DE PAUL INSTITUTE OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY
HAND BOOK AND CALENDAR
2017 -2018
KUMBALAGODU P.O., BENGALURU 560 074 KARNATAKA, INDIA
Tel. 080 28437318, 28437715 Email: [email protected] Website:
The Emblem
Humans, ordained to hold the consciousness of the universe, began asking questions about themselves and everything around them. Thus began the perennial quest for truth. De Paul Institute of Religion and Philosophy is a centre that aims at accompanying supportively anyone with a daring and resolute mind, on this challenging and arduous journey towards Truth. The motto of the Institute is satyenamukti. It is inspired by the words of Jesus that ―truth shall make you free‖ (Jn 8. 32). The lotus flower at the base of the emblem points to the rootedness of the Institute in the rich cultural and religious traditions of India. The chained pair of hands, open and raised upward represents a fettered humanity‘s yearning for total liberation; the broken chain reminds that truth liberates us from all kinds of fetters. The open hands, when viewed as the wings of a dove, bring to mind the opening words of the encyclical Fides et Ratio (1998) that ―Faith and Reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth‖. The opened book, the cross and the dove symbolize the eternal Logos - God the Father, the cross of Jesus, which, according to St. Paul is the wisdom of God, and the Holy Spirit that gently and constantly inspires and challenges us to seek the fullness of Truth, God Himself. CONTENTS
I. Vincentian Congregation ...... 4
II. De Paul Institute ...... 5
III. Governing Body ...... 6
IV. Administrative Staff ...... 7
V. Teaching Staff ...... 8
VI. B. Ph. Programme ...... 11
VII. Evaluation ...... 20
VIII. Grading ...... 21
IX. Description of the Obligatory Courses ...... 22
X. B. A. Program ...... 35
XI. Library ...... 35
XII. Co – Curricular Activities ...... 37
XIII. Academic Calendar ...... 39
XIV. Names of the Seminarians ...... 66
XV. De Paul Anthem ...... 69
I. VINCENTIAN CONGREGATION
Vincentian Congregation is a clerical society of Pontifical Rights in the Syro-Malabar Church, with its Generalate at Edappally in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam - Angamaly. It was founded on 20 November 1904 at Thottakom by Fr. VarkeyKattarath, the then Vicar of Vaikom, with three diocesan priests with the approval of Mar Louis Pazheparamil, the first Vicar Apostolic of Ernakulam. They based their lives on the Common Rules given by St. Vincent de Paul to the members of the Congregation of the Mission. Inspite of his formal instruction to Fr. Varkey to take steps for a proper community life as per the Common Rules, the bishop entrusted the members of the Koventha with various pastoral duties in different parishes for long periods and therefore all of them had to leave Thottakom by 1915 with the permission of the bishop. However, the Koventah of Thottakom was revived by the divine providence in July 1927: Mar Augustine Kandathil, the first Arch Bishop of Ernakulam granted the request of Frs. George Mannara, Antony Pauvathil and George Vattamkandam to lead a religious life in the Koventhaof Thottakom and Fr. VarkeyKattarath joined them in October 1927. With the permission of the Archbishop he took the first vows on 20.10.1931. The Koventha was officially called the Vincentian Congregation in 1938 before the pioneer fathers took the first vows.
The Vincentian Congregation was raised to the status of Pontifical Right on 11.01.1968. Over the years the growth of the Congregation was accelerated with the formation of three Provinces and three dependent Regions in different parts of the world. The charism of the Congregation is to proclaim the good news to the poor. (Lk 4, 18) The Congregation tries to practice its charism through Popular Mission Retreats, Residential retreats and other renewal programmes, educational institutions, Social Work etc. II. DE PAUL INSTITUTE
De Paul Institute of Religion and Philosophy is a centre for religious and priestly formation, run by the Vincentian Congregation. It aims at the human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral formation of seminarians. The General Synaxis of the Vincentian Congregation held in 1988 decided that the philosophical formation of the seminarians of its different provinces should be done in common. As a result, on June 15, 1993, De Paul Institute of Religion and Philosophy was started, temporarily attached to the Vincentian Generalate at Edappally in Kerala. Two years later, on June 24, 1995, the Institute was shifted to its present location in Bangalore. Ever since its inception, the Institute has been steadily growing in the number of students and staff as well as in other facilities. In response to requests from various quarters, the Governing Body of the Institute decided in 2003 to make the facilities of the De Paul Institute available also to the non-Vincentian seminarians. Consequently, from the academic year 2004-05 onwards, the Institute has also a number of non-Vincentian seminarians. The three-year programme offered by the Institute integrates philosophical, linguistic, sociological, biblical, spiritual and Vincentian studies in the curriculum. The Institute is affiliated to the Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram: Pontifical Athenaeum of Philosophy, Theology and Canon law, Bangalore. The students receive the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy (B. Ph.) of the DVK. The students are also encouraged to have a simultaneous graduation in philosophy or any other subjects from Indira Gandhi National Open University or any other Universities.
