COURSE DESCRIPTION
I Year – 1st Semester
Subject: OBS
Code: 101
Subject Title: Introduction to Philosophy
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Pratap Chandra Misal, C.M.
Credits: 03
This course is designed for the beginners. It includes a general treatment of philosophy; the nature and origin of philosophy, its definition and scope, the concepts and characteristics of philosophy, its importance relevance, its relationship with the other branches of studies, its development over the years; outline of the history of Western Philosophy with an emphasis on the principal thoughts of the Greek philosophers. Also, this course includes an introduction to Indian Philosophy, the various key concepts of Indian Philosophy, as well as, the relevance of such studies in the present context.
Books Recommended:
Amaladas, Anand, Introduction to Philosophy, Chennai: Satyanilayam Publications, 2001.
Maritain, Jacques, An Introduction to Philosophy, London: Sheed and Ward Publications, 1981.
Perry, J. Introduction to Philosophy, Oxford: University Press, 1998.
Kaipan, Joy, Love of Wisdom: A Beginners Guide to Philosophy, 3rd Ed., Bangalore: Kristojyoti Publications, 2010.
Subject: OBS
Code: 102
Subject Title: Ancient Western Philosophy
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Mathew Kallammakal, C.M.
Credits: 06
This course is intended to acquaint the students with the major philosophical questions that have fascinated the thinkers at the early stages of Western Philosophy. Early Greek thought and philosophy of the classical period will be studied. In this course, we deal with the thought of Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Parmenides, Zeno, Empedocles, Democritus, Protagoras, Gorgias, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurianism, Stoicism, Skepticism, Electicism and Neo-Platonism.
Books Recommended:
Amaladas, Anand, Introduction to Philosophy, Chennai: Satyanilayam Publications, 2001.
Maritain, Jacques, An Introduction to Philosophy, London: Sheed and Ward Publications, 1981.
Perry, J., Introduction to Philosophy, Oxford: University Press, 1998.
Kaipan, Joy, Love of Wisdom: A Beginners Guide to Philosophy, 3 rdEd., Bangalore: Kristojyoti Publications, 2010.
Subject: OBS
Code: 103
Subject Title: Logic
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Jeesaya Nayak, C.M.
Credits: 03
This course shall cover all the elementary aspects of deductive and inductive logic, such as: the nature and scope of logic, inference and argument, principles of logic, term, definition, logical division, kinds of proposition, immediate inference, syllogism, and deductive fallacies. Basic symbolic logic, a modern day development in the discipline and the use of various symbolic methods to ascertain the validity of kinds of arguments will also be discussed.
Books Recommended:
Tidman, Paul & Howard Kahane. Logic & Philosophy. A Modern Introduction. Belmont, CA, Albany, New York: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1999.
Bason, A. H. & Conner, D. J.O., An Introduction to Symbolic Logic.
Bhattacharya, C., Elements of Indian Logic and Epistemology. S. Chaterjee, Nyaya Theory of Knowledge.
Subject: OBS
Code: 104
Subject Title: Philosophy of Knowledge
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Pratap Chandra Misal, C.M.
Credits: 06
It is a study of knowledge where an analysis is made in regard to the nature, sources, scope, structure and division of knowledge. The study of knowledge takes into account the context of belief, ignorance and error, truth and falsity, justification and explanation, and the distinction between useful and liberal knowledge.
Books Recommended:
Dancy, Jonathan, and Sosa, Ernest, ed. A Companion to Epistemology. Massachusets: Blackwell Publishers Inc., 1999.
Landesman, Charles. An Introduction to Epistemology. Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers Inc., 1999.
Owens, Joseph, C.ss.R. Cognition: An Epistemological Inquiry. Houston, Texas: Center for Thomistic Studies, University of St. Thomas. 1992 .
Subject: SOS
Code 1: 201
Subject Title 1: Methodology of Scientific Research – Part I
Code 2: 203
Subject Title 2: Methodology of Scientific Research – Part II
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Job K. Thomas, C.M.
Credits: 03 + 03 = 06
Course Description:
This course is meant to help beginners. It includes elementary and scientific methodology. Items to be treated are personal learning skills, methods to concentrate, study habits, effective note-making, reading habits, comprehension, building up vocabulary, use of library, examination techniques, methods to prepare a formal paper such as term papers, thesis, dissertation, and to prepare for and participate in seminars.
Books Recommended:
Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1993.
Hacker, Diana. A Writer’s Reference. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 1999.
Subject: OAS
Code: 301
Subject Title: Nicomachean Ethics
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Jeesaya Nayak, C.M.
Credits: 04
Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics is a philosophical work that explores the nature of ethics, virtue, and human flourishing. The ten books are studies giving emphasis on “eudaimonia”, virtue (arete), including courage, justice, and temperance. The book discusses the concept of the “mean” (meson), which refers to the middle ground between excess and deficiency along with continence (enkrateia) and its relationship to virtue. Slowly the students is led to understand the meaning of happiness (eudaimonia) and its relationship to virtue.
