Aim

No of Contact Hours: 108

· To provide a general introduction to the subject matter of Philosophy.

· To acquaint the student to the fundamental issues in Philosophy.

· To familiarize the students with the terminologies used in Philosophical discussions.

Classical definitions of Philosophy – Etymological meaning – Fields of Philosophy: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Logic, Aesthetics and Ethics (Definition and scope of each).

Reference

Honer, Hunt and Okholm, Invitation to Philosophy, Wadsworth

Velasquez Manuel, Philosophy a text with readings, Wadsworth (chapters 1,3 & 5)

Epistemology: Sources of Valid Knowledge (Pramanas) – Epistemological Theories: Rationalism, Empiricism, Skepticism.

Reference

Honer, Hunt and Okholm, Invitation to Philosophy, Wadsworth

TMP Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy

M. Hiriyanna, Essentials of Indian Philosophy

Velasquez Manuel, Philosophy a text with readings, Wadsworth (chapters 1,3 & 5)

Metaphysics: Ontology and cosmology – Metaphysical theories: Monism, Dualism, Pluralism, Materialism, Idealism, pragmatism, Positivism.

Reference

Frank Thilly, A History of Philosophy

Velasquez Manuel, Philosophy a text with readings, Wadsworth (chapters 1,3 & 5)

Course : 25 (a) (Complementary Course)

Methods of Philosophy: Socratic method – Bacon’s inductive method – Cartesian Method - Critical method of Kant

Reference

Frank Thilly, A History of Philosophy,

Velasquez Manuel, Philosophy a text with readings, Wadsworth (chapters 1,3 & 5)

WESTERN AESTHETICS

Credits: 4

No of Contact hours: 108

· To acquaint the student to the fundamental concepts of Aesthetics

· To acquaint the students to the Greek theories of Aesthetics (Plato and Aristotle).

· To acquaint the students to the modern western theories of Aesthetics.

Definition, Nature and Scope of Aesthetics – The process of Aesthetics: Aesthetic experience, expression and appreciation – Aesthetics as a Normative discipline with Beauty as its norm – relation to logic and ethics

Anne Sheppard, Aesthetics: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Art

E. F. Carritt, An Introduction to Aesthetics

Greek theories of Aesthetics – Plato’s twin theories: Condemnation of art, Educational value of art – Art as imitation – Aristotle: realistic typical theory of Aesthetics – Catharsis as the object of Art.

Reference

E.F. Carritt The theory of Beauty.

Kanti Chandra Pandey, Comparative Aesthetics (volume II).

Aesthetic theory of Kant – Formalism – Universality of Aesthetic Judgments – Distinction of aesthetic from logical and moral judgments – Aesthetic theory of Hegel – Art as expression of the Absolute in a concrete form – Symbolic, Classical and Romantic Art

Reference

E.F. Carritt The theory of Beauty.

Kanti Chandra Pandey, Comparative Aesthetics (volume II).

Course : 25 (b) (Complementary Course)

Marxian theory of Aesthetics – Social responsibility of the artist – Freudian theory of Aesthetics – Aesthetic Automatism

Reference

E.F. Carritt The theory of Beauty.

Kanti Chandra Pandey, Comparative Aesthetics (volume II).

AN INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Credits: 4

No of Contact hours: 108

Aim

This course is planned to enable the students to gain an understanding of the society.

Objectives

To gain an insight into the link between individual and society in order to understand how individual shapes society and how society shapes individuals.

To identify different sociological perspectives.

To understand the micro sociological foundation.

To analyze the mechanism of social dynamics.

Module I The Study of Society

Subject matter and significance of Sociology – emergence of Sociology, a brief historical outline – development of Sociology in India.

Module II Basic Concepts

Social interaction - nature and types. Society – types, characteristics. Social structure – elements of social structure. Social groups – characteristics and types – social institutions, meaning, characteristics and types.

Module III Micro Sociological Foundations

The concept of Self – theoretical perspective. Socialization – definition, aims and agencies. Social control – definition and types. Conformity and deviance.

Module IV Social Dynamics

Definition and forms, factors of social change. Related concepts – progress, evolution, development and modernization.

References: -

Haralambos M and R M Harald: Sociology Themes and Perspectives OUP, New Delhi 1994.
Deshpande Satish – Contemporary India: Sociologcal Perspective, Penguin 2000
Giddens Antony – Sociology, Polity Press 2006, New York.
Macionis J K. Plummer – Sociology A global Introduction (3^rd edition) prentice Hall
SEMESTER II

S2PHCR12 Traditional Logic

S2PHCP26(a) Indian Aesthetics

S2SOCP26(b) Development of Sociological Theory

TRADITIONAL LOGIC

Course : 12

No of Contact Hours: 108

· To acquaint the students with the fundamentals of Traditional Logic.

· To acquaint the students with reasoning exercises in Deductive Logic.

· To acquaint the students with reasoning exercises in Inductive Logic.

Introduction: Terms, Propositions and Arguments (brief description) – Deductive reasoning – Difference between deduction and induction – Laws of Thought.

I.M. Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic.

Creighton and Smart, Introduction to Logic.

Categorical propositions: Classification according to Quality, Quantity and distribution of Terms in AEIO propositions – Euler’s circle – Immediate and Mediate inferences – Square of Opposition – Eduction: Conversion, Obversion.

I.M. Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic.

Creighton and Smart, Introduction to Logic.

Deductive arguments – Categorical Syllogisms: Rules and Fallacies – Hypothetical and Disjunctive syllogisms: Rules and Fallacies – Dilemma – Rebutting the Dilemma.

I.M. Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic.

Creighton and Smart, Introduction to Logic.

Induction – Types of Induction: Enumerative induction, Scientific induction and Analogy (brief description) – Characteristics of scientific induction – Stages of scientific induction – Postulates of Induction – Scientific definition of cause according to J.S.Mill – Problem of induction – Grounds of inductive reasoning.

Course : 26 (a)(Complementary course)

I.M. Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic.

Creighton and Smart, Introduction to Logic.

INDIAN AESTHETICS

Credits: 4

No of Contact hours: 108

· To introduce the students to Indian Aesthetics.

· To acquaint the students to the concept of Rasa and its constituents.

· To acquaint the students to the concept of Dhvani.

· To acquaint the students to some of the theories of art in the Indian Philosophical tradition.

Indian terminology for art (Saundarya Sastra), Comparison of Indian and Western Aesthetics – Beauty and Aesthetics: Definition of Art in the Indian Tradition – Place of art and beauty in Vedas and Upanisads – Samkhya and Advaita theory of Art.

S. S. Barlingay, A Modern Introduction to Indian Aesthetic Theory

Ramaswami Sastri, The Indian Concept of the Beautiful

T P Ramachandran, Indian Philosophy of Beauty (Part I and II

R. Ravindran Pillai, Outline of Aesthetics

The theory of Rasa in the context of Drama: the process of realization of Rasa – Bhava and Rasa – Vibhava, Anubhava, Vyabhicaribhava, Sthayibhava and Rasa.

