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MA in Philosophy at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Philosophy at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This MA Philosophy program at University of Mysore focuses on deep philosophical inquiry, spanning Indian and Western traditions. It cultivates critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and analytical skills, highly valued in India''''s evolving intellectual landscape and for careers requiring nuanced understanding of societal issues. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to understanding human existence and values.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates, especially those with a philosophy background, seeking advanced academic pursuits or careers in research, teaching, or civil services. It also suits individuals interested in deepening their understanding of ethics, logic, and socio-political thought, enriching their intellectual foundation for various professional roles.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in academia, research think tanks, journalism, public policy, and ethical consulting in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing to INR 6-12 LPA with experience in teaching or research. The program also serves as a strong foundation for competitive examinations like the UPSC.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Philosophical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding core concepts of Indian and Western philosophy. Utilize prescribed texts, join study groups, and actively participate in class discussions to build a robust conceptual base.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, NPTEL Philosophy lectures, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Essential for strong academic performance, research, and for clearing competitive exams like NET/SLET, UPSC, which require deep conceptual clarity.
Develop Strong Analytical & Logical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on logic and critical reasoning courses, practicing syllogisms, fallacies, and formal logic exercises. Engage in debates and structured arguments to hone your ability to construct and deconstruct philosophical positions.
Tools & Resources
Logic textbooks, Online logic puzzles, Debate clubs, Critical thinking workshops
Career Connection
Improves problem-solving abilities vital for civil services, journalism, policy analysis, and any field requiring rigorous intellectual application.
Cultivate Effective Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Prioritize academic writing skills through essay assignments and soft skill courses. Learn proper citation methods, thesis construction, and argument presentation. Seek feedback from professors and peers for continuous improvement.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, Institutional writing workshops, Moodle/LMS for assignment submission
Career Connection
Crucial for publishing research papers, writing dissertations, and excelling in academic or journalistic careers.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Research- (Semester 3)
Explore connections between philosophy and other disciplines like science, sociology, or literature, especially through elective choices. Attend interdisciplinary seminars and discussions to broaden your intellectual perspective.
Tools & Resources
University research centres, Inter-departmental talks, Research journals, Online databases like Jstor
Career Connection
Enhances versatility for diverse research roles, think tanks, and academic careers requiring cross-disciplinary insights.
Participate in Seminars and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Actively attend and present papers at departmental seminars, national workshops, and conferences. This builds presentation skills, exposes you to current research, and helps network with fellow scholars and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Academic conference websites, Presentation software like PowerPoint
Career Connection
Develops public speaking and networking abilities crucial for academia, research presentations, and career advancement.
Deepen Research Methodology Skills- (Semester 3)
Apply concepts learned in Research Methodology to develop strong research proposals. Identify a potential dissertation topic early and begin extensive literature review under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology textbooks, Reference managers (Zotero, Mendeley), University library resources, Faculty mentors
Career Connection
Builds foundational skills for dissertation writing and future research projects, essential for PhD pursuits or research careers.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 4)
Focus intensely on your dissertation, applying rigorous research, analytical, and writing skills. Regular consultations with your supervisor and adherence to academic standards are paramount for high-quality output.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guides, Statistical software (if applicable), Academic peer review, Institutional research guidelines
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a key credential for PhD admissions, academic positions, and demonstrating advanced research capabilities to employers.
Prepare for NET/SLET & UPSC Exams- (Semester 4)
Begin focused preparation for national-level eligibility tests (NET/SLET) for lectureship and UPSC civil services exams. Integrate syllabus topics into your revision strategy and practice previous year''''s papers.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms, Relevant study materials, University career guidance cell
Career Connection
Opens doors to teaching positions in Indian colleges/universities and esteemed careers in public administration and civil services.