Aristotle. “Nicomachean Ethics”. Translated by Terence Irwin. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 1999.
Aquinas, Thomas. “Commentary on Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics”. Translated by C. I. Litzinger. Notre Dame: Dumb Ox Books, 1993.
Broadie, Sarah. “Ethics with Aristotle”. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991.
Guthrie, W. K. C. “A History of Greek Philosophy, Volume VI”. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1981.
Lear, Gabriel Richardson. “Happy Lives and the Highest Good”. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2004.
Nussbaum, Martha C. “The Fragility of Goodness”. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1986.
Subject: OAS
Code: 305
Subject Title: Introduction to Indian Philosophy
Teacher: Rev. Fr. George Joseph, C.M.
Credits: 04
The Indian view of philosophy as Darsana would mean that learning philosophy is not mere intellectual endeavor to understand certain subtle concepts but a sincere and persistent attempt to have the right vision of reality. This understanding of learning philosophy will facilitate the students of this course to grasp the Vedic vision of reality by inquiring into the central teachings of the literature, especially the principal Upanishads. Special attention will be given to the fundamental Upanishadic concept of Atman-Brahman, the basic features of Indian philosophy, a critical understanding of Hindu worldview and the relevance of the Vedic philosophy for an Indian catholic priest/seminarian.
Books Recommended:
Stephen, Dorothea Jane. Studies in early Indian Thought. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1918.
Chandradhara Sharma: A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy.
New Delhi: Motilal Banarasi Dass, 2013. ISBN: 9788120803657, 8120803655.
Hiriyanna. An Outline of Indian Philosophy. New Delhi: Motilal Banarasi Dass, 2014.
Dutta, Dhirendra Mohan and Satishchandra Chaterjee. An Introduction to Indian Philosophy. New Delhi: Rupa Publications.
I Year – 2nd Semester
Subject: OBS
Code: 105
Subject Title: Philosophy of Nature
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Lameswar Kanhor
Credits: 06
Up until the 18th and 19th century there was no real distinction between scientists and philosophers; even some of the great scientist philosophers were also theologians. Science provided philosophy with empirical data, so that philosophical theories and concepts could be reasonably tested, and at the same time, philosophy provided science with thoughts and concepts that help science make scientific method. Also, philosophy demarcates the area which comes under science and which goes beyond the boundary of science, like metaphysics. The boundaries and rules governing the physical and metaphysical have undergone tremendous change in the course of time, and thus have intertwined philosophy and science more closely than ever. Science could not exist without philosophy and philosophy would remain as an empty thought sans materials provided by science. Thus, the course will focus on how the relation between philosophy and science is achieved and how they are complementary of each other.
Books Recommended:
Losee, John. A Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. Oxford: Oxford University Press Inc., New York, 2001.
R .Boyd et al., ed., The Philosophy of Science 1991.
Wallace, William A. The Modeling of Nature: Philosophy of Science and Philosophy of Nature in Synthesis. Washington, D. C. The Catholic University Press, 1996.
Subject: OBS
Code: 106
Subject Title: Philosophy of Man
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Simon Haokip, C.M.
Credits: 06
In this course, we make an attempt to get into the depth of the human person and discover the meaning of human existence. We begin course in highlighting the violations against human dignity and proceed to understand philosophically the complexity of human nature by analyzing the basic ideas about human life and human activities. The important themes like the origin of life, human relationship, human destiny, death and immortality, freedom and responsibility, etc. will be dealt in the course.
Books Recommended:
Bogliol, Luigi and S. Karotemprel. Philosophical Anthropology: A Complete Course in Scholastic Philosophy. Calcutta: Firma KLM, 1984.
Desbrulais, Cyril, Philosophy of the Human Person:
An Introduction to Philosophical Anthropology. Ed. Kuruvilla Pandikattu, Pune: Jnana Deep Vidyapeeth, 1977.
De Smet, R., The Concept of Man in Thomism and NeoThomism. Publisher: S. Radhakrishnan Institute for Advanced Study in Philosophy.
Mondin Battista, Philosophical Anthropology; Radhakrishnan, The Concept of Man.
Subject: OBS
Code: 107
Subject Title: Medieval Philosophy
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Jeesaya Nayak, C.M.
Credits: 06
The course deals with the patristic and scholastic thinkers and their contribution to philosophy. It includes the philosophy of St. Augustine, St. Anselm, St. Bonaventure, St. Albert the Great, Avicenna, Averroes, Moses Maimonides, St. Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, and William of Ockham.
Books Recommended:
Augustine. Confessions. Baltimore: Penguin Books, 1961.
Augustine. The City of God. Garden City, N. Y.: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1958.