S. S. Barlingay, A Modern Introduction to Indian Aesthetic Theory

Ramaswami Sastri, The Indian Concept of the Beautiful

T P Ramachandran, Indian Philosophy of Beauty (Part I and II

R. Ravindran Pillai, Outline of Aesthetics

A Sankaran, The Theories of Rasa and Dhvani

Kanti Chandra Pandey, Comparative Aesthetics (Vol I)

The theory of Rasa in the context of poetry: Poetics or Kavyasastra – Theories of composition: Alamkara

S. S. Barlingay, A Modern Introduction to Indian Aesthetic Theory

Ramaswami Sastri, The Indian Concept of the Beautiful

T P Ramachandran, Indian Philosophy of Beauty (Part I and II

R. Ravindran Pillai, Outline of Aesthetics

The theory of Dhvani: Explanations by Anandavardana – Functions of words: Abhida, Laksana and Vyanjana – Sphota theory: Bartrhari’s contribution – Varieties of Dhvani

S. S. Barlingay, A Modern Introduction to Indian Aesthetic Theory

T P Ramachandran, Indian Philosophy of Beauty (Part I and II

R. Ravindran Pillai, Outline of Aesthetics

A Sankaran, The Theories of Rasa and Dhvani

Kanti Chandra Pandey, Comparative Aesthetics (Vol I)

DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY

Course 26 (b) Complementary course

Credits : 4

No. of Contact Hours : 108

Aim: -

After completion of this course on development of Sociological theory, the student is expected to familiarize the development of Sociology as a theoretical discipline and understand the contribution of classical sociology in understanding and conceptualizing society.

Objectives

To familiarize the historical conditions in which Sociology emerged
To familiarize the intellectual roots which have influenced the development of Sociological thought.
To familiarize different methodological approaches of classical Sociologists.

Module I Origin and Development of Sociological Theories

Social thought – Social philosophy – social theory – Historical conditions which paved way to the development of Sociological theories.

Module II Pioneers of Sociological Thought

Augustus Comte – Positivism, Law of three stages – hierarchy of sciences.

Spencer – social Darwinism, Evolution, organic Analogy

Module III Development of Academic Sociology

Contribution of Emile Durkheim, Social Facts, Social solidarity, theory of Suicide.

Module IV Contribution of Max Weber

Sociology as a study of social action, types of social actions, Protestant ethics and the spirit of Capitalism.

References: -

Coser Lewis – Masters of Sociological Thought, Rawat Publications, Jaipur, 1996.
Francis Abraham – An Introduction to Concepts and Theories, OUP, New Delhi.
George Ritzu – Sociological Theory, Mc Graw Hill 1993.
Collins Randell – Sociological Theory, Rawat Publications, Jaipur, 1997.

SEMESTER III

S3PHCR13 Symbolic Logic

S3PHCR14 Philosophy of Informatics

S3PHCP27(a) Socio-Political Thought

S3PSCP27(b) Ancient and Medieval Political Thought

S3PHCP27(c) Logic

SYMBOLIC LOGIC

Course : 13

· To introduce the students to the basic concepts of Symbolic Logic.

· To familiarize the students with the advantages of symbolization.

Logic and Language : three basic functions of language – emotively neutral language – symbolic logic and traditional logic – advantages of symbolization.

I M Copi, Symbolic Logic (5^th Edition)

I M Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic

Chhanda Chakraborti, Logic Informal, Symbolic & Inductive

Statements and Arguments – constants and variables – truth and validity – simple and compound statements – truth-functional compound statements : conjunction, negation, disjunction, implication and biconditional – truth tables.

I M Copi, Symbolic Logic (5^th Edition)

I M Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic

Chhanda Chakraborti, Logic Informal, Symbolic & Inductive

Truth table technique for problem solving – Statement forms: Tautology, Contradiction and Contingent.

I M Copi, Symbolic Logic (5^th Edition)

I M Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic

Chhanda Chakraborti, Logic Informal, Symbolic & Inductive

Rules of Inference and their applications – Proving invalidity.

I M Copi, Symbolic Logic (5^th Edition)

I M Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic

Chhanda Chakraborti, Logic Informal, Symbolic & Inductive

PHILOSOPHY OF INFORMATICS

Course : 14

Contact hours: 72

Objectives:

· To introduce the philosophical foundations of informatics

· To create awareness about social issues and concerns of I.T.

· To enable students to use digital knowledge resources in philosophical studies.

Informatics: Definitions and its philosophical meanings- Informatics as Art, Science, human dimensions of Information Technology, roots and applications of Information Technology, social consequences of Information Technology. Term meaning of Key concepts: Data, Information, Knowledge, Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, Memory, Internet- as information carriage, as memory platform, as cyber space. (Application of I.T. in philosophical studies)

Reference

V. Rajaraman, Introduction to Information Technology. Prentice Hall

Luciano Fleridi, What is the internet?, (3rd chapter), Philosophy and computing- an introduction, Routledge, London

LipSchutz Seymonr, Discrete Mathematics, Schaums Series

Epistemology and methods of Informatics: distinction between cognition and knowledge, transition from cognition to information, cognitive style of information – analytic, heuristic, intuitive , perceptive, receptive, communicative and systematic. Processing for information – logical constants, logical methods – use of flow chart, decision trees, truth tables, bites and logical gates process of memorizing- encoding, decoding, storage, retrieval

Reference

Owen Flanagan, Cognitive Science and Charms of GOFAI Chapter 6 (P.224-31) in The Science of the Mind, M.I.T, Cambridge 2^nd ed.

Ernest R. Hilgard & Rita Atkinson, Information processing models of thinking (in chapter 10)

Introduction to Psychology, Oxford

Artificial Intelligence – as ontology of informatics, philosophical significance of Artificial Intelligence in the context of philosophical approach to intelligence: Intelligence

1. as independent to biological body and mind, dependent (rationalist dualism of cartesianism)

2. as complex property of physical body and dependent to living organism (materialist monism)

3. as translatable into logico-philosophical system (computational materialism)

4. ratiocination of, through symbolic process

5. in functional behaviouriest perspective

6. as subtle and constituent of biological body but different from Consciousness (Sankhya perspective)

Reference

Luciano Floridi, GOFAI (1^st Section) in Artificial intelligence,Chapter 5,in Philosophy and Computing-an introduction, Routledge, London.

Manuel Velasquez, The Computer view of Human Nature, in Philosophy (Chapter 2.3.5) Wadsworth

M. Hiriyanna, Samkhya Yoga, in outlines of Indian Philosophy

Course : 27 (a)(Complementary course)

Cyber Ethics – Issues of privacy and freedom, cyber crime,digital divide, propagation of anti-national and terrerist ideas, reduction of social bonds by group and Individual occupation, issues in Security data, piracy and Intellectual property Rights, Green computing and e-wastes. Health issues.

Reference

Tavani H.J, Ethics and Technology: Ethical Issues in an age of Information and Communication Technology, John Wiley and Sons.

R. Spinello & H. Tavani, Readings in Cyber Ethics

SOCIO-POLITICAL THOUGHT

OBJECTIVES: To introduce students the issues relating to state and society

David Stewart H Gene Blocher, Fundamentals of Philosophy Peasson 2008

Individual and Society and its inter-relation with Individual and the state. Key terms, Individual, society and state.

Reference

MacIver and Page, Society Surjeet publishers.

Mackenzie, Social philosophy

Social life and social relationship Human Equality, Human rights Justice and its norms – merit, equality, social utility, need and ability and liberty, Individual happiness and social responsibility, Multi culturalism and minority group – right, Gandhian concept of Grama Swaraj.

Reference

David Stewart and H Gene Blocker, Fundamentals of philosophy, Pearson 2008 (chapter 8)

Individual and state: Greek systems – Aristocracy, Democracy, Obligarchy and Plutocracy, sophistic relativism, Plato’s ideal state, Aristotle’s best practicable state.

Reference

Sabine G.H, A history of political thought, O.U.P. 1996

Bhandari, History of European Political Thought

Individual and state modern period – Liberalism – social contract, capitalism, Democracy, Gandhian view of Decentralisation – Sarvodaya, Rawl’s view on Global justice.