Network with Scholars and Professionals- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with faculty, visiting scholars, and alumni. Attend guest lectures and departmental events. Build professional relationships that can lead to mentorship, research opportunities, and career guidance.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academic networking events, Departmental alumni networks, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Crucial for job referrals, collaborations, and staying updated with academic and professional trends, aiding career progression in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A./B.Sc./B.Com./B.B.A./B.C.A. with Philosophy as an optional or any degree with 45% marks from a recognized university. (40% for SC/ST/CAT-I)
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHS 401 | Indian Philosophy I | Core | 4 | Vedic and Upanishadic Philosophy, Early Buddhism, Jainism, Carvaka, Ajivikas, Bhagavad Gita |
| PHS 402 | Western Philosophy I (Ancient & Medieval) | Core | 4 | Pre-Socratic Thinkers, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Scholasticism |
| PHS 403 | Ethics | Core | 4 | Nature of Ethics, Theories of Morality (Deontological, Teleological), Indian Ethics (Varna, Ashrama, Purusharthas), Virtue Ethics, Environmental Ethics |
| PHS 404 | Logic | Core | 4 | Formal Logic, Informal Fallacies, Categorical Propositions, Syllogisms, Symbolic Logic, Truth Tables |
| SS 401 | Academic Writing | Soft Skill | 4 | Research Process, Academic Search Engines, Citation Styles, Thesis Statements, Essay Structure, Plagiarism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHS 411 | Indian Philosophy II (Post-Vedic) | Core | 4 | Nyaya-Vaisheshika, Samkhya-Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta (Advaita, Visistadvaita, Dvaita), Indian Epistemology |
| PHS 412 | Western Philosophy II (Modern) | Core | 4 | Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz), Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume), Kant (Critical Philosophy), German Idealism (Hegel) |
| PHS 413 | Philosophy of Religion | Core | 4 | Nature of Religion, Origin of Religion, Arguments for Existence of God, Problem of Evil, Religious Experience, Immortality of Soul |
| PHS 414 | Social and Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Nature of Society, Justice, Equality, Liberty, Democracy, Human Rights, Indian Social Thought (Gandhi, Ambedkar) |
| OE 401 | Open Elective (e.g., Indian Philosophy for Beginners / Political Philosophy of Gandhi / Human Rights) | Open Elective | 4 | Basic concepts of Indian thought, Vedas, Upanishads, Buddha, Mahavira, Bhagavad Gita, Satyagraha, Ahimsa |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHS 421 | Contemporary Western Philosophy | Core | 4 | Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre), Phenomenology (Husserl, Heidegger), Analytic Philosophy (Russell, Wittgenstein), Postmodernism (Foucault, Derrida) |
| PHS 422 | Applied Ethics | Core | 4 | Bioethics, Environmental Ethics, Business Ethics, Media Ethics, Gender Ethics, Human Rights |
| PHS 423 | Discipline Specific Elective (e.g., Philosophy of Mind / Philosophy of Science / Aesthetics) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Mind-Body Problem, Consciousness, Identity Theory, Functionalism, Artificial Intelligence |
| PHS 424 | Discipline Specific Elective (e.g., Indian Hermeneutics / Continental Philosophy / Philosophy of Culture) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Theory of Sabda, Sphota, Mimesis, Anumana, Interpretation in Indian traditions |
| RM 401 | Research Methodology | Research Methodology | 4 | Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Plagiarism |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHS 431 | Discipline Specific Elective (e.g., Philosophy of Language (Indian) / Feminism / Philosophy of Yoga) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Sabda, Artha, Vakya, Sphotavada, Meaning and Reference |
| PHS 432 | Discipline Specific Elective (e.g., Philosophy of Language (Western) / Dalit Philosophy / Phenomenology and Existentialism) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Meaning, Reference, Sense, Speech Acts, Ordinary Language Philosophy, Logical Positivism |
| PHS 433 | Discipline Specific Elective (e.g., Philosophy of Education / Philosophy of Gandhi / Environmental Philosophy) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Aims of Education, Curriculum, Teacher''''s Role, Idealism, Naturalism, Pragmatism in Education |
| PHS 434 | Discipline Specific Elective (e.g., Classical Greek Philosophy / Philosophy of Sri Aurobindo / Human Rights) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato''''s Theory of Forms, Aristotle''''s Metaphysics and Ethics |
| PHS 435 | Project/Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Proposal, Literature Review, Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Oral Presentation, Viva-Voce |