Oates, Whitney J., ed. Basic Writings of St. Augustine. New York: Random House, 1948. Anselm. Anselm’s Basic Writings. La Salle, III.: Open Court Publishing Company, 1962.
Hyman, A., and Walsh, J. J., ed., Philosophy in the Middle Ages: the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish Traditions. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Co., 1973.
Hyman, A., and Walsh, J. J., Basic Writings of St.Thomas Aquinas. Edited by Anton Pegis. New York: Randon House, 1945.
Duns Scotus. Philosophical Writings. New York: The Liberal Arts Press, 1964.
Ockham. Philosophical Writings. New York: The Liberal Arts Press, 1964.
Subject: OBS
Code: 108
Subject Title: Philosophy of Science
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Jayaraj
Credits: 03
Up until the 18th and 19th century there was no real distinction between scientists and philosophers; even some of the great scientist philosophers were also theologians. Science provided philosophy with empirical data, so that philosophical theories and concepts could be reasonably tested, and at the same time, philosophy provided science with thoughts and concepts that help science make scientific method. Also, philosophy demarcates the area which comes under science and which goes beyond the boundary of science, like metaphysics. The boundaries and rules governing the physical and metaphysical have undergone tremendous change in the course of time, and thus have intertwined philosophy and science more closely than ever. Science could not exist without philosophy and philosophy would remain as an empty thought sans materials provided by science. Thus, the course will focus on how the relation between philosophy and science is achieved and how they are complementary of each other.
Books Recommended:
Losee, John. A Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. Oxford: Oxford University Press Inc., New York, 2001.
Richard Boyd et al., ed. The Philosophy of Science. Massachusetts: The MIT Press, 1991.
Wallace, William A. The Modeling of Nature: Philosophy of Science and Philosophy of Nature in Synthesis. Washington, D. C. The Catholic University Press, 1996.
Subject: OAS
Code: 303
Subject Title: Thomas Aquinas: De Ente et Essentia
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Pratap Chandra Misal, C.M.
Credits: 04
This course aims at examining the nature of reality, the relationship between existence and essence, and the distinction between potentiality and actuality. The students is lead to understand the difference between Being (Ens), Essence (Essentia), Existence (Existere) and Potentiality and Actuality.
Books Recommended:
Thomas Aquinas. “De Ente et Essentia” (On Being and Essence).
Translated by Armand Maurer. Toronto: Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, 1949.
Thomas Aquinas. “Summa Theologica”. Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1947.
Armand Maurer. “Introduction to the Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas”. Milwaukee: Marquette University Press, 1984.
Etienne Gilson. “The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas”. Translated by Edward Bullough. New York: Random House, 1956.
Norman Kretzmann. “The Metaphysics of Theism: Aquinas’s Natural Theology”. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1997.
John F. Wippel. “The Metaphysical Thought of Thomas Aquinas”. Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 2000.
Subject: OAS
Code: 304
Subject Title: Augustine: De Libero Arbitrio
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Jeesaya Nayak, C.M.
Credits: 04
In this course a student of philosophy explores the problem of evil, the nature of free will, the origin of evil. Agustine argues that the evil is not a substance but is a privation or absence of good and free will being a gift of God man should own moral responsibility while exercising it. Evil is the misuse of that free will. God is the Summum Bonum the lies behind every existence.
Books Recommended:
Augustine. “Confessions”. Translated by Henry Chadwick. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991.
- R. Evans. “Augustine on Evil”. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982.
Peter Brown. “Augustine of Hippo: A Biography”. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2000.
Subject: OAS
Code: 302
Subject Title: Indian Moral Philosophy (Gita)
Teacher: Rev. Fr. George Joseph, C.M.
Credits: 03
This course is very close to the idea of duty for duty sake. Duty, morality, righteousness, and moral obligation of an individual is dealt with in this course. The concept of Nishkama Karma understood as the selfless action without attachment to any rewards is the backbone of this philosophy. the outcome. The student is also gets know the importance of devotion for God and the relationship between God and individual soul.
Books Recommended
R.C. Zaehner. Bhagavad-gita: With Commentary Based on the Original Sources.Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1969.
Bhagavad Gita. Translated by Eknath Easwaran. Tomales, CA: Nilgiri Press, 1985.
Adi Shankara. “Bhagavad Gita Bhashya”. Translated by A. G. Krishna Warrier. Madras: Sri Ramakrishna Math, 1983.
Aurobindo Ghose. “The Secret of the Veda”. Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, 1971.
II Year – 3rd Semester
Subject: OBS
Code: 109
Subject Title: Philosophy of Being
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Jeesaya Nayak, C.M.
Credits: 06
This course discusses the historical and theoretical analysis of the nature of metaphysical thinking. Concept of Being, Properties of Being, Meaning of Singularity, Univocity, Equivocity, Analogy, and Principle of Non-Contradiction. Metaphysical Structure of Being: Substance and Accidents; The Categories, Act and Potency: The Transcendentals: Goodness, Beauty.