Reference

Sabine G.H, A history of Political thought, O.U.P. 1998

Peter Singer, One world, Orient Longman 2002

Bhandari, History of European Political Thought

ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL POLITICAL THOUGHT

Course 27 (b) Complementary course

No. of credits – 4

No. of Contact Hours – 108

Course Rationale:

The course deals with the ideas of ancient and medieval thinkers about the State and other institutions with a view to build in the students an overall outlook about Political Thought and its Relevance in the modern world.

Module I

Introduction to Political Philosophy

Features of ancient Greek thought – life and teachings of Socrates – features of Indian political thought; Kautilya – system of Monarchy, Saptanga theory of state.

Module II Plato

Ideal state, ideas of justice, education, communism.

Module III Aristotle

Evolution, Nature of state, classification of government, concepts of slavery, citizenships and revolution.

Module IV St Thomas Aquinas and Nicholo Machiavelli

St Thomas Aquinas: Conception and Classification of Laws

Nicholo Machiavelli – Separation of Politics and Ethics, Human Nature and Political Power, Realism.

References: -

Ebenstein – Great Political Thinkers (Plato to Present), Sterling Publishers Pvt Limited, New Delhi, 2007.
G. Sabine – History of Political Theory – PHI, New Delhi 2004.
J C Johari – Political Thought, Ancient; Sterling Publishers Pvt Ltd, new Delhi 2004.
Bhandari – History of European Political Philosophy; OUP; New Delhi
Dunning – History of political Theories; S Chand and Company Ltd, New Delhi 2000
M G Gupta – History of Political Thought; Macmillian India Ltd, 1998.
Carew Hunt – The Theory andPractice of Communism: The World Press Private Ltd, 1988.
Bertrand Russell – History of Western Philosophy, London 1955
M Judel Harmen – Political Thought – From Plato to the Present; MacGraw Hill Book Company New York 1964
Fifty Great Political Thinkers – Lanadamas and R W Dyson: Sterling Publishers Pvt Ltd, New Delhi 2007
C C Maxey – Political Philosopers, Surjeeth Publications
Ramaswamy and Mukherji – Political Thought prentice Hall.

LOGIC

(Complementary course for the Economics programme – 3^rd semester)

Course : 27 (c)

No. of credits: 4

· To acquaint the students with the fundamentals of Traditional Logic.

· To acquaint the students with reasoning exercises in Deductive Logic.

· To acquaint the students with reasoning exercises in Inductive Logic.

Introduction: Terms, Propositions and Arguments (brief description) – Deductive reasoning – Difference between deduction and induction – Laws of Thought.

I.M. Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic.

Creighton and Smart, Introduction to Logic

Module II

I.M. Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic.

Creighton and Smart, Introduction to Logic.

Deductive arguments – Categorical Syllogisms: Rules and Fallacies – Hypothetical and Disjunctive syllogisms: Rules and Fallacies – Dilemma – Rebutting the Dilemma.

I.M. Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic.

Creighton and Smart, Introduction to Logic

Module IV

I.M. Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic.

Creighton and Smart, Introduction to Logic

SEMESTER IV

S4PHCR15 Ancient and Medieval Western Philosophy

S4PHCR16 Beginnings of Indian Philosophy

S4PHCP28(a) Peace Studies

S4PSCP28(b) Modern Political Thought

S4PHCP28(c) Symbolic Logic

ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL WESTERN PHILOSOPHY

Course: 15

· To introduce the students to the fundamental concepts of Ancient and Medieval Western Philosophy.

Early Greek Philosophy: Origin and Development – Ionian Cosmology – The four stages of development of Greek Philosophy– Pre-Socratic, Socratic, Aristotelian, Post-Aristotelian (a brief account) – The Problem of Substance and Change – Parmenides – Heraclitus.

Thilly Frank, A History of Philosophy, Surjeet Publishers

W.T. Stace, Greek Philosophy Surjeet Publishers

Fowler A, History of Western Philosophy,CBH

The Sophists – Rhetoric – Homo Mensura – The Philosophy of the Sophists – The Socratic Problem – The Socratic Ethics – Virtue is Knowledge.

Thilly Frank, A History of Philosophy, Surjeet Publishers

W.T. Stace Greek Philosophy Surjeet Publishers

Fowler A History of Western Philosophy,CBH

The Age of the Systems: Plato – Allegory of the Cave – Study of Meno – Aristotle – Form and Matter – Potentiality and Actuality – The Four Causes.

Thilly Frank, A History of Philosophy, Surjeet Publishers

W.T. Stace Greek Philosophy Surjeet Publishers

Fowler A History of Western Philosophy,CBH

Medieval Philosophy: General characteristics – St Thomas Aquinas – Philosophy and Theology – Proofs for the existence of God.

Thilly Frank, A History of Philosophy, Surjeet Publishers

W.T. Stace Greek Philosophy Surjeet Publishers

Fowler A History of Western Philosophy,CBH

BEGINNINGS OF INDIAN PHILOSOPHY

Course : 16

No of Contact Hours: 72

· To introduce the students to the salient features of Classical Indian Philosophy.

· To acquaint the students to the origin and development of Indian Philosophy from a historical perspective.

Salient features of Indian Philosophy – The Four Vedas and their divisions – Development of Vedic religion– polytheism, monotheism, henotheism, monism- personalistic and impersonalistic. concept of Rta

T.M.P. Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy,

M. Hiriyanna, Essentials of Indian Philosophy

C D Sharma, Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy

The Upanisads – The Principal Upanisads –concept of reality- Atman – Brahman (cosmic and acosmic views) – Identity of Atman and Brahman – practical teaching -Moksha

T.M.P. Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy,

M. Hiriyanna, Essentials of Indian Philosophy

C D Sharma, Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy

The Bhagavad Gita – Concept of Niskamakarma – Synthesis of Yoga – sthithaprajna and Lokasamgraha

T.M.P. Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy,

M. Hiriyanna, Essentials of Indian Philosophy

C D Sharma, Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy

Origin and development of the Systems of Indian Philosophy – Astika and Nastika darshanas -sutra Literature.

Course : 28 (a)(Complementary course)

T.M.P. Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy,

M. Hiriyanna, Essentials of Indian Philosophy

C D Sharma, Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy

PEACE STUDIES

No. of Contact hours: 108

OBJECTIVES: To equip the students with philosophical analysis on the socio-political issues of contemporary life.

Concept of Peace – interpretation of the term truce between war, positive meaning, quiet and tranquility. Issues related to peace – Justice, dignity of Man, Human Rights violation, Human Equality, Reconciliation and Democracy, tolerance verses acceptance, insider – outsider.

Reference

Peter Singer, Practical Ethics, Cambridge (chapter 9)

Peter Singer, One World, Orient Longman (chapter 4 & 5)

Peace in Indian Tradition – Vedic concept of three kinds of disturbance of peace, from living being, unseen forces, body and mind, and quest for Eternal Peace, peace and concept of Dharma, Gita concept of Lokasamgraha, Buddha’s concept of happiness and pleasantness for all, peace through the elimination of ignorance. Gandhi on peace through satyagraha, concept of National Integration, Dalai Llama – true peace comes from within.

Reference

T.M.P. Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy.

J.B. Kripalani, Theory of Satyagraha in Gandhi and his life and thought, Govt. of India.

Dalai Llama, speech on receiving Nobel prize

Peter Singer, One world

Theories of peace – Hobbe’s concept of quarrel – competition, desire for safety, desire for recognition. Kant’s concept of morally autonomous being, John Rawl’s rules of people, Gandhi on moral and soul force of satyagraha, Law and civil disobedience.

