BA - Philosophy

Course Overview

The BA in Philosophy explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and logic. Students engage with historical and contemporary philosophical texts, develop critical thinking skills, and analyze complex arguments, preparing for diverse careers in law, education, and beyond.

Duration:
The BA Philosophy course typically spans 3 years, divided into 6 semesters.

Syllabus:
BA in Philosophy provides a deep understanding of human thought, ethics, metaphysics, logic, and the foundations of knowledge. The course encompasses both Western and Eastern philosophical traditions, encouraging critical thinking and reflective understanding of life, knowledge, and existence. Here’s a typical semester-wise breakdown:

Semester 1:

  • Introduction to Philosophy

  • History of Western Philosophy: Ancient Greek and Medieval Thought

  • Ethics 1: Fundamental Concepts and Theories

  • Logic and Critical Thinking

  • Language Paper 1

  • Elective: Introduction to Indian Philosophy

Semester 2:

  • History of Western Philosophy: Modern Philosophy (Rationalism and Empiricism)

  • Ethics 2: Applied Ethics (Bioethics, Environmental Ethics)

  • Metaphysics 1: Being and Reality

  • Language Paper 2

  • Elective: Social and Political Philosophy

Semester 3:

  • Indian Philosophy 1: Ancient and Classical Indian Thought (Vedanta, Buddhism)

  • Epistemology: Theories of Knowledge

  • Metaphysics 2: Mind and Consciousness

  • Philosophy of Religion: Concepts of God and Ultimate Reality

  • Elective: Philosophy of Science

Semester 4:

  • Indian Philosophy 2: Medieval and Modern Indian Thinkers

  • Western Philosophy: 19th Century and Early 20th Century Philosophy

  • Ethics 3: Moral Philosophy (Utilitarianism, Kantianism)

  • Philosophy of Language: Meaning and Reference

  • Elective: Existentialism and Phenomenology

Semester 5:

  • Indian Philosophy 3: Contemporary Indian Philosophical Thought

  • Modern Western Philosophy: Logical Positivism and Analytic Philosophy

  • Social and Political Philosophy: Justice, Freedom, and Equality

  • Philosophy of Mind: Consciousness and Identity

  • Project/Dissertation Work

Semester 6:

  • Contemporary Western Philosophy: Postmodernism and Critical Theory

  • Environmental Philosophy and Global Ethics

  • Philosophy of Aesthetics: Art, Beauty, and Perception

  • Dissertation/Project Presentation

  • Elective: Feminist Philosophy and Gender Studies

Average Fees:
The average fees for BA in Philosophy in India range between INR 8,000 to INR 50,000 per year, depending on the institution and location.

Exams to Attend:

  • Admissions are mostly merit-based, but some universities may consider entrance exams such as CUET for Central Universities.

Top 10 Ranking Institutions in India for BA Philosophy (Combined Rankings):

  1. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

  2. Delhi University (DU), New Delhi

  3. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

  4. University of Calcutta, Kolkata

  5. Presidency University, Kolkata

  6. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad

  7. Jadavpur University, Kolkata

  8. Madras Christian College, Chennai

  9. St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

  10. St. Stephen’s College, Delhi

Top 10 Institutions in Kerala for BA Philosophy:

  1. University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram

  2. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam

  3. Calicut University, Calicut

  4. Sacred Heart College, Thevara

  5. St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam

  6. Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram

  7. St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam

  8. Farook College, Calicut

  9. CMS College, Kottayam

  10. Providence Women’s College, Calicut