The Governing Body under the Chairmanship of the Superior General of the Vincentian Congregation is in charge of the general administration of the Institute. It consists of the Superior General, the General Finance Officer the Provincial Superiors and the resident staff of De Paul.
III. GOVERNING BODY
Chairman
Very Rev. Fr. Thundathikunnel Sebastian VC (Superior General, Vincentian Congregation)
Members
Very Rev. Fr. Kakkattupillil Mathew VC (Provincial Superior, St. Joseph Province)
Very Rev. Fr.Puthussery Varghese VC (Provincial Superior, St. Thomas Province)
Very Rev. Fr. Kallumkal James VC (Provincial Superior, Marymatha Province)
Rev. Fr. Moonnupeedikackal Antony VC (General Councilor for Finance)
Fr. Vezhaparambil Rafy VC (Rector, De Paul)
Fr. Vettaparambil George VC(Vice-Rector, De Paul)
Fr. Varakath Roy VC (Dean of Studies, De Paul)
Fr. Karikilamattathil Siby VC (Finance Officer, De Paul)
Fr. Parappuram Varghese VC
Fr. Vallayil John VC
Fr. Vallooran Augustine (Sr.) VC
IV. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Rector : Fr. Vezhaparambil Rafy Vice Rector : Fr. Vettaparambil George Dean of Studies : Fr. Varakath Roy Finance Officer : Fr. Karikilamattathil Siby Animators : Fr. Varakath Roy (III Years) : Fr. Vettaparambil George(II Years) : Fr. Vallayil John (I Years) Spiritual Directors : Fr. Parappuram Varghese Fr. Vallooran Augustine (Sr.) Librarians : Fr. Vallayil John Sr. Melby FCC Music : Fr. Vallayil John Flower Garden : Fr. Vegetable Garden : Fr. Vallooran Augustine (Sr.) Liturgy : Fr. Pastoral Activities : Fr. Karikilamattathil Siby Social Action : Fr. Karikilamattathil Siby Sports & Games : Fr. Varakath Roy Cultural Activities : Fr. Varakath Roy
V. TEACHING STAFF
A. Resident Staff
Name Specialization
01. Karikilamattathil Siby Systematic Philosophy M. Phil. Mumbai
02. Parappuram Varghese Theories of Personality Ph. D., Kerala
03. Vallayil John Systematic Philosophy & Ph. D., Rome Contemporary Philosophical Issues 04. Vallooran Augustine (Sr.) Vincentian Spirituality M. A., Rewa & DSD, Canada
05. Varakath Roy Systematic Philosophy & Ph. D., Rome Contemporary Philosophical Issues
06. Vettaparambil George Moral Philosophy Ph. D. Rome
07. Vezhaparambil Rafy Systematic Philosophy & Ph. D., Belgium Contemporary Philosophical Issues
B. Visiting Staff Name Course Offered
01. Alackakunnel Francis Philosophy of Mind Ph. D., Innsbruck
02. Annand Raj OSM Christian Spirituality Ph. D., Rome
03. Arackal George (Sr) Introduction to Bible Ph. D., Rome 04. Chackumkuzhy Varghese Introduction to the M. A., B. Ed., Catechism of the Catholic Church
05. Chalangady Alex Computer Fundamentals and Data Processing Ph. D., Pune
06. Chelapurath James Indian Philosophy Ph. D., Pune. 07. Cheranthuruthi Anto Indian Philosophy and Post modern philosophy Ph. D., Rome of Ken Wilber 08. Henry MSFS Philosophy of Teilhard Ph. D., Leuven De Chardin 09. Joseph Mathew OFM Symbolic Logic Ph. D., Rome 10. Kandathinkara John Social Psychology Ph. D., USA 11. Kottackal Joshy Systematic Philosophy & Ph. D., Rome Contemporary Philosophical Issues
12. Mangalath Shinto Media and Communication Ph. D., Dharward 13. Mrs. Flavy J.C. English, Kannada M. A., M.Phil. 14. Nedumthuruthil Philip Methodology Ph. D., Rome 15. Njarackal Thomas Principles of Management M.B.A. U.S.A 16. Pallipadan Rocky Philosophy of Kierkegaard Ph. D., Pune 17. Pampackal Joseph Latin M. A., B. Ed., Kerala 18. Plackal Antony Introduction to the Bible Ph. D., U.S.A. 19. Poonoly Anto Heidegger Ph. D., Austria 20. Puthussery Varghese Contemporary Indian Ph. D., Rome Philosophy & Religions 21. Sr. Marina OSB Science & Technology M. Sc., B. Ed., 22. Sr. Rashmi SSpS Feminist perspectives in Philosophy L. Ph., Pune
23. Thazhathuveettil Jose Philosophy of Dietrich von Ph. D., Rome. Hildebrand 24. Thiruthanam Paul Malayalam Literature M.A., B. Ed. Kerala 25. Vattakuzhy Mathew Principles of Social Work M.S.W., Mumbai
VI. B. PH PROGRAMME
De Paul Institute of Religion and Philosophy offers a three year academic programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Ph). Simultaneously the students also undertake degree studies from IGNOU. 6.1. Admission The Institute offers a three-year academic programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy (B. Ph). To be eligible for admission the candidate besides, passing the entrance test conducted annually by the Institute should have at least a Pre-University/Higher Secondary Certificate or its equivalent,
6.2. Programme Organization Departments: The B. Ph Programme is organised under six departments: (i) Systematic Philosophy, (ii) Western Philosophy, (iii) Eastern Philosophies and Religions, (iv) Bible and Christian Spirituality, (v) Psychology and Societal Studies and (vi) Languages. Besides, the first year students are given an orientation programme at the beginning of the academic year to enable them acquire the linguistic and public speaking skills.