Reference

Ranabira Samaddara, Introductory essay - Peace Studies, Sage books

R. Balasubrahmaniam, Technique of Non-violent resistance, Gandhian thought, published by University of Madras, 1981.

Peter Singer, One world

Peace and International Society – philosophical analysis of peace initiatives – (1) coercive (threat system) (2) co-operative (regulated exchange system) (3) convergent (trans-national integration through values) (4) Non-violent resistance

Reference

Ranabira Samaddara, Introductory essay - Peace Studies, Sage books

R. Balasubrahmaniam, Technique of Non-violent resistance, Gandhian thought, published by University of Madras, 1981.

MODERN POLITICAL THOUGHT

Course 28 (b) Complementary course

Credits – 4

No. of Contact Hours – 108

Course Rationale :

This course is intended to provide a detailed understanding of various political theories, thoughts and ideas. It also aims to make the student competent enough to build their own ideas about various social and political issues.

Module I Contractualists

Thomas Hobbes – state of Nature, social contract, nature and attributes of state.

John Locke – state of Nature, natural rights, nature of the state.

Jean Jacques Rousseau – State of Nature, social contract, general will

Module II Utilitarianism

Jeremy Bentham – pleasure and pain theory

J S Mill – liberty and representative government

Module III Idealism

Hegel – dialectics, state, freedom,T H Green – state, rights and freedom,

M K Gandhi – Truth, Non-violence and Satyagraha

Module IV Socialist Thinkers

Marx – father of scientific socialism,Lenin – imperialism, party organization

John Rawls – theory of Justice,Antonio Gramsci – Hegemony

References: -

Ebenstein – Great Political Thinkers (Plato to Present), Sterling Publishers Pvt Limited, New Delhi, 2007.
G. Sabine – History of Political Theory – PHI, New Delhi 2004.
J C Johari – Political Thought, Ancient; Sterling Publishers Pvt Ltd, new Delhi 2004.
Bhandari – History of European Political Philosophy; OUP; New Delhi
Dunning – History of political Theories; S Chand and Company Ltd, New Delhi 2000
M G Gupta – History of Political Thought; Macmillian India Ltd, 1998.
Carew Hunt – The Theory andPractice of Communism: The World Press Private Ltd, 1988.
Bertrand Russell – History of Western Philosophy, London 1955
M Judel Harmen – Political Thought – From Plato to the Present; MacGraw Hill Book Company New York 1964
Fifty Great Political Thinkers – Lanadamas and R W Dyson: Sterling Publishers Pvt Ltd, New Delhi 2007

SYMBOLIC LOGIC

(Complementary course for the Economics programme – 4^th semester)

Course : 28 (c)

No. of credits: 4

· To introduce the students to the basic concepts of Symbolic Logic.

· To familiarize the students with the advantages of symbolization.

Logic and Language: three basic functions of language – emotively neutral language – symbolic logic and traditional logic – advantages of symbolization.

I M Copi, Symbolic Logic (5^th Edition)

I M Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic

Chhanda Chakraborti, Logic Informal, Symbolic & Inductive

Module II

Statements and Arguments – constants and variables – truth and validity – simple and compound statements – truth-functional compound statements: conjunction, negation, disjunction, implication and biconditional – truth tables.

I M Copi, Symbolic Logic (5^th Edition)

I M Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic

Chhanda Chakraborti, Logic Informal, Symbolic & Inductive

Truth table technique for problem solving – Statement forms: Tautology, Contradiction and Contingent.

I M Copi, Symbolic Logic (5^th Edition)

I M Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic

Chhanda Chakraborti, Logic Informal, Symbolic & Inductive

Rules of Inference and their applications – Proving invalidity.

I M Copi, Symbolic Logic (5^th Edition)

I M Copi and Carl Cohen, Introduction to Logic

Chhanda Chakraborti, Logic Informal, Symbolic & Inductive

SEMESTER V

S5PHCR17 Modern Western Philosophy

S5PHCR18 Systems of Indian Philosophy

S5PHCR19 Fundamentals of Ethics

S5PHCR20 Modern Indian Thought

S5OHOP29 Open course for philosophy programme

S5PHOP29(a) Philosophy of Science

S5PHOP29(b) Philosophy of Self- Management

S5PHOP29(c) Yoga and Personality Development

S5PHOP29(d) Logic and Reasoning Aptitude

S5PHOP29(e) Applied Ethics

S5PHOP29(f) Introduction to Philosophical Analysis

MODERN WESTERN PHILOSOPHY

Course : 17

· To familiarize the students to the fundamental concepts in Modern Western Philosophy.

Critique of scholasticism – Transition from Medieval to Modern Western Philosophy.

Rationalism – Descartes: Method of doubt – Cogito ergo sum – Innate ideas – Dualism – Interactionism – Spinoza: Monism – substance, modes and relations – Psycho-physical parallelism – Leibniz: Monads – Its distinctive features – Doctrine of Pre-established harmony.

Frederick Copleston, History of Philosophy

Relevant volumes of Cambridge Companion series.

Empiricism: John Locke: Rejection of innate ideas – tabula rasa – primary and secondary qualities – George Berkeley: Rejection of abstract ideas – esse est percipii – David Hume: Impressions and ideas – Rejection of causality and Self.

Frederick Copleston, History of Philosophy

Kant and Hegel – Kant: Copernican revolution in Philosophy – Theory of Knowledge – Intuitions of Space and Time and Categories of Understanding – Table of Judgments – Phenomena and Noumena – Hegel: Absolute Idealism – Dialectics.

Frederick Copleston, History of Philosophy

SYSTEMS OF INDIAN PHILOSOPHY

Course : 18

No of Contact Hours: 108

· To introduce the students to the orthodox and heterodox systems of Indian Philosophy

The Nastika Darshanas – Carvaka materialism – Refutation of Inference – Carvaka ethics – Buddhisim - Four Noble truths – Theory of dependant origination – Theory of momentariness – No-soul theory – Jainism – Categories – Anekantavada – Syadvada – Triratnas

T.M.P. Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy

M. Hiriyanna, Essentials of Indian Philosophy

Dutta and Chatterjee, Introduction to Indian Philosophy

C D Sharma, Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy

Nyaya-Vaisesika – Pramanas accepted by Nyaya – Categories of Vaisesika – Atomism – Asatkaryavada

T.M.P. Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy

M. Hiriyanna, Essentials of Indian Philosophy

Dutta and Chatterjee, Introduction to Indian Philosophy

C D Sharma, Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy

Samkhya-Yoga – Prakrthi and Purusa – Concept of evolution – Satkaryavada – Eight limbs of Yoga

T.M.P. Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy

M. Hiriyanna, Essentials of Indian Philosophy

Dutta and Chatterjee, Introduction to Indian Philosophy

C D Sharma, Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy

Purva Mimamsa – Concept of Dharma

Vedanta – Advaita – Nirguna Brahman – Maya and Levels of Reality – Concept of Jivanmukti

Visistadvaita – Brahman, Jiva and Jagat – Bhakti and Prapatti

Dvaita – Concept of Pancabhedas

T.M.P. Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy

M. Hiriyanna, Essentials of Indian Philosophy

Dutta and Chatterjee, Introduction to Indian Philosophy

C D Sharma, Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy

FUNDAMENTALS OF ETHICS

Course : 19

· To introduce the students to the fundamental concepts in Ethics.