Books Recommended:
Aristotle, Aristotle: Metaphysics. Translated by Tredennick,Hugh. Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1996.
Cooper, David E., ed. Metaphysics: The Classical Readings. Massachusettes: Blackwell Publishes Inc., 1996.
Dutta, D. M. & Chatterjee, S. C., An Introduction to Indian Philosophy.
Ewing, A. C., Problems of Philosophy.
Hospers, John, An Introduction to Philosophical Analysis; Owens, Joseph.
An Elementary Christian Metaphysics. Houston, Texas. Center for Thomistic Studies, University of St. Thomas, 2003.
Subject: OBS
Code: 110
Subject Title: General Ethics
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Thomas Parayil
Credits: 06
The topic includes: (1) Introduction: definition, nature, scope and method of ethics; (2) relations of ethics to religion, philosophy, politics and sociology; (3) voluntary and non-voluntary actions, distinction between factual and moral judgments; (4) levels of freedom and responsibility and factors influencing freedom (doubt, ignorance, fear, violence, passion, neurosis, psychosis etc.); (5) theories of moral standard. Search for a norm of morality: (a) Pleasure as moral standard (Hedonism, psychological and ethical); (b) Right as moral standard (Rigorism). (6) Eudemonism, Utilitarianism, Altruistic Ethics, Communist Ethics, Situation Ethics, Rationalism of Kant. (7) Perfectionism (Self-realization, Die to live and Station of Duty), Theories of Punishment (Exemption, Retributive and Reformative). (8) Special Ethics, Sexual, Medical, Familial and Political Ethics. In this time of renewed interest among philosophers in the virtues and their place and meaning in moral life, Aquinas’s Treatise—questions 49- 67 of the Summa Theologiae—is especially pertinent. These questions, discussing the character and function of habit, the essence, subject, cause, and mean of virtue, and the separate intellectual, moral, cardinal, and theological virtues, constitute one of the most thorough and incisive accounts of virtue in the history of Christian philosophy. The course aims at a close reading of the text Treatise on the Virtues by St. Thomas Aquinas
Books Recommended:
Aristotle: Nichomanian Ethics; C, Sharma: Ethical Philosophies of Indian Customs. J. N. Sinha: Introduction to Ethics.
Kant, Immanuel. Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals.
Translated by James W. Ellington. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1985.
St. Thomas Aquinas. Treatise on the Virtues. Translated by John A. Oesterle. Notre Dame, Indiana: University of Notre Dame Press, 1996.
Subject: OBS
Code: 111
Subject Title: Modern Western Philosophy
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Mathew Kallammakal, C.M.
Credits: 06
By the end of the Middle Ages, the medieval union between religion and philosophy became strained, and during the Renaissance there was a decisive separation between the two. The aim of this course is to discuss how philosophy tired to dissociate itself from religion, and how Rationalism and Empiricism emerged as the two main branches of thought in Continental Europe. The course includes the philosophy during the Renaissance (The Closing of the Middle Ages, Humanism and the Italian Renaissance, The Reformation, Skepticism and Faith, The Scientific Revolution, Francis Bacon, and Thomas Hobbes), Rationalism on the Continent (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz), and Empiricism in Britain (Locke, Berkeley, and Hume).
Books Recommended:
Descartes, Rene. The Philosophical Writings of Descartes.
Translated by J. Cottingham, R. Stoothoff, D. Murdoch and K. Kenny. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1984.
Leibniz. Leibniz: Philosophical Essays. Edited and translated by R. Ariew and D. Garber. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1989.
Spinoza, Benedict. The Chief Works of Benedict de Spinoza. Translated by R. H. M. Elwes. New York: Dover, 1951.
Berkeley, George. The Works of George Berkeley, Bishop of Cloyne.
Edited by A. A. Luce and T. E. Jessop. Edinburgh: Thomas Nelson, 1948- 57.
Hume, David. A Treatise of Human Nature. Edited by David Fate Norton and Mary J. Norton. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.
Hume, David. An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. Edited by Tom. L Beauchamp. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.
Locke, John. An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Edited by P. H. Nidditch and Clarendon Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1975.
Locke, John. Two Treatises of Government. Edited by P. Laslett. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1967.
Subject: OBS
Code: 112
Subject Title: Philosophy of Religion
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Lameswar Kanhor
Credits: 06
Must a belief be based on argument or evidence in order to be a rational belief? Can one invoke the Free-Will Défense if one believes in God as maker and sustainer of the universe? Is it correct to think of God as a moral agent subject to duties and obligations? What is the significance of Darwin for the Argument from Design? How can one recognize God as an object of one’s experience? The course will try to answer some of these questions to enlighten the students living in present multi religious context.
Books Recommended:
Brian Davies. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.
John Hick. “The Philosophy of Religion”. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1963.