6.3. The General Structure of the Three Year Bachelor Degree Course The academic activities of the Institute are organized on the basis of Trimester system. Accordingly, the academic year is divided into three Trimesters. As a rule, there are five working days in a week as Saturdays and Sundays being observed as holidays. Each working day has seven classes of 45 minutes each among which two classes are to be held in the afternoon. The revised syllabus of the three year Bachelor Degree Course of Philosophy is given below.
6.4. Courses offered for the B.Ph (Three years) Systematic Philosophy (SPH)
COURSE COURSE NAME OF THE COURSE NO. OF CODE STATUS CREDITS
SPH 01 OBC Introduction to philosophy 02 SPH 02 OBC Classical Logic 03 SPH 03 OBC Symbolic logic 03 SPH 04 OBC Philosophy of Knowledge 04 SPH 05 OBC Philosophy of Being 04 SPH 06 OAC Philosophy of Science 03 SPH 07 OBC Philosophy of God: Historical perspective 02 SPH 08 OBC Philosophy of Man 04 SPH 09 OBC Moral Philosophy 04 SPH 13 OBC Philosophy of Nature and Cosmology 02 SPH 14 OBC Philosophy of Religion 04 SPH 16 OBC Social Ethics 02 SPH 18 OAC Philosophy of Human Rights and 04 SPH 30 OBC PhilosophyEducation of Mind 03 SPH 20 OBC Philosophy of Beauty: East and West 02 SPH 21 SOC Fides et Ratio 03
Western Philosophy (WPH)
WPH 01 OBC History of Western Philosophy: Ancient 04 WPH 02 OBC History of Western Philosophy: Medieval 04 WPH 03 OBC History of Western Philosophy: Modern 04 WPH 04 OBC History ofWestern Phil: 04 WPH 06 OBC AnalyticContemporaryCConCCCC Philosophy Contemporary 02 WPH 14 OBC Philosophy of Teilhard De Chardin 02 WPH 17 OAC Eco-Philosophy 02 WPH 18 OBC Kierkegaardian Philosophy of Man 02 WPH 25 OBC Heideggerian Philosophy 02 WPH 27 OAC Postmodernism and New Age Philosophy 02 WPH 28 OBC Philosophy of Dietrich von Hildebrand 02 WPH 29 OBC Existentialism and Phenomenology 03 WPH 30 OBC Political Philosophy 02 WPH 31 OAC Pragmatic Philosophy 02 WPH 32 OAC Feminist Approach to Philosophy 02
Eastern Philosophies and Religions (EPR)
EPR OBC Shruti in Indian Philosophy 03 EPR01/14 OBC Smriti in Indian Philosophy 03 EPR01/15 02 OBC Indian Orthodox Systems 02 EPR 03 OBC Indian Heterodox Systems 02 EPR 04 OBC Contemporary Indian Philosophy 04 EPR 06 OAC Popular Hinduism 02 EPR 09 OAC Introduction to Islamic Philosophy 02 EPR 12 OAC World Religions 03 EPR 16 OAC Gandhian Sarvodaya 02 EPR 17 OAC Dalit Philosophy 02 EPR 18 OAC Chinese Philosophy 02
Psychology and Societal Studies (PSS)
PSS 01 OAC General Psychology 02 PSS 02 OAC Theories of Personality 04 PSS 04 SOC Social Teachings of the Catholic Church 02 PSS 05 OAC Principles of Management 03 PSS 07 OAC Computer Software 03 PSS 08 OAC Principles of Social Work 02 PSS 11 OAC Media and Communications 02 PSS 12 OAC Psycho-dynamics of Religious Vocation 04 PSS 20 SOC Research Methodology 02 PSS 21 OAC Social Psychology 02 PSS 22 OAC Philosophy of the Constitution of India 02 PSS 23 OAC Contemporary Indian Literature 02 PSS 24 OAC Social Action and Mission Exposure 02 PSS 25 OAC Developmental Psychology 04
Bible and Christian Spirituality (BCS)
BCS 01 OAC Social Message of the Sacred Scripture 01 BCS 02 OAC Introduction to the Historical Book 01 BCS 03 SOC Christian Spirituality I 01 BCS 04 SOC Christian Spirituality II 01 BCS 05 SOC Christian Spirituality III 01 BCS 06 SOC Vincentian Spirituality I 01 BCS 07 SOC Vincentian Spirituality II 01 BCS 08 SOC Vincentian Spirituality III 01 BCS 10 SOC Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic 02 Church
Languages (LAN)
LAN 01 OAC Elementary Kannada/Telugu/Tamil 03 LAN 02 OAC Advanced Kannada 02 LAN 03 OAC Elementary Sanskrit 02 LAN 04 OAC Advanced Sanskrit 02 LAN 05 OAC Hindi Grammar and Conversation 02 LAN 06 OAC Malayalam Literature 02 LAN 10 SOC Elementary Latin I 02 LAN 10A SOC Advanced Latin II 02 LAN 11 SOC English Grammar 04 LAN 12 SOC English: Phonetics and Pronunciation 04 LAN 13 SOC English: Composition 03 LAN 14 SOC English: Reading, Listening and Public 02 Speech LAN 20 SOC Elementary German 02 LAN 21 SOC Elementary Italian 02