Definition, Nature and Scope of Ethics – Psychology of Moral Action: Desire, Wish, Will, Character, Conduct – Freedom of Will - Postulates of Ethics

J.S. Mackenzie, A Manual of Ethics

Tom L Beauchamp, An Introduction to Ethics, William Lillie

Tom L Beauchamp, Philosophical Ethics

Classical ethical theories: Consequentialist theory – Psychological Hedonism - Utilitarianism of J S Mill – Deontological theory – Immanuel Kant and W D Ross – Self-realization theory – F H Bradley – Pragmatic theory – John Dewey

William Lillie, An Introduction to Ethics

Gordon Graham, Eight Theories of Ethics

W D Hudson, Modern Moral Philosophy

Metaethical theories: Distinction between ethical cognitivism and non-cognitivism – Ethical Naturalism and Non- naturalism – Naturalistic Fallacy – G E Moore – Emotivism -Prescriptivism - Ethical Skepticism – Approach by Logical Positivists

William Lillie, An Introduction to Ethics

Gordon Graham, Eight Theories of Ethics

W D Hudson, Modern Moral Philosophy

Indian Ethics – Karma theory and the predicament of the individual – means to freedom – ethical codes: Traditional, concept of Dharma , Purushartas, The Gita view of Nishkama karma , Buddhistic view of Eightfold path, Jaina view of Anuvrata and Mahavrata, Triratnas. Modern view – ethical role of citizen, moral values of the Preamble of the Constitution of India – Fundamental rights and duties according to the Constitution of India.

M Hiriyanna, Essentials of Indian Philosophy, MLBD

S Radhakrishnan, An Idealistic View of Life, OUP

Constitution of India, Preamble, Article 51 A, Part III (Articles 12 – 35)

MODERN INDIAN THOUGHT

Course : 20

· To acquaint the students to some of the fundamental concepts propounded by modern Indian thinkers.

Neo-Vedanta in Indian context – Swami Vivekananda: Nature and Ideal of Universal Religion

Sri Aurobindo – Evolution and Involution, Integral Yoga

Ramana Maharshi – Method of Self-enquiry

T M P Mahadevan and C V Saroja, Contemporary Indian Philosophy

B K Lal, Contemporary Indian Philosophy.

T M P Mahadevan Philosophy of existence, Ramana asharam

Sri Aurobindo, Integral Yoga

Arthur Osborne (Ed), The Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi in His Own Words

Neo vedantha in social context of Kerala- Sri Narayana Guru: Philosophy of Advaita – Critique of caste - Chattampi Swamikal – Vedadhikara Nirupanam

Nitya Caitanya Yati Jatinirnaya (commentary),

Prof. G. Balakrishnan Nair, Complete works of Sri Narayana Guru (relevant sections only)

K Maheshwaran Nair, The Complete Works of Chattampi Swamikal

Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi – Truth, Non-violence, Trusteeship and Satyagraha - Concept of Social justice – Gandhi and Ambedkar

T M P Mahadevan and C V Saroja, Contemporary Indian Philosophy

B K Lal, Contemporary Indian Philosophy.

B R Ambedkar, Abolition of Untouchability (Vol.9 &10)

Radical Spiritualism – J Krishnamurthy – concept of freedom

Osho – Concept of yoga and Meditation

Reference

J Krishnamurthy, Freedom from the Known

Osho, Meditations (Relevant chapters from the series)

PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE

Course : 29(a) (Open course)

No. of Contact hours: 72

OBJECTIVES: To introduce philosophical issues and perspectives on the methods and the nature of Scientific knowledge.

Concept of Scientific knowledge – derived from observation, inductive method and objectively proven, reliable, rational knowledge, progress of scientific knowledge and Absolute knowledge.

References:

Chalmers A.F., What is this thing called Science, The Open University Press, 1978 Chapter I & II

Ladyman, James, Understanding Philosophy of Science, Routledge, London.

Naïve Inductivism, Scientific Inductivism – Hume’s criticism – irrationality of knowledge - Logical positivist response to Hume - Superiority of scientific knowledge – Theory independent observation, inductive method, methodological monism, verifiability Absolute knowledge.

References:

Chalmers A.F. What is this thing called Science, The Open University Press 1978 chapters I & II

Frank Thilly, A History of Philosophy, Central Publishers, Allahabad.

Ladyman, James, Understanding Philosophy of Science, Routledge, London.

Falsification – Observation Presupposes Theory – conjectures and refutations – degrees of falsifiability - verisimilitude.

Reference:

Chalmers A.F. What is this thing called Science

Ladyman, James, Understanding Philosophy of Science, Routledge, London.

Module IV

Theories as structure: (1) Lakatos’ concept of Scientific research programme – progressive and degenerative research programme. (2) Kuhn’s view of Scientific Revolution – pre-science, Normal science, puzzles, Anomalies crisis revolution paradigm- shift incommensurability and progress of scientific knowledge . Relativism of scientific knowledge, Anarchistic Theory of knowledge.

Reference:

Chalmers A.F. What is this thing called Science chapters VII, VIII & XII

Ladyman, James, Understanding Philosophy of Science, Routledge, London.

PHILOSOPHY OF SELF-MANAGEMENT

Course : 29 (b) (Open course)

· To bring out the significance of Philosophy in daily life.

· To create an awareness among students for the need of inculcating Philosophical ideals in one’s own life.

Philosophy: its theoretical and practical nature – understanding Philosophy as a reflective and critical approach to life and reality.

Carel and Gamez, What Philosophy is, Viva Publications

Robert C Solomon, Introducing Philosophy, Oxford

The Bhagavad Gita and Self-management: Conflict resolution in man: The Venue of conflict in the Gita as a case of the inner conflict in man – Cultivating emotional stability as the method of its resolution – sthithaprajna – the ideal of samatvam – A comparison with Plato’s wisdom – yoga as efficiency in action. – cultivation of Yama and Niyama in yoga system

Swami Ranganathananda, The Universal Message of the Gita

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, The Bhagavad Gita

Buddhism and Self-management: Analysis of Human suffering: the concept of suffering, cause and the way to its removal – the four noble truths – the need of cultivating mindfulness – the doctrine of middle path.

Harold Coward, Eva Dargyay, Ronald Newfeldt, Readings in Eastern Religions Satguru publications

Existentialism and Self-management – Self-identity and the responsibility of choice – the concept of existence – human predicament – bad faith – authentic existence – stages of life – the Aesthetic, ethical and religious – freedom and responsibility.

Carel and Gamez, What Philosophy is, Viva Publications

Robert C Solomon, Introducing Philosophy, Oxford

Mrinal Kanti Bhadra, Critical Survey of Phenomenology and Existentialism,(ICPR)

YOGA AND PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

Course : 29(c) (Open course)

OBJECTIVES:

· To acquaint the student to the philosophical basis of Yoga

· To equip students to acquire good personality traits

Yoga – term meaning - definition of Patanjali – cessation of Mental modifications - Metaphysical relation between Mind and Consciousness, Forms of Mind – Prakchya, Pravritti and sthiti.

Reference

Vivekananda Swami – Rajayoga, Advaita Ashrama, Kolkata

Mind and its modifications – right knowledge (pramana), wrong knowledge (viparyaya) verbal delusion (vikalpa) memory (smriti) sleep (nidra). Cessation of modification through practice and detachment, Five fold pain and reduction of pain.

Reference

Vivekananda Swami – Rajayoga, Yoga – Sutras of Patanjali I (1-15) and II (3 – 9), Advaita Ashrama, Kolkata

Concept of Personality and approaches to understand Personality – trait approach, analysis approach. Yoga concept of fivefold mental attitude - Five kinds of Personalities – dull mind, dissipated mind, oscillating mind, one pointed mind, concentrated mind.

Reference

Vivekananda Swami – Rajayoga, Advaita Ashrama, Kolkata

Yogasutras of Patanjali in (1-7)

Course : 29(d) (Open course)

Eight limbs of Yoga: External practice – Two kinds Ethical disciplines, control of Body, Breath and Withdrawal of sense-organs internal practice – concentration, meditation and absorption.

Reference

Vivekananda Swami – Rajayoga, Advaita Ashrama, Kolkata

R. Ravi Shanker, The Philosophy of Yoga of Patanjali – an overall view

LOGIC AND REASONING APTITUDE

OBJECTIVES: To acquaint the students to the principles of logical reasoning.

What is Logic – Logic as a science of reasoning - The value and uses of Logic

Arguments, premises and Conclusions - Arguments and premises Indicators - Premise Indicators - Arguments without premises and conclusion Indicators.

Robert Baum, Logic, 4^th Edition, Harcourt Brace College Publishers, New York

Robert. J. Kreyche, Logic for undergraduates, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc, NewYork.

Recognizing Arguments - Distinguishing Arguments from Non-arguments - Loosely associated statements and reports - Expository passages and Illustrations - Explanation and conditional statements - Necessary and sufficient conditions

Robert Baum, Logic, 4^th Edition, Harcourt Brace College Publishers, New York

Robert. J. Kreyche, Logic for undergraduates, Holt, Rinehart and Winston,Inc,NewYork.

Sybil Wolfram, Philosophic logic - an introduction, Rutledge publications, London

Creighton & Smart, Logic, Cornell University Publication, New York

I.M. Copi & Carl Cohen,Introduction to logic, Prentice Hall. New York

Deduction and Induction - Distinguishing Deductive Arguments from Inductive arguments - The form or style of deductive arguments - The form or style of inductive arguments - Arguments in science – Practice Problem

Reference

Robert Baum,Logic, 4^th Edition, Harcourt Brace College Publishers, New York

I.M. Copi & Carl Cohen, Introduction to logic, Prentice Hall. New York

Validity Truth Soundness Strength and Cogency - Evaluating deductive and Inductive arguments - Sound arguments - Strong inductive Arguments - Cogent arguments - Argument forms – Proving invalidity - Valid and invalid argument forms - Invalid arguments - Non syllogistic arguments

Course : 29(e) (Open course)

Robert Baum, Logic, 4^th Edition, Harcourt Brace College Publishers, New York

Robert. J. Kreyche, Logic for undergraduates, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc, New York.

Morris. R. Cohen &Ernest Nagel, An Introduction to Logic and Scientificmethod, Allied Publishers Pvt. Ltd.

I.M. Copi & Carl Cohen, Introduction to logic, Prentice Hall. New York

APPLIED ETHICS

· To introduce the students to the basic concepts of Applied Ethics

General Introduction – Normative ethics and Applied Ethics -philosophical analysis of issues in public and private life – Case based reasoning – theory to particular case vs focusing on facts of case – Ethical issues in technological age - the relevance of Applied ethics.

Peter Singer, Practical Ethics

Hans Jonas Towards a philosophy of Technology in Philosophy of Technology Oxford.

Bioethics – Termination of life (a) before birth – abortion – status of fetus- personhood – (b) after birth - Euthanasia – active and passive – voluntary and involuntary. Surrogate motherhood

Watter Glannon, Biomedical ethics

Tom Beauchamp and Roy Walters, Contemporary Issues in Bio-ethics

Peter Singer, Practical Ethics

Business ethics – definition, need –refutation of four myths of business ethics, Objectives –analysis - evaluation, therapeutic advice, levels of business ethics – the individual, the organizational, the associational, the societal and international. Business and the ethics of social responsibility

Murthy C.S.V, Business ethics, Himalaya Publishers

Weiss Joseph, Business ethics, Wadsworth

Peter Singer, Practical Ethics

Course : 29(f) (Open course)

Media ethics – The status of print and electronic media in Indian context – the Fourth estate – the media and the role based obligation – response to public right to know of events of public importance and interest – right to privacy , issues in information and gathering of news – completeness, understanding, accuracy, objectivity, fact truth, avoiding bias and harm.

References

Peter Singer, Practical Ethics

Mathew Kieran Media Ethics – A philosophical Approach

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS

No. of Credits: 4

· To provide a general introduction to the methodology of Philosophical Analysis.

· To acquaint the student to the fundamental issues in Philosophy.

· To familiarize the students with the terminologies used in Philosophical discussions.

Module I

Methodology of humanities – differences between Natural, Social and Human sciences, Nature of the methodology of Philosophy – What is Philosophy? – Philosophical questions – Foundational questions and its difference from factual questions

Reference

Honer, Hunt and Okholm, Invitation to Philosophy, Wadsworth

Velasquez Manuel, Philosophy a text with readings, Wadsworth (chapters 1,3 & 5)

Pramod K Nair, Shweta, The Humanities Methodology and Perspectives, Pearson, Delhi.

Module II

First order questions on Reality and Knowledge – Metaphysical and Epistemology: Theories – of Metaphysics: Materialism, pragmatism, positivism and idealism. Of Epistemology: Rationalism, empiricism, Skepticism and Agnosticism.

Reference

Honer, Hunt and Okholm, Invitation to Philosophy, Wadsworth

Velasquez Manuel, Philosophy a text with readings, Wadsworth (chapters 1,3 & 5)

Module III

Second order questions: (1) Normative philosophy – Logic, Ethics and Aesthetics. Aspects of Human Thinking and its Ideals – Knowing – Truth, Willing – Good, Feeling – Beauty. Philosophy and ideologies – Social philosophy, Political philosophy, Philosophy of Religion etc.

Reference

Honer, Hunt and Okholm, Invitation to Philosophy, Wadsworth

Velasquez Manuel, Philosophy a text with readings, Wadsworth (chapters 1,3 & 5)

G W Patric, Introduction to Philosophy, Surjeeth Publishers

Module IV

Third order questions – Applied philosophy, Philosophical perspective and Case based reasoning – eg. Ecosophy, Bioethics etc – Ever widening scope of Applied philosophy

Reference

Honer, Hunt and Okholm, Invitation to Philosophy, Wadsworth

Velasquez Manuel, Philosophy a text with readings, Wadsworth (chapters 1,3 & 5)

G W Patrick, Introduction to Philosophy, Surjeeth Publishers

SEMESTER VI

S6PHCR21 Philosophy of Gender

S6PHCR22 Recent Trends in Western Philosophy

S6PHCR23 Applied Ethics

S6PHCR24 Eco-philosophy

S6PHCC30(a) Epistemology

S6PHCC30(b) Discourses on the Self

S6PHCC30(c) Crime and Punishment

S6PHCC30(d) Philosophy of Religion

S6PHCC30(e) Philosophy of Self-management

S6PHCC30(f) Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi

S6PHPR Project

PHILOSOPHY OF GENDER

Course : 21

No.of Credits: 4

OBJECTIVES

· To introduce the students the problem of gender and its Philosophical ramifications.

· To sensitize the students to the various stages in the development of Feminism

· To familiarize the students to the epistemological and ethical dimensions of the problem of gender

Module I

What is Gender? Equality – difference debate: on Male – Female, on Masculinity - Feminity, Gender – the role constructed by society, norms and expectations, morality, mothering and ethic of care, dual-parenting – male and female ethics – Carol Gilligan and Lawrence Kohlberg.

Reference:

Margeret Walter, Feminism – a very short introduction, Oxford

Jane Freedman, Feminism ,Viva Books, New Delhi (Chapter I)

V. Geetha, Gender, Stree Books, Kolkatta

Manuel Velasquez, Male and Female Ethics, in Philosophy (Chapter 7.5), Wadsworth

Feminism to Gender studies- differing views of Feminist thought- First, Second and Third stage of Feminism – the sameness view, the difference view, the dominance view – radicalists and liberalists, different forms of feminism – Eurocentric feminism, white feminism, black feminism and third world feminism.

Reference:

Margeret Walter, Feminism – a very short introduction, Oxford

Jane Freedman, Feminism ,Viva Books, New Delhi (Chapter I)

V. Geetha, Gender, Stree Books, Kolkatta

Manuel Velasquez, Male and Female Ethics, in Philosophy (Chapter 7.5), Wadsworth

Gender – philosophical understanding:

1. Liberalist theories, equality of opportunities

2. Eangel’s view of origin of family and male dominance

3. Psycho analysis view on becoming men and women – Freud, Jacques Lacan and Carl Jung

4. Post modern Post structuralist feminism – Judith Butler

Reference:

Margeret Walter, Feminism – a very short introduction, Oxford

Jane Freedman, Feminism ,Viva Books, New Delhi (Chapter I)

V. Geetha, Gender, Stree Books, Kolkatta

Aravind Sharma, How to read Manusmriti. in Feminism, Tradition and Modernity

Gender in Indian perspective – Tradition: Philosophical opposition of inactive -purusha and active prakriti in early Sankhya Philosophy, Icon of Ardha- nariswara, the mother God in Sakta Tradition, Holistic view of life – Purusharthas and gender role. Debate on Manu’s view of status of women (Manusmriti IX - 3) – women never fit to be independent – women to be protected by men or subordinate to men or co-operate with men or dominated by men.

Reference

Padia, Chandrakala. Feminism, Tradition and Modernity – an essay in relation to Manusmriti, in Feminism, Tradition and Modernity

Mahadevan T.M.P. Invitation to Indian Philosphy.

RECENT TRENDS IN WESTERN PHILOSOPHY

Course : 22

· To acquaint the student to the recent trends in western philosophy.

Logical Positivism: Vienna circle – Elimination of Metaphysics – Verification Principle – Linguistic Philosophy: The linguistic turn in Philosophy – Pragmatics – Semantics – Hermeneutics: Truth and interpretation

R C Pradhan, Recent Developments in Analytic Philosophy

Barry R. Gross, Analytic Philosophy: An Historical Introduction

Existentialism: General characteristics – Theistic – Kierkegaard, G Marcel , atheistic - freedom, transcendence and existence.

David West, An Introduction to Continental Philosophy

Debabrata Sinha, Phenomenology and Existentialism

Frank Thilly, A History of Philosophy, Central Publishers, Allahabad.

Phenomenology: Phenomenological method – Intentionality – Husserl and Heidgger

David West, An Introduction to Continental Philosophy

Debabrata Sinha, Phenomenology and Existentialism

Frank Thilly, A History of Philosophy, Central Publishers, Allahabad.

Structuralism: Sign and signification – Post Structuralism and Post Modernism – Antifoundationalism – Indeterminism

David West, An Introduction to Continental Philosophy

Continental Philosophy –Very Short Introduction Series, Oxford

APPLIED ETHICS

Course : 23

· To introduce the students to the basic concepts of Applied Ethics

Peter Singer, Practical Ethics

Hans Jonas Towards a philosophy of Technology in Philosophy of Technology Oxford.

Watter Glannon, Biomedical ethics

Tom Beauchamp and Roy Walters, Contemporary Issues in Bio-ethics

Peter Singer, Practical Ethics

Murthy C.S.V, Business ethics, Himalaya Publishers

Weiss Joseph, Business ethics, Wadsworth

Peter Singer, Practical Ethics

References

Peter Singer, Practical Ethics

Mathew Kieran Media Ethics – A philosophical Approach

ECO PHILOSOPHY

Course . : 24

No. of Contact hours: 90

Objectives:

· To provide a general introduction to the central issues in Environmental Ethics and the transition from Environmental Ethics to Eco-Philosophy

Concept of Eco-philosophy – Eco-philosophy and Environmental Ethics – Key concepts – Eco-systems, Bio-diversity, Ecology, of sustaining, restoring and preserving Nature.

Reference

Erach Bharuchu, Text book of Environmental Studies, U.G.C., 2005.

Ed. Andrew Light and Holmes Roslston, An overview of Environmental Studies by Clare Palmer, from Environmental Ethics on Anthology.

Philosophical approach to Environmental Ethics – Anthropocentrism, Non-anthropocentrism, Biocentrism, Ecocentrism, Individual consequantalist and Individualist deontologist approach, Holistic approach.

Reference

Warwick Fox, Toward a Transpersonal Ecology

Clare Palmer, An overview of Environmental Ethics

Eco-philosophy – Ame Ness’s distinction between Deep Ecology and shallow Ecology, Multiple Roots of Deep Ecology, concept of Ecosophy – Warwick Fox’s concept of Intution of Deep Ecology – Ecological justice - critique of Deep Ecology

Reference

Arne Naers, The Deep Ecological Movement: some philosophical aspects,

Warwick Fox, Deep Ecology : A new philosophy of our Time

Concept of sustainable development, sustainability, intergenerational justice

Reference

Brian Barry, Sustainability and Intergenerational justice

ed. Andrew Light and Holmes Roslston from Environmental Ethics – An Anthology – Blackwell

EPISTEMOLOGY

Course : 30(a) (Choice based course)

OBJECTIVES:

To review the basic questions of knowledge in Western and Indian Philosophy
To acquaint the student to approach the problem of knowledge systematically
To impart skills to raise philosophical questions

Epistemology – term meaning, basic questions on knowledge – ways of knowledge, Truth and error.

Reference

Patrick G.T.W. : Introduction to Philosophy (Surjeet Publishers 2004)

Honer S.M., Thomas Hunt, Dennis L. Okholm – Invitation to Philosophy (4 chapter)

Wadsworth Publishers

Western perspective: Ways of knowledge, rationalism, empiricism , critical philosophy of Kant, Authoritarianism, intuition, Revelation, skepticism, linguistic analysis and anti-foundationalism, existentialism, Theories of Truth – correspondence, coherence Pragmatic and Interpretationalist view, Error – Illusions and Hallucinations

Reference

Patrick G.T.W Introduction to Philosophy Surjeet Publishers 2004

Honer S.M., Thomas Hunt, Dennis L. Okholm – Invitation to Philosophy (4 chapter)

Wadsworth Publishers

Indian perspective: Six ways of knowing – perception, Inference, comparison, postulation, Non-cognition and verbal testimony, Truth and correspondence, pragmatic coherence, Error- Anyatha Khyati, Akhyati, Anirvachaniya Khyati and Sunya Khati

Reference

Patrick G.T.W. : Introduction to Philosophy Surjeet Publishers 2004

T.M.P Mahadevan : Invitation to Indian Philosophy

T.M.P Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy

Knowing mind and its relation with the External world –

Idealism – solipsism, subjective idealism, transcendental idealism, objective idealism and Absolutism.
Realism – Naïve Realism, Representative Realism, New-Realism and Critical Realism

Reference

Patrick G.T.W, Introduction to Philosophy Surjeet Publishers 2004

Honer S.M., Thomas Hunt, Dennis L. Okholm – Invitation to Philosophy (4 chapter)

DISCOURSES ON SELF

Course : 30(b) (Choice based course)

To review a basic philosophical concept in the context of Indian and Western philosophical analysis.

OBJECTIVES:

Meaning of key terms, Discourse, Dialogue, Dialectics, Tarka, Vada, Jalpa and Vithanda

Reference:

Thilly Frank A history of Philosophy

Radhakrishnan S, Indian Philosophy, Vol.II (Nyaya System) Oxford

Self and Personal identity - Upanishadic view, Self the foundational consciousness, analogy of chariot in Katha Upanishad 3 (1-13)

Reference

Radhakrishnan S,The Principal Upanishad, Oxford

Course : 30(c) ( Choice based course)

Self and personal identity - refutation of foundational consciousness – dialogue between King Milinda and Sage Nagasena using analogy of chariot.

Reference

Sharma C D, Questions of King Milinda, in Critical survey of Indian Philosophy (Chapter 5)

Module IV

Problem of Mind and Body, Hume’s criticism of Self – Text – Gilbert Ryle’s analysis in “Absurdity of the Official Doctrine” and “The Origin of category mistake”

Reference

G. Ryle, Absurdity of official doctrine” a passage in “The Concept of Mind

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

No. of Contact hours: 72

To enable students to understand moral issues confronting local society and Global society

Moral Pathology – key concepts - voluntary action, Responsibility, Error in action, Natural evil and Moral evil, vice, Law – eternal law, nature of law, Human law and state law, sin, crime, conscience and conscience of Mankind.

Reference

William Lillie An introduction to Ethic

A Manual of Ethics by Jadunath Sinha

Crime and violation of State law – criminal and tart law. Crime in Global context – Crime against peace, war crime, crime against humanity, emergence of International criminal law.

Reference

One World – the ethics of Globalisation- Peter Singer (chapter 4) Orient Longman 2002

Philosophical understanding of Criminal Act – guilty mind menrea and forbidden mind actus reus, I-thou distinction, and insider-outsider distinction

Reference

Marck C Murphy Nature and Aims of the Criminal Law chapter 4 in Philosophy of Law Black well, 2002

Practical Ethics, Peter Singer, Cambridge 2000 (chapter 9)

Course : 30(d) (Choice based course)

Punishment – nature of punishment, aims of punishment: Three theories – Deterrence Retribution, Rehabilitation. Contrast between Forward-looking theories and Backward-looking theories. Justification and excuse.

Reference

William Lillie An introduction to Ethics

Hugh Lafollette The Practice of Ethics Black well 2007 (chapter 1)

Marck C Murphy Nature and Aims of the Criminal Law

PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION

OBJECTIVES: To acquaint students with the philosophical basis of Religion

Introduction: Religion – term meaning, definition, scope of philosophy of religion, Philosophy of Religion and Theology, Key concept of God, immanence and transcendence of God, God as moral governor, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Benevolent God.

References:

David Stewart, H. Gene Blocker, Fundamentals of Philosophy

Honer, Hunt and Okholm, Invitation to Philosophy, Wadsworth,

Manuel Velasquez, Philosophy and God, in Philosophy (Chapter 4) Wadsworth

Epistemological issues: Belief and faith, Reason and Revelation, Faith and Reason as incompatible, convergence complementary- argument for existence of God, ontological, cosmological teleological and moral. God as a postulate and Agnosticism and Atheism, Kant’s view of postulation of God.

References:

David Stewart, H. Gene Blocker, Fundamentals of Philosophy

Honer, Hunt and Okholm, Invitation to Philosophy, Wadsworth,

Manuel Velasquez, Philosophy and God, in Philosophy (Chapter 4) Wadsworth

Metaphysical issues: God in relation with individual and world – Theism, Pantheism, Monotheism, monism, personalistic monism and impersonalistic monism. God and Humanism.

References:

David Stewart, H. Gene Blocker, Fundamentals of Philosophy

Honer, Hunt and Okholm, Invitation to Philosophy, Wadsworth,

Manuel Velasquez, Philosophy and God, in Philosophy (Chapter 4) Wadsworth

Religious experience, existential approach of Kierkegaard, Advaitic concept of Brahman – experience, Buddhist view of Nirvana, Religious experience in Bhakti tradition – Mysticism

References:

David Stewart, H. Gene Blocker, Fundamentals of Philosophy

Honer, Hunt and Okholm, Invitation to Philosophy, Wadsworth,

Manuel Velasquez, Philosophy and God, in Philosophy (Chapter 4) Wadsworth

T.M.P. Mahadevan, Invitation to Indian Philosophy.

PHILOSOPHY OF SELF-MANAGEMENT

Course : 30 (e) (Choice based course)

· To bring out the significance of Philosophy in daily life.

· To create an awareness among students for the need of inculcating Philosophical ideals in one’s own life.

Philosophy: its theoretical and practical nature – understanding Philosophy as a reflective and critical approach to life and reality.

Carel and Gamez, What Philosophy is, Viva Publications

Robert C Solomon, Introducing Philosophy, Oxford

Swami Ranganathananda, The Universal Message of the Gita

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, The Bhagavad Gita

Harold Coward, Eva Dargyay, Ronald Newfeldt, Readings in Eastern Religions Satguru publications

Carel and Gamez, What Philosophy is, Viva Publications

Robert C Solomon, Introducing Philosophy, Oxford

Mrinal Kanti Bhadra, Critical Survey of Phenomenology and Existentialism,(ICPR)

PHILOSOPHY OF MAHATMA GANDHI

Course : 30(f) (Choice Based Course)

Objectives: -

To introduce fundamentals of Gandhian Philosophy

To create awareness about the Gandhain methods and its applicability in contemporary issues of social life.

Module I

Gandhi life and thought: (1) Formative influences – Thoreau, Tolstoy and Ruskin – Ishavasya Upanishad, Bhagavad Gita. (2) Four phases of Gandhian Struggle and Thought – (a) Against Racial discrimination in South Africa (b) Non-co-operation and Civil Disobedience against British Government in India (c) Against untouchability and casteism (d) Advice to the citizen of free India

Kripalani J B, Gandhi His Life and Thought, Publication Division, New Delhi.

Dr. R Balasubrahmanian (Ed) Gandian Thought, Madras University

Central concepts of Gandhian Philosophy : (1) Four cardinal principles – Truth, Non-violence, Sarvodaya and Satyagraha. (2) Socio-political ideas – Economic and Political decentralization, self-reliance

Kripalani J B, Gandhi His Life and Thought, Publication Division, New Delhi.

Dr. R Balasubrahmanian (Ed) Gandian Thought, Madras University

D M Datta, Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Calcutta University

Gandhi’s view of Human Relations – Family relations, Teacher-student relation, Employer-employee relation, Ruler-ruled relation, Industrial relations, Labour Relations, Nation to Nation relation.

Kripalani J B, Gandhi His Life and Thought, Publication Division, New Delhi.

Dr. R Balasubrahmanian (Ed) Gandian Thought, Madras University

D M Datta, Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Calcutta University

Sriman Narayan (Ed.), Selected Works of Mahatma Gandhi Volumes 4- 6, Navajeevan Publishers.

Gandhian view of conflict resolution – views on disarmament and peace – peace initiatives – tolerance, concept of Grama swaraj – View of Ecology.

No. of Contact hours: Nil

Kripalani J B, Gandhi His Life and Thought, Publication Division, New Delhi.

Dr. R Balasubrahmanian (Ed) Gandian Thought, Madras University

D M Datta, Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Calcutta University

Sriman Narayan (Ed.), Selected Works of Mahatma Gandhi Volumes 4- 6, Navajeevan Publishers.

PROJECT

Course : 31

No. of credits: 4

Objectives

To provide guidelines for research project in philosophy
To initiate students to philosophical perspectives
To encourage field work in applied philosophy
To combine case based reasoning with theoretical concepts

Scope of project in philosophy : collection of data – organisation – presentation

References

Ramachandran T.P. Research methodology in philosophy. University of Madras.

Scope of applied philosophy: Environmental ethics – Eco Philosophy – Cyber Ethics – Feminism – Peace Studies – etc

References

Ramachandran T.P. Research methodology in philosophy. University of Madras.