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M-A-PHILOSOPHY in General at Vikram University
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is General at Vikram University Ujjain?
This M.A. Philosophy program at Samrat Vikramaditya University, Ujjain, offers a profound and comprehensive journey into the world of philosophical inquiry. It systematically covers classical and contemporary traditions, including a deep dive into Indian Philosophy (Vedas, Upanishads, various Darsanas) and Western Philosophy (Ancient Greek, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary). The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, logical reasoning, and ethical discernment, which are invaluable skills in understanding and navigating the complexities of modern Indian society. The program is designed to cultivate intellectual rigor, fostering an environment where students can engage with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language, making it highly relevant for intellectual development and societal contributions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideally suited for graduates holding a Bachelor''''s degree in Philosophy or a related humanities discipline who possess a keen intellectual curiosity and a desire for advanced academic exploration. It particularly caters to fresh graduates aspiring to pursue higher education, research, or a career in academia as professors or scholars. Additionally, it benefits individuals preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC Civil Services, where a strong foundation in philosophy can provide a significant advantage. Working professionals seeking to enhance their analytical and ethical reasoning skills for roles in education, public policy, journalism, or content creation will also find this program enriching and career-advancing.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this M.A. Philosophy program are well-prepared for diverse career paths, primarily in academia and public service. They can pursue M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees, leading to positions as lecturers or researchers in universities and colleges across India. The program instills highly transferable skills in critical analysis, logical structuring of arguments, and nuanced understanding of diverse perspectives, making them suitable for roles in policy analysis, ethical advisory, and non-profit organizations. Furthermore, the rigorous intellectual training offers a strong foundation for cracking prestigious government competitive exams. While direct corporate placements are less common, the developed intellectual capabilities ensure long-term career growth and the ability to adapt to evolving professional landscapes.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Philosophical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the foundational texts of Indian and Western philosophy. Create concept maps for key theories and thinkers (e.g., Sankhya vs. Nyaya, Descartes vs. Locke). Participate in class discussions to clarify complex ideas and develop articulate arguments.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Online academic journals (e.g., JSTOR, PhilPapers via institutional access), Peer study groups
Career Connection
Builds a strong theoretical base essential for advanced studies, research, and critical thinking required in competitive exams and analytical roles.
Develop Analytical and Argumentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on dissecting philosophical arguments, identifying premises, conclusions, and fallacies. Practice writing structured essays that present a clear thesis, supported by evidence and logical reasoning. Seek feedback from professors on argument clarity and conciseness.
Tools & Resources
Writing centers (if available), Critical thinking textbooks, Peer review sessions, Public lectures on logic and epistemology
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving, persuasive communication, and logical reasoning—skills highly valued in academia, civil services, and any profession requiring robust intellectual engagement.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
While focusing on philosophy, explore related fields like literature, history, political science, and psychology. Understand how philosophical ideas manifest in broader cultural and societal contexts. This broadens perspective and enriches philosophical understanding.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s humanities section, Reputable online encyclopedias (e.g., Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), Engaging with current affairs through a philosophical lens
Career Connection
Prepares for interdisciplinary research, enriches perspectives for civil services, and fosters intellectual curiosity crucial for lifelong learning and adaptability in various roles.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Research Methodology and Thesis Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Focus on developing robust research methodology skills, including formulating research questions, choosing appropriate philosophical approaches, and critical analysis of sources. Begin planning for potential M.Phil/Ph.D. research or independent projects by identifying areas of interest and potential mentors.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, University research ethics committee guidelines, Faculty consultations for thesis/project guidance
Career Connection
Directly prepares for higher academic pursuits (M.Phil, Ph.D.) and equips with advanced research skills valuable in think tanks, policy research, and academic publishing.
Prepare for NET/JRF and Civil Services Exams- (Semester 3-4)
Systematically review the entire MA Philosophy syllabus with an eye towards competitive examinations like UGC NET/JRF (for lectureship/research) and UPSC Civil Services (for Philosophy optional). Solve previous year''''s question papers and join study groups dedicated to these exams.
Tools & Resources
NET/JRF previous year papers, UPSC Philosophy optional syllabi, Coaching materials, Online test series platforms
Career Connection
Direct pathway to academic careers in Indian universities as Assistant Professors or to prestigious roles in the Indian Administrative Service and allied services.
Engage in Philosophical Writing and Publication- (Semester 3-4)
Translate research interests into well-structured academic papers. Seek opportunities to present papers at student seminars or publish in university-level philosophical journals. Refine writing style for academic rigor and clarity.
Tools & Resources
University''''s departmental journal (if any), Guidance from professors on submission processes, Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Builds an academic portfolio, establishes scholarly presence, and refines communication skills essential for any intellectual profession.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 (4 credits per paper x 16 papers) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Indian Philosophy-I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Indian Philosophy, Vedic and Upanishadic Philosophy, Carvaka and Jainism, Buddhism, Nyaya-Vaisesika (Epistemology and Metaphysics) |
| Paper II | Western Philosophy-I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Western Philosophy, Greek Philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), Medieval Philosophy (St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas), Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz), Early Modern Philosophical Movements |
| Paper III | Problems of Epistemology & Metaphysics-I | Core | 4 | Nature and Definition of Knowledge, Sources of Knowledge, Theories of Truth, Scepticism and Justification, Metaphysics: Nature, Causality, Substance |
| Paper IV | Ethics-I | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Ethics, Moral and Non-Moral Actions, Theories of Punishment, Moral Responsibility and Free Will, Virtue Ethics (Aristotle, Indian perspectives) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper V | Indian Philosophy-II | Core | 4 | Samkhya and Yoga Philosophy, Mimamsa and its doctrines, Advaita Vedanta (Shankara), Vishishtadvaita Vedanta (Ramanuja), Dvaita Vedanta (Madhva) |
| Paper VI | Western Philosophy-II | Core | 4 | Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume), Kant''''s Critical Philosophy, German Idealism (Hegel), Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Nietzsche), Analytic Philosophy (Russell, Wittgenstein) |
| Paper VII | Problems of Epistemology & Metaphysics-II | Core | 4 | The Self and Personal Identity, Mind-Body Problem (Interactionism, Parallelism), Freedom and Determinism, Problem of Evil, Proofs for the Existence of God |
| Paper VIII | Ethics-II | Core | 4 | Normative Ethics (Deontology, Consequentialism), Metaethics (Cognitivism, Non-cognitivism), Applied Ethics (Environmental Ethics, Bioethics), Feminist Ethics, Justice and Rights in Ethics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper IX | Logic | Core | 4 | Propositional Logic (Truth Tables, Natural Deduction), Predicate Logic (Quantifiers, Validity), Informal Fallacies, Categorical Syllogism, Symbolic Logic and its Applications |
| Paper X | Social and Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Social Philosophy, Theories of Justice (Rawls, Nozick), Liberty, Equality, Rights, State and Sovereignty, Democracy, Secularism, Multiculturalism |
| Paper XI | Philosophy of Religion | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Philosophy of Religion, Faith and Reason, Religious Experience, Problem of Evil, Concept of God, Liberation/Salvation |
| Paper XII (A) | Elective: Value and Values | Elective | 4 | Nature of Value and Valuation, Subjectivity and Objectivity of Value, Classification of Values (Moral, Aesthetic, Religious), Fact-Value Distinction, Value Hierarchy and Conflict of Values |
| Paper XII (B) | Elective: Philosophy of Mind | Elective | 4 | Mind-Body Problem (Dualism, Materialism), Consciousness and Intentionality, Personal Identity, Artificial Intelligence and the Mind, Free Will and Determinism |
| Paper XII (C) | Elective: Philosophy of Language | Elective | 4 | Nature of Language and Meaning, Reference and Description, Theories of Meaning (Sense, Denotation), Speech Acts Theory, Language and Reality |
| Paper XII (D) | Elective: Phenomenology and Existentialism | Elective | 4 | Husserl''''s Phenomenology, Heidegger''''s Being and Time, Sartre''''s Existentialism, Freedom, Responsibility, and Authenticity, Anguish, Bad Faith, and the Absurd |
| Paper XII (E) | Elective: Philosophy of Science | Elective | 4 | Nature of Scientific Inquiry, Scientific Method and its Critics, Induction and Falsification, Scientific Explanation and Laws, Realism vs. Anti-Realism in Science |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper XIII | Contemporary Indian Philosophy | Core | 4 | Swami Vivekananda''''s Practical Vedanta, Mahatma Gandhi''''s Philosophy of Truth and Non-Violence, Sri Aurobindo''''s Integral Yoga, Rabindranath Tagore''''s Humanism, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan''''s Idealist Philosophy |
| Paper XIV | Contemporary Western Philosophy | Core | 4 | Logical Positivism and Verification Principle, Ordinary Language Philosophy (Wittgenstein), Phenomenology and Hermeneutics, Postmodernism and Post-structuralism, Analytic Philosophy (Quine, Kripke) |
| Paper XV | Philosophy of Education | Core | 4 | Aims and Ideals of Education, Curriculum Development (Philosophical Perspectives), Teacher-Student Relationship, Education and Society, Eastern and Western Philosophical Contributions to Education |
| Paper XVI (A) | Elective: Aesthetics | Elective | 4 | Nature of Art and Beauty, Aesthetic Experience and Judgment, Theories of Art (Imitation, Expression, Formalism), Art and Morality, Creativity and Imagination |
| Paper XVI (B) | Elective: Philosophy of Law | Elective | 4 | Nature and Function of Law, Natural Law Theory, Legal Positivism, Rights and Justice in Law, Punishment and Responsibility |
| Paper XVI (C) | Elective: Feminist Philosophy | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Patriarchy, Gender, and Sex, Feminist Epistemology and Standpoint Theory, Ethics of Care, Feminist Critiques of Traditional Philosophy, Intersectionality and Identity |
| Paper XVI (D) | Elective: Philosophy of Culture | Elective | 4 | Concept of Culture and Civilization, Cultural Relativism and Universalism, Multiculturalism and Identity, Tradition and Modernity, Culture, Power, and Resistance |