Seminars (SEM)
SEM 01 OBC Philosophical Hermeneutics 02 SEM 02 OBC Philosophy of Religion 02 SEM 03 OBC Contemporary Readings in Epistemology 02 SEM 04 OBC Gandhian Concept of Sarvodaya 02 SEM 05 OBC Reading Plato‘s Apology 02 SEM 08 0BC Summa Theologica Part I 02 SEM 09 OAC Popular Hinduism 02 TUT 01 OBC Selected Readings of the Classical 02 Philosophical Text
6.5. Basics and Optionals: The different departments offer Obligatory Basic courses (OBC) Supplementary Obligatory Course (SOC) and Optional Additional Courses (OAC). The Obligatory Basic Courses and the supplementary obligatory courses are to be taken by all students; the Optional Additional Courses are meant to enable the students to pursue the area of their special interest. Each student is required to take a prescribed number of Optional courses which will be offered on alternative basis every year, to complete the required number of a minimum of 180 credits.
The Syllabus approved by the Sacred Congregation for the Catholic Education for three year Baccalaureate in Philosophy is given below along with the number of credits and division according the Decree on the Reform of the Ecclesiastical Studies of Philosophy.
DIVISION OF CREDITS IN THE THREE YEARS COURSE OF BACCALAUREATE INPHILOSOPHY
PART 1 OBLIGATORY BASIC COURSES (OBC) 113 PART 2 SUPPLEMENTARY OBLIGATORY COURSES 31 (SOC) PART 3 OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL COURSES (OAC) 36 TOTAL 180
Part 1: Obligatory Basic Courses (OBC)
Course Course Title of the Course Class No of Trimester Code Status Hours Credits SPH 01 OBC Introduction to Philosophy 30 02 01 WPH 01 OBC History of Western Philosophy: Ancient 60 04 01 EPR 14 OBC Shruti in Indian Philosophy 45 03 01 SPH 02 OBC Classical Logic 45 03 01 WPH 02 OBC History of Western Philosophy: Medieval 60 04 02 EPR 15 OBC Smriti in Indian Philosophy 45 03 02 SPH 03 OBC Symbolic Logic 45 03 02 EPR 17 OBC Philosophy of Dalit/Subaltern Movements 30 02 02 SEM 05 OBC Reading Plato’s Apology 45 03 03 EPR 09 OBC Islamic Philosophy 45 03 03 SPH 16 OBC Social Ethics 45 03 03 EPR 02 OBC Indian Orthodox Systems 30 02 03 WPH 03 OBC History of Western Philosophy: Modern 60 04 04 WPH 29 OBC Existentialism and Phenomenology 45 03 04 EPR 03 OBC Indian Heterodox Systems 30 02 04 TUT 01 OBC Tutorial: Selected Readings of the Classical Philosophical 45 03 04 Texts WPH 04 OBC History of Western Philosophy: Contemporary 60 04 05 SPH 05 OBC Philosophy of Being 60 04 05 SPH 13 OBC Philosophy of Nature and Cosmology 30 02 05 EPR 04 OBC Contemporary Indian Philosophy 60 04 06 SEM 08 OBC Summa Theologica Part 1 60 04 06 WPH 32 OBC Feminist Approaches to Philosophy 30 02 06 SPH 20 OBC Philosophy of Beauty: East and West 30 02 06 SPH 08 OBC Philosophy of Human Person 60 04 07 SPH 14 OBC Philosophy of Religion and Theodicy 60 04 07 SPH 30 OBC Philosophy of Mind 45 03 07 WPH 14 OBC Philosophy of Teilhard de Chardin/Soren Kierkegaard 30 02 07
WPH 27 OBC Philosophy of Dietrich Von Hildebrand/ Gandhian 30 02 08 EPR 16 Sarvodaya WPH 30 OBC Political Philosophy 30 02 08 SPH 04 OBC Philosophy of Knowledge 60 04 08 SEM 01 OBC Philosophical Hermeneutics 30 02 08 WPH 06 OBC Analytic Philosophy 30 02 09 SPH 09 OBC Moral Philosophy 60 04 09 OBC Research Paper NA 06 09 OBC Comprehensive Written Examination NA 04 09 OBC Comprehensive Viva Voce NA 05 09 Total Credits in Obligatory Basic Courses: 113
Part 2: Supplementary Obligatory Courses (SOC)
Course Course Title of the Course Class No of Trimester Code Status Hours Credits LAN 11 SOC English Language: Grammar 60 04 01 PSS 20 SOC Research Methodology 30 02 01 LAN 12 SOC English: Phonetics and Pronunciation 60 04 02 SPH 21 SOC Fides et Ratio 45 03 03 LAN 20 SOC Modern Languages: German/ Italian 45 03 04 LAN 03 SOC Elementary Sanskrit 45 03 05 LAN 10 SOC Language: Latin I 45 03 06 BCS 10 SOC Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church 45 03 07 PSS 11 SOC Media and Communications 60 04 08 LAN 10 SOC Language: Latin II 30 02 08 Total Credits in Supplementary Obligatory Courses: 31
Part 3: Optional Additional Course (OAC)
Course Course Title of the Course Class No of Trimester Code Status Hours Credits LAN 01 OAC Indian Languages: Kannada/Telugu/Hindi 30 02 01 SPH 18 OAC Philosophy of Human Rights and Education 30 02 02 PSS 08 OAC Principles of Social Work 30 02 02 PSS 07 OAC Computer Software 45 03 03 PSS 01 OAC General Psychology 45 03 03 PSS 22 OAC Philosophy of the Constitution of India 30 02 04 PSS 05 OAC Principles of Management 45 03 04 PSS 02 OAC Theories of Personality 45 03 05 PSS24 OAC Social Action and Mission Exposure 30 02 05 PSS 20 OAC Social Psychology 30 02 05 EPR 12 OAC World Religions 45 03 06 PSS 26 OAC Introduction to the Social Teachings of the Catholic 30 02 06 Church
WPH 27 OAC New Age Philosophy/Pragmatic Philosophy 30 02 07 WPH 31 PSS 25 OAC Contemporary World Literature and Literary Criticism 30 02 07 SPH 06 OAC Philosophy of Science 45 03 08 Total Credits in Optional Additional Courses: 36
6.6. Credit System: The Institute follows the Credit System. The candidate has to obtain a minimum of 180 credits altogether to be awarded the Degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. Each course is assigned a certain number of credits depending on its importance. One credit is equivalent to fifteen lecture hours and a minimum of 15 hours of personal work in terms of assignments, projects and personal reading.
6.7. Seminars: The students are required to do at least one seminar eachin all the three years of their study, besides the annul Philosophical seminar conducted in honour of the Founder of the Congregation Fr. Varkey Kattarath. Seminars will be conducted in a format that encourages personal work and philosophical discussion.
6.8. Tutorials: With a view to familiarise the students with the art of reading philosophical writings profitably, the Institute requires that every student do a tutorial in the second year. In consultation with a professor, the student chooses a Classical philosophical text of reasonable length. The student reads it and discusses it with the chosen professor and finally a written summary is to be submitted to the professor to obtain the credit allotted for the same.
6.9. Research Paper: In the third year every student has to write a research paper under the guidance of a professor on a philosophical or allied topic chosen in consultation with the guide and approved by the Dean of Studies. VII. EVALUATION
7.1. Evaluation of the Individual Courses: There will be an examination for every course taught, in a mode decided upon by the concerned professor. The academic year is divided into three trimesters and as a rule examinations are conducted at the end of each trimester; but in special cases they may immediately follow the completion of the course. Besides such examinations, there will also be internal evaluations for every course. 80% of the marks of a course come from the course-end examinations and 20% from internal evaluations. Internal evaluation is based on the participation of the student in the class and written assignments. After the evaluation the professors return the assignments to the students with helpful tips and comments, which are discussed with them in a personal interview. Assignments test the ability of the student to assimilate, systematically present and critically respond to the inputs in the classes. So the students are not allowed to refer other books for writing assignments for internal evaluation.
7.2. Eligibility for Individual Examinations: To be eligible to appear for an examination, the student must have generally100% attendance of the concerned course. If the student misses more than 30% of the total hours of a course he has to repeat the course. If the absence from the course is less than 30% of the total hours of the course the professor concerned can accept him for the examination after requiring of him some suitable remedial work.
7.3. Re-examination: If one fails in an examination, two more chances will be given. The student has to repeat the year if he fails in two or more major subjects in the third attempt. The dates of re-exams may be fixed in consultation with the Professor concerned and the Dean.
7.4. Comprehensive Examinations: At the end of the three year programme, students are required to appear for written and oral comprehensive examinations covering all the philosophical subjects taught. The written comprehensive lasts three hours and the oral one hour.
7.5. Eligibility for the Comprehensives: To be eligible to appear for the final comprehensive examinations, the student must have passed all the individual course examinations and submitted the Research Paper.
7.6. Eligibility for B. Ph degree: To obtain the B. Ph degree the student must have an average of 50 % marks. (Second Class)
VIII. GRADING
8.1. The following is the grading system of the Institute: 40% = Pass; 50% = Second Class; 60% = First Class; 75% = First Class with Distinction. 8.2. Mark Allocations in the Final Result: The marks secured for the individual courses will form 70% of the final aggregate. The Research Paper and Comprehensive written and oral examinations will have a share of 10% each. IX. DESCRIPTION OF THE OBLIGATORY BASIC COURSES
SPH 01 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (2 Credits)
The general introduction to Philosophy aims at presenting the sapiential dimension of Philosophy by explaining the definition, scope and importance of Philosophy and its relation to other branches of learning. It also deals with various methods and basic notions in Philosophy. Siby Karikilamattathil WPH 01 HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY: ANCIENT (4 Credits)
Western Philosophy began with the ancient Greek Philosophers. The questions they raised and the answers they proposed inspired the entire tradition of thinking which constitutes to this day. Hence this course aims to provide the students with basic knowledge in the main areas of philosophy, ranging between the Pre-Socratic Thought to Post-Aristotelian Philosophy. This course intends to improve students‘ critical thinking and analytical skills by way of addressing some of the basic questions in philosophy. Joshy Kottackal
EPR 14 SRUTI IN INDIAN PHILOSOPHY (3 Credits)
This course introduces the students to the wide spectrum of Indian Philosophical heritage, its oral and written traditions, giving special emphasis on the Vedic understanding of religion, cosmology and eschatology, the Brahmanic religion, sacrificialism, modern patterns of worship and samskaras and the Upanishadic doctrines of Brahman, Atman and the ideal of Liberation. James Chelapurath
SPH 02 CLASSICAL LOGIC (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of deductive reasoning. Students will learn basic logical concepts and common argumentative forms, which help them to know the merits of good arguments, to recognize their presence or absence in argumentative discourse, and to exhibit them in their own writing and speech. John Vallayil
WPH 02 HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY: MEDIEVAL (4 Credits)
The main objectives of this course in Medieval Philosophy are to provide the students with basic knowledge of authors, texts and issues of medieval philosophy, both the Patristic and Scholastic period and to assist students in appropriating the values and methods of scholastic philosophy in their development of a philosophical vision. Thus it provides the medieval dialectic between faith and reason. Roy Varakath
EPR 15 SMRTI IN INDIAN PHILOSOPHY (3 Credits)
This course introduces the students to the Smrti and Dravidian Agamic literature and the Philosophy of the Dharma Codes of Manu, Ethics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, Religion of the Puranas, Philosophy of the Self in the Gita and Agamic religion with special emphasis on Saivite and Vaishanvaite traditions. Anto Cheranthuruthy
SPH 03 SYMBOLIC LOGIC (3 Credits)
Symbolic logic is formal logic in a symbolic mathematical form. This course will enable the students to realize the inadequacies of the natural languages for the purpose of logical analysis as well as to understand why logical symbolism is absolutely necessary to any exact or thorough treatment of a subject. Further this course will enable the students to acquire techniques and methods for testing the correctness of different kinds of reasoning..
Rafy Vezhaparambil
EPR 17 PHILOSOPHY OF DALIT/ SUBALTERN MOVEMENTS (2 CREDITS)
The course having explained the literal and social meaning of the terms aims to give the students an understanding of their place in Hindu hierarchy, their origin, outlook on life and the world. It further explains the steps taken to bring the marginalized into the main stream of life. Finally, the meaning of the philosophy of liberation is considered with special emphasis to the views of subaltern movements and their struggle to affirm their identity.
Jose Thazhathuveetil
SEM 05 READING PLATO’S APOLOGY (2 Credits)
The purpose of this seminar is to evoke interest in reading the Dialogues of Plato. The Apology is not a treatise. It presents itself as the speech of Socrates at his trial. It is then, in a sense, a drama, a philosophical work of art. We must be attentive to this fact. Socrates is not—at least not straightforwardly—Plato‘s ―mouthpiece.‖ Plato has created a character named Socrates and put into that character‘s mouth certain statements. The meaning of the Apology comes from the total scene, Socrates‘ statements in dramatic context. In other dialogues, the meaning comes from the interaction of Socrates with his interlocutors. Roy Varakath
EPR 09 ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY (3 Credits)
This course is an introduction to some of the key figures, seminal texts and the main themes of Islamic Philosophy in the Classical Period. Philosophers in the Islamic world were strongly influenced by Greek philosophical works and adapted some of the platonic, Aristotelian and other ideas to their Islamic brand of Monotheism. Islamic Philosophy is seen as field that should lead one to the knowledge of God as ultimate reality worthy to be worshipped and served. The course aims to help students to understand the Islamic vies of seeing the realities.
Varghese Puthussery
SPH 16 SOCIAL ETHICS (3 Credits)
A general moral discourse has to be followed and supplemented by the application of ethics in the social living context of human beings. Its emphasis is on issues of practical concern. By addressing the ethical dilemmas emerging from real life contexts, it is envisaged that applicability of moral principles can be tested and proved. Introducing students into a critical moral evaluation of a few sample issues of life such as suicide, euthanasia, abortion, business and environmental destruction, etc., would equip the students to see their life and action in proper moral perspective and thus to become responsible human beings. George Vettaparambil
EPR 02 INDIAN ORTHODOX SYSTEMS (2 Credits)
This course aims at an in-depth study of the Orthodox Systems in Indian Philosophy, which, on the one hand, provides philosophical and scientific foundation to the Vedic teachings, and, on the other, develops independent branches of philosophy, like logic, psychology, epistemology, cosmology, etc. Varghese Puthussery
WPH 03 HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY: MODERN (4 Credits) The study of Modern Western Philosophy begins with renaissance thinkers and ends with the German Idealism. The spirit of Modern Philosophy: Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Wolff, Malebranche and Pascal); Empiricism (Bacon, Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume) and German Idealism (Kant, Fichte, Schelling, Hegel). George Vettaparambil
WPH 29 EXISTENTIALISM AND PHENOMENOLOGY (3 Credits)
The main objectives of this course are to introduce the students to ‗existentialism‘, a philosophical movement associated in its inception with Soren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche, ranging from atheism to theism and phenomenology, and to critically engage them with the human situations of freedom, anxiety, dread and death in the quest for authenticity.
EPR 03 INDIAN HETERODOX SYSTEMS (2 Credits)
This course introduces the basic thought patterns of Buddhism, Jainism and Cārvāka School. The Indian material systems are critically examined in this course. Rejection of Vedic authority as the source of authenticity is the common feature of the system. Varghese Puthussery
TUT 01 TUTORIAL: TEXTS FROM PROMINENT PHILOSOPHERS (3 Credits)
Tutorial is an important part of academic formation through the first hand reading of the original works of philosophers. Emphasis is laid on personal work, originality, and the ability to grasp and communicate ideas. Each candidate chooses text of an author in consultation with the Tutor. Thereafter the candidate makes a personal study with the assistance of the Tutor, prepares a summary in the form of an assignment which shall be further discussed and evaluated by the concerned Tutor.
WPH 04 HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY: CONTEMPORARY (4 Credits)
Analytic Philosophy is the dominant philosophical tradition in the Twentieth Century English speaking world. It is characterized by the logical and linguistic turn in Philosophy. Philosophical analysis is a method of inquiry in which one seeks to assess complex systems of thought by ‗analyzing‘ them into simpler elements whose relationships are thereby brought into focus. Together with Frege and Russell, Wittgenstein played a significant role in the development of this mode of philosophical investigations. Rafy Vezhaparambil
SPH 05 PHILOSOPHY OF BEING / METAPHYSICS (4 Credits)
The course on Metaphysics discusses the fundaments of Metaphysics, the nature and definition, the scope, method and history, metaphysical nature and structure of finite beings, existence and essence, substance and accidents, matter and form, act and potency and the transcendental properties of being.
John Vallayil SPH 13 PHILOSOPHY OF NATURE AND COSMOLOGY (2 Credits)
Philosophy of Nature is a systematic subject taught under the bachelor of philosophy with a view to initiate students into bridging between philosophy, nature, and scientific developments. Apart from introducing students to various scientific paradigms, they are given opportunities to approach those theories from a critical philosophical angle to understand the basic vision of reality that is unveiled and also approach science from a holistic and integral angle. John Vallayil
EPR 04 CONTEMPORARY INDIAN PHILOSOPHY (4 Credits)
An introduction to Contemporary Indian Philosophy by examining its distinguishing features and the teachings of the thinkers like Dr. Sarvepally Radhakrishnan, M. K. Gandhi, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, Prof. K. C. Bhattacharya, Sri. Ramakrishana Paramahansa, Sri. Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Aurobindo, Amartya Sen. Varghese Puthussery
SEM 08 SUMMA THEOLOGIAE: PART I (4 Credits)
The objective of this seminar is to introduce the Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor and to initiate the students to Scholastic thought. The Summa Theologiæ (written 1265–1274 and also known as the Summa Theologica or simply the Summa) is the best-known work of Thomas Aquinas (c.1225–1274). Although unfinished, the Summa is ―one of the classics of the history of philosophy and one of the most influential works of Western literature.‖ It is intended as a manual for beginners in theology and a compendium of all of the main theological teachings of the Catholic Church. It presents the reasoning for almost all points of Christian theology in the West. The Summa’s topics follow a cycle: the existence of God; Creation, Man; Man‘s purpose; Christ; the Sacraments; and back to God. John Vallayil
WPH 32 FEMINIST APPROCHES TO PHILOSPHY (2 Credits)
This course examines the nature and effects of categories of sex and gender upon our ways of living, thinking and doing, while also challenging how gendered assumptions might shape our conceptions of identity and inquiry more generally. Different conceptions of sex and gender will be discussed, and the course will investigate how these concepts affect our lives in both concrete and symbolic ways. Special attention will be paid to how gendered assumptions color our understanding of knowledge production, experiences of embodiment and emotion, public and private activities, and the nature of ethical decision making.
Rashmi SSpS
SPH 20 PHILOSOPHY OF BEAUTY: EAST AND WEST (2 Credits)
Philosophy of Beauty: East and West is a course designed to introduce students of philosophy into what is traditionally called Aesthetics, a branch of philosophy. The course besides dealing with the nature of beauty, art and taste, covers a wide range of issues and thinkers in Philosophy of Art and Aesthetics ranging from Plato and Aristotle to Hume, Kant and Hegel from the west and the theory of rasa attributed to a sage Bharata and developed by Abinavagupta who applied it to all varieties of theatre and poetry. We also will be dealing with the thoughts of Confucius in this regard. Some of the questions dealt with are: what is art? What is the nature and role of the Artist? What occurs in the reception and apprehension of Art ? How can one best account for the interpretation of Art etc.
George Mattam
SPH 08 PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN PERSON (4 Credits)
The course aims to challenge and stimulate students philosophically to raise the fundamental question, ―Who am I‖ and to have clarity about human existence and nature by critically and creatively investigating metaphysical and epistemological questions regarding human subjectivity. Human existence is fundamentally co-existence and pro-existence. We are rooted in nature, formed by nurture and sustained by God; positively we act upon the world, build up the community and move towards God. Roy Varakath
SPH 11 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION AND THEODICY (4 Credits)
This course will examine critically definitions, assumptions and arguments central to religion. Topics will include interpreting the nature of religion, various arguments of the origin of religion, arguments for and against the existence of God, relation between God and World, the problem of evil, the nature and function of religious language and experience, religious pluralism and the religious trends in Post- modernism. Joshy Kottackal
SPH 30 PHILOSOPHY OF MIND (3 Credits)
The Philosophy of Mind includes issues of metaphysics, epistemology, logic, psychology, aesthetics, linguistics, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, and biology, to name a few. This course will begin with a brief introduction to the history of philosophical thinking about the mind, especially the theory of mind-body dualism, the view that the mind and body are two distinct substances. After discussing the problems with that view, we will then turn to a survey of more recent philosophical theories of the mind, including behaviorism, materialism, and functionalism.
Francis Alackakunnel
WPH 14 PHILOSOPHY OF SOREN KIERKEGAARD (2 Credits)
Søren Kierkegaard`s philosophy has been a major influence in the development of 20th century philosophy, especially existentialism and postmodernism. Kierkegaard was a 19th-century Danish philosopher who has been called the "Father of Existentialism. Kierkegaard is best known as a trenchant critic of Hegel and for his invention of a host of philosophical, psychological, literary and theological categories. In this course we shall study the main philosophical concerns of Søren Kierkegaard basing Anxiety as central point. It includes anxiety, despair, melancholy, repetition, inwardness, irony, existential stages, inherited sin, sacrifice, love as a duty, seduction and indirect communication, leap of faith etc. Rocky Pallipadan EPR 16 GANDHIAN SARVODAYA (2 Credits) The course Gandhian Sarvodaya having examined the life and works of Gandhi aims to provide the students with basic philosophy M. K. Gandhi who is considered to be the Father of Nation. Sarvodaya as an ideal, a vision and a movement is based solidly on a philosophy of praxis that demands a commitment of its followers to the care and uplift of the humanity, especially the least in any society. It advocates universal love and universal brotherhood