian Metaphysics | Core | 4 | Nyaya-Vaisheshika Categories, Advaita Vedanta (Brahman, Maya), Samkhya (Prakriti, Purusha), Buddhist (Anatta, Kshanikavada), Jaina (Anekantavada, Syadvada) |
| P 102 | Greek Philosophy | Core | 4 | Pre-Socratics and Sophists, Socrates'''' Method, Plato''''s Theory of Forms, Plato''''s Epistemology and Metaphysics, Aristotle''''s Causality and Ethics |
| P 103 | Ethics | Core | 4 | Normative Ethics (Deontology, Consequentialism), Virtue Ethics, Metaethics, Applied Ethics Issues, Gandhi''''s Ethical Thought |
| P 104 | Logic I | Core | 4 | Propositional Logic (Truth Functions, Proofs), Predicate Logic (Quantifiers, Validity), Syllogistic Logic, Informal Fallacies, Truth Trees and Deductive Reasoning |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P 201 | Indian Epistemology | Core | 4 | Pramanas (Perception, Inference, Testimony), Buddhist Epistemology (Pramana-vada), Mimamsa Theory of Knowledge, Advaita Vedanta (Anirvacaniya-khyati), Carvaka Materialism |
| P 202 | Modern Western Philosophy | Core | 4 | Continental Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz), British Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume), Kant''''s Transcendental Idealism, Mind-Body Problem, Causality and Experience |
| P 203 | Social and Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Theories of Justice (Rawls, Nozick), Rights, Liberty, and Equality, Democracy and State Theories, Feminist Political Thought, Nationalism and Multiculturalism |
| P 204 | Philosophy of Mind | Core | 4 | Mind-Body Problem (Dualism, Materialism), Identity Theory and Functionalism, Consciousness and Qualia, Artificial Intelligence and Cognition, Personal Identity |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P 301 | Continental Philosophy | Core | 4 | Phenomenology (Husserl, Heidegger), Existentialism (Sartre, Camus), Hermeneutics and Interpretation, Post-structuralism (Foucault, Derrida), Critique of Metaphysics |
| P 302 | Philosophy of Language | Core | 4 | Frege (Sense and Reference), Russell''''s Theory of Descriptions, Wittgenstein (Language Games, Meaning), Speech Act Theory (Austin, Searle), Truth and Meaning Theories |
| P 303A | Philosophy of Religion | Elective | 4 | Arguments for and against God''''s existence, Problem of Evil, Faith and Reason, Religious Language, Mysticism and Religious Experience |
| P 304A | Feminism | Elective | 4 | Historical Overview of Feminist Thought, Liberal, Radical, and Socialist Feminism, Postmodern Feminism and Gender Identity, Intersectionality, Critiques of Patriarchy and Gender Roles |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P 401 | Analytic Philosophy | Core | 4 | Logical Positivism and Verificationism, Ordinary Language Philosophy, Quine''''s Two Dogmas of Empiricism, Kripke on Proper Names and Modality, Truth, Meaning, and Reference |
| P 402 | Philosophy of Science | Core | 4 | Demarcation Problem (Science vs. Pseudoscience), Falsificationism (Popper), Paradigms and Scientific Revolutions (Kuhn), Scientific Realism vs. Anti-realism, Explanation and Laws of Nature |
| P 403A | Indian Theories of Consciousness | Elective | 4 | Vedantic Conception of Atman and Brahman, Samkhya''''s Purusha and Prakriti, Buddhist Theories (Vijnanavada, Anatta), Nyaya-Vaisheshika on Self as Substance, Kashmir Shaivism and Spanda |
| P 404 | Dissertation/Elective | Dissertation/Elective | 4 | Independent Research, Philosophical Writing, Thesis Development, Academic Presentation |