Subject: OBS
Code: 113
Subject Title: Introduction to Psychology
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Shijo Antony (Kanjirathamkunnel), C.M.
Credits: 03
This course is about: Understanding social behavior; Social perception; Social cognition; Social attitudes; Forming attitudes; Prejudice and discrimination; Interpersonal attraction; Social influence; Pro-social behavior; Aggression; Social exchange groups; and individual differences in social behavior.
Books Recommended:
William James: “The Principles of Psychology” (1890).
Sigmund Freud: “The Interpretation of Dreams” (1900).
John B. Watson: “Behaviorism” . 1913.
Subject: OAS
Code: 306
Subject Title: Descartes: Discourse on Method
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Pratap Chandra Misal, C.M.
Credits: 04
Descartes tries to explain the certinity of things through his methodical doubt: Cogito, ergo sum, by analysing the complex problem into simpler forms. He presents mind as a thinking thing distinct from body. He methodically proves the existence of God by presenting the causal and ontological arguments. His method tries to give an explanation to the physical world which consists of matter in motion.
Books Recommended:
René Descartes. “Discourse on the Method”. Translated by John Cottingham. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985.
John Cottingham. “Descartes”. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 1986.
Margaret Dauler Wilson. “Descartes”. London: Routledge, 1991.
II Year – 4th Semester
Subject: OBS
Code: 114
Subject Title: Political Philosophy
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Mathew Kallammakal, C.M.
Credits: 06
The course will investigate one of the central questions of philosophy: How should we, as human beings, live together? Given that social and political institutions both shape us and are shaped by us, what values should we adopt so that we may best fulfill our natures as individual and social beings? This general question reveals the normative character of the philosophical approach to social issues. Philosophy does not just describe and analyze social structures and ways of thinking. It asks whether these are what they should be. It poses the questions: “what sort of society should we be aiming for,” and “How can this goal be attained.”
Books Recommended:
Joshi, N. V. Social and Political Philosophy. Bombay: Current Book House, 1964.
Sinha, A. K. Outlines of Social Thought. Kolkata: Sinha Publishing House, 1965.
Madan, G. R. Theoretical Sociology: Some Essays. Mittal Publications, 1976. ISBN8170792664.
Subject: OBS
Code: 115
Subject Title: Philosophy of God
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Lameswar Kanhor
Credits: 05
After explaining some of the key terms in the discipline of Philosophy of God, we move on to the conflicting proofs and arguments of theism and atheism. Then we critically reflect on the notion of creation, problem of evil and various critiques on religion. Finally we move on to discuss personal religious experiences, religious mysticism, the interaction between different religions. We examine the religious phenomenon and make a philosophical enquiry into the existence, nature and attributes of God in different religions.
Books Recommended:
Hick, John. Evil and the God of Love. London: Macmillan, 1990.
Kenny, Anthony, The God of the Philosophers, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1988.
Padovano, Antony T., The Estranged God, New York: Sheed and Ward, 1968.
Vardy, Peter, The Puzzle of Evil, London: Collins, 1992.
Gornall, T., Philosophy of God, London: Sheed and Ward, 1962.
Subject: OBS
Code: 116
Subject Title: Bioethics
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Simon Haokip, C.M.
Credits: 05
Bioethics is the study of the ethical and moral implications of biological and medical research, practices, and technologies which focuses on the autonomy of the person and the duty to enhance the welfare of the society without harming or causing injury to individuals. The best method of the distribution of the resources and the ethical issues in the care of the patients and testing. The course also dwells on the ethical issues related to health disparities, global health policy, and international research collaborations.
Books Recommended
Tom L. Beauchamp and James F. Childress. “Principles of Biomedical Ethics”. New York: Oxford University Press, 1979.
Peter Singer. “Practical Ethics”. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
Martha Nussbaum. “Frontiers of Justice: Disability, Nationality, Species Membership”. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2006.
Daniel Callahan. “What Kind of Life: The Limits of Medical Progress”. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1990.
Leon Kass. “Life, Liberty, and the Defense of Dignity: The Challenge for Bioethics”. San Francisco: Encounter Books, 2002.
Subject: OBS
Code: 117
Subject Title: Contemporary Western Philosophy
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Pratap Chandra Misal, C.M.
Credits: 06
This course deals with the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, the philosophy of Hegel and Schopenhauer that caused the emergence of German Idealism, the utilitarian theories of Bentham and Mill, Positivism of Comte, Kierkegaard’s new meaning of “Existence,” and the revolutionary and epoch making thoughts of Karl Marx and Nietzsche.
Books Recommended
Kant, Immanuel. Critique of Pure Reason. Translated by Norman Kemp Smith. Boston/New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 1965.
Kant, Immanuel. Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals. Translated by James W. Ellington. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company 1985.
Bentham, Jeremy and Mill, John Stuart. The Utilitarians: Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Garden City, N.Y.: dolphin Books, 1961.
Scharff, R. Comte after Positivism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995
. Weston, M. Kierkegaard and Modern Continental Philosophy. London and New York: Routledge, 1994.
Marx, Karl. Selected Writings, ed. D. McLellan. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.
Schacht, R. Nietzsche. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1983.
Subject: OBS
Code: 118
Subject Title: Indian Philosophy – Nāstika and Āstika Darśana
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Jose Manjaly, C.M.
Credits: 03
Nastika Darsana is an objective and a critical inquiry into the teaching of the heterodox schools of Indian philosophy, namely, Lokayata system, Jainism and Buddhism – the teachings of Buddha and the religious and philosophical schools. An attempt will also be made to see how meaningful they are to the contemporary man.
Astika Darsana will an objective study of five classical orthodox schools with emphasis on their special topics viz. the epistemology of Nyaya, the atomism of Vaiseshika, the world-process of Samkhya, the self-purification of Yoga, and the Dharma of Mimamsa.
Books Recommended:
Sharma, C. D. A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy. New Delhi: Motilal Banarasi Das, 1964.
Radhakrishnan, S. Indian Philosophy Vols. I & II. London: George Allen & Unwin, Ltd., 1923.
Dutta, D. M. & Chatterjee, S. C. An Introduction to Indian Philosophy. Calcutta: Calcutta University Press, 1939.
Hiriyanna, M., An Outline of Indian Philosophy. New Delhi: Motilal Bararasi Das, 1932.
Subject: SOS
Code: 202
Subject Title: Faith and Reason
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Pratap Chandra Misal, C.M.
Credits: 04
This course aims at a close reading of the text Fides et Ratio by John Paul II. It attempts to show that faith and reason are not opposed but are supplementary to each other.
Book Recommended:
John Paul II. Fides et Ratio Encyclical / on the Relationship Between Faith and Reason. Pauline Books & Media, 2003.
Subject: OAS
Code: 307
Subject Title: German Idealism
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Maniangat, C.M.
Credits: 04
A new era of philosophical development begins with Immanuel Kant. Though Kant was very much interested to critically transcend the systems of thought of the 17th and 18th centuries and lead them to a unity, he opened up new problems in the development of thought. Thinkers of the post Kantian period tried to build on the foundation laid by Kant and bring it to a logical conclusion. The course on German idealism tries to help the students understand the transition from Kant to idealism and the significant contributions of thinkers of the post Kantian period specially Fichte, Schelling and Hegel.
Books Recommended:
Hegel, G. W. F. Phenomenology of Spirit. Translated by A. V. Miller. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1970.
Schopenhauer, Arthus. On the Will in Nature. Translated by E. F. J. Payne. New York & Oxford: Berg, 1992.
Beiser, Frederick C., ed. The Cambridge Companion to Hegel. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
Pippin, R. B. Hegel’s Idealism: The Satisfactions of SelfConsciousness. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1989.
White, F. C., On Schopenhauer’s Fourfold Root of the Principle of Sufficient Reason. Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1992.
III Year – 5th Semester
Subject: OBS
Code: 119
Subject Title: Symbolic Logic
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Jeesaya Nayak, C.M.
Credits: 03
Arguments are put with the help of symbols and ascertained as true or false, valid or invalid etc. Symbolic logic teaches how logical expressions can be represented by using symbols and variables, rather than in ordinary language. This helps remove ambiguity of expression that occurs in ordinary language. The use of symbols in symbolic logic helps us to bring out the features of logical importance in arguments and classify them into types – The traditional method of classifying arguments into types which was first invented by Aristotle involves the use of symbols. The use of variables in logic enables us to state general rules for testing the validity of arguments. Thus one important function of symbols in logic is to express the generality of the rules of logic.
Books Recommended:
Tidman, Paul & Howard Kahane. Logic & Philosophy: A Modern Introduction.
Belmont, CA, Albany, New York: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1999.
Bason, A. H. & Conner, D. J.O. An Introduction to Symbolic Logic.
Bhattacharya, C. Elements of Indian Logic and Epistemology;. S. Chaterjee, Nyaya Theory of Knowledge.
Subject: OBS
Code: 120
Subject Title: Heidegger: Being and Time
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Pratap Chandra Misal, C.M.
Credits: 04
Throughout much of the 20th century, the analytic approach to philosophy launched by Bertrand Russell dominated philosophical thought in the United States, Great Britain, and other English speaking countries. However, within continental Europe—particularly Germany and France—philosophy had a different emphasis, which emerged in the movement of Phenomenology and Existentialism. Phenomenology set aside questions about the so-called objective nature of things; it recommended instead that we explore phenomena more subjectively, from within our human experience. Existentialism adopted phenomenology’s subjective approach, and further developed practical issues of human experience, such as making choices and personal commitments. Phenomenology was launched by Edmund Husserl, and modified by Martin Heidegger. Shortly after there followed a group of writers often called “religious existentialists,” including Karl Jaspers, and Gabriel Marcel. Existentialism received its definitive expression through Jean-Paul Sartre and Maurice Merleau-Ponty.
Books Recommended:
Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time. London: SCM Press, 1962.
Kockelmans, J. L. Phenomenology: The Philosophy of Edmund Husserl and its Interpretation. Garden City, NY: Doubleday and Companion, 1967.
Howells, C., ed., The Cambridge Companion to Sartre. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1992.
Satre, Jean-Paul, Being and Nothingness (New York: Philosophical Library, 1956).
Subject: OBS
Code: 121
Subject Title: Indian Philosophy – Vedānta
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Jose Manjaly, C.M.
Credits: 04
The course will be followed in two parts. The first part will be a detailed study of Sankara’s Advaita Vedanta, which is the source of inspiration for the modern and contemporary Indian thinkers. The second part of the course is a critical study of the Vaisnava Vedanta of Ramanuja, Madhava, Nimabrka, Vallabha, and Sri. Chaitanya.
Books Recommended:
Sharma, C. D. A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy. New Delhi: Motilal Banarasi Das, 1964.
Radhakrishnan, S. Indian Philosophy Vols. I & II. London: George Allen & Unwin, Ltd., 1923.
Dutta, D. M. & Chatterjee, S. C. An Introduction to Indian Philosophy. Calcutta: Calcutta University Press, 1939.
Hiriyanna, M., An Outline of Indian Philosophy. New Delhi: Motilal Bararasidass Publishers, 1932.
Subject: OAS
Code: 308
Subject Title: Thomas Aquinas: Summa Contra Gentiles
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Simon Haokip, C.M.
Credits: 04
In this course Thomas Aquinas present the five proofs for the existence of God using various philosophical arguments along with the God’s nature, attributes, and properties. He explains the relationship between God and world. The course also emphasis the role of incarnation in human salvation and the relationship between faith and reason.
Books recommended:
Thomas Aquinas. “Summa Theologica”. Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1947.
Thomas Aquinas. “Summa Contra Gentiles”. Translated by Anton Pegis. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1975.
Anthony Kenny. “The Five Ways”. New York: Schocken Books, 1969.
Frederick Copleston. “A History of Philosophy”. New York: Doubleday, 1993.
Subject: OAS
Code: 312
Subject Title: Augustine: City of God
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Mathew Kallammakal, C.M.
Credits: 04
This course aims at an in-depth study of the origin and the characteristic and the relationship between the two cities namely the city of God and he city of Man. The work emphasis the need to live a virtuous life cultivating the love of God.
Books recommended:
Augustine of Hippo. “The City of God”. Translated by Henry Bettenson. London: Penguin Books, 1972.
Peter Brown. “Augustine of Hippo: A Biography”. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1967.
Subject: OBS
Code: 127
Subject Title: Italian
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Anil Dung
Credits: 03
Given the multi-lingual culture where we find ourselves in today, students will be required to learn, at least, on more modern language other than one’s mother tongue. Courses on basic Italian also is offered so that they are able to have certain amount of working knowledge on Italian language.
Books recommended
: Danesi, Marcel. “Italian Grammar”. Barron’s Educational Series, 1997.
III Year – 6th Semester
Subject: OBS
Code: 122
Subject Title: Hume – A Treatise of Human Nature
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Mathew Kallammakal, C.M.
Credits: 04
The role of perception, memory and imagination are studied in this course. Hume emphasis the importance of experience in understating relations of facts and matters of facts led by passions, desires, motivations etc. He tries to explain the nature of morality from an empirical standpoint.
Books recommended:
Hume, David. “A Treatise of Human Nature”. Edited by David Fate Norton and Mary J. Norton. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.
Kemp Smith, Norman. “The Philosophy of David Hume”. London: Macmillan, 1941.
Stroud, Barry. “Hume”. London: Routledge, 1977.
Penelhum, Terence. “Hume”. London: Macmillan, 1975.
Subject: OBS
Code: 123
Subject Title: Wittgenstein: Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Pratap Chandra Misal, C.M.
Credits: 04
This course studies the nature of language, logic and philosophy from linguistic perspective. Wittgenstein begins his arguments taking language is like a picture reality. Language can be simplified into numerous propositions and find their truth value. From here he proceed to explain the meaning of logical space. The students is given the importance of logical syntax. Wittgenstein finds philosophy is capable of describing the world and reality and not cable of explain it.
Books Recommended:
Wittgenstein, Ludwig. “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus”. Translated by David Pears and Brian McGuinness. London: Routledge, 1961.
Hacker, P.M.S. “Insight and Illusion: Themes in the Philosophy of Wittgenstein”. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1972.
McGuinness, Brian. “Wittgenstein: A Life”. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1988.
Subject: OBS
Code: 124
Subject Title: Contemporary Indian Philosophy
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Jose Manjaly, C.M.
Credits: 04
.The first part of this course deals with the reform and revival movements of modern Hinduism. The second part consists of detailed study of the thoughts of Vivekananda, Tagore, Gandhi, Aurobindo and Radhakrishnan. Students will be helped to understand how the teaching of these philosophers can help them to become philosopher-priests by means of guided group discussions.
Books Recommended:
Lal, B. K. Contemporary Indian Philosophy. New Delhi: Motilal Banarasidass Publihers, 2005.
Mahadevan, T. M. P. & Saroja, G. V. Contemporary Indian Philosophy. New Delhi: Sterling Publishers Pvt., Ltd., 1983.
Subject: OBS
Code: 125
Subject Title: Philosophy of Natural Law
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Jeesaya Nayak, C.M.
Credits: 03
The Philosophy of Natural Law aims at giving a philosophical and moral framework that posits the existence of a universal moral law, inherent in nature and accessible to human reason with special reference to Thomas Aquinas and Loke. These eternal, and immutable laws are applicable to all human beings, regardless of their cultural and historical background.
Books Recommended:
Thomas Aquinas. “Summa Theologica”. Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1947.
John Locke. “Two Treatises of Government”. Edited by Peter Laslett. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988.
Finnis, John. “Natural Law and Natural Rights”. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1980.
Subject: OAS
Code: 309
Subject Title: Aristotle’s Metaphysics
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Jeesaya Nayak, C.M.
Credits: 04
Aristotle’s Metaphysics studies the being qua being. In this course the four course the concept of substance, act and potency are explained in detail. Due emphasis given on the Prime Mover of the universe.
Books Recommended:
Aristotle, Aristotle: Metaphysics. Translated by Tredennick, Hugh. Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1996.
Aquinas, Thomas. “Commentary on Aristotle’s Metaphysics”. Translated by John P. Rowan. Notre Dame: Dumb Ox Books, 1995.
Subject: OAS
Code: 310
Subject Title: Kant: Critique of Pure Reason
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Pratap Chandra Misal, C.M.
Credits: 04
In this course the students learn the Transcendental Doctrine of Kant. The difference between analytic, synthetic and synthetic apriori statements are explained and emphasises the importance or reason and experience for the acquisition of knowledge. Things are ultimately known to the knower as (Noumena) not in themselves but as they appear to be (Phenomena). The categorical imperatives should be based on reason rather than its usefulness.
Books Recommended:
Kant, Immanuel. “Critique of Pure Reason”. Translated by Norman Kemp Smith. London: Macmillan, 1929.
Allison, Henry E. “Kant’s Transcendental Idealism: An Interpretation and Defense”. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1983.
Subject: OAS
Code: 310
Subject Title: Kant: Critique of Pure Reason
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Pratap Chandra Misal, C.M.
Credits: 04
In this course the students learn the Transcendental Doctrine of Kant. The difference between analytic, synthetic and synthetic apriori statements are explained and emphasises the importance or reason and experience for the acquisition of knowledge. Things are ultimately known to the knower as (Noumena) not in themselves but as they appear to be (Phenomena). The categorical imperatives should be based on reason rather than its usefulness.
Books Recommended:
Kant, Immanuel. “Critique of Pure Reason”. Translated by Norman Kemp Smith. London: Macmillan, 1929.
Allison, Henry E. “Kant’s Transcendental Idealism: An Interpretation and Defense”. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1983.
Ameriks, Karl. “Kant’s Theory of Mind: An Analysis of the Paralogisms of Pure Reason”. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1982.
Bennett, Jonathan. “Kant’s Analytic”. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1966.
Subject: OAS
Code: 311
Subject Title: Plato’s Republic
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Lameswar Kanhor
Credits: 04
Plato’s Republic gives the nature of justice will come to state only when the philosopher king rules it. It divides the state into tripartite. The state declines when it is not ruled by philosophers. The analogy of the cave and the Forms are explained in support of his concept of the state.
Books Recommended:
Plato. “The Republic”. Translated by Benjamin Jowett. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1871.
Subject: OBS
Code: 126
Subject Title: Latin
Teacher: Rev. Fr. Dr. Pratap Chandra Misal, C.M.
Credits: 03
The course aims at imparting a basic knowledge of Latin, so that the students will be able to read and understand some of the philosophical texts originally written in Latin. Allen, William Sidney. “Allen and Greenough’s New Latin Grammar”. New York: Ginn and Company, 1903.
Comprehensive Oral Examination Resident Instructors
At the end of three years of philosophy studies, there will an oral examination to evaluate each student to see how well one has grasped and comprehended the different areas of philosophical studies. The students are given a set of theses drawn from the five obligatory branches of the entire course of philosophy. A board of three examiners will conduct this oral examination covering the major obligatory branches of the prescribed course on philosophy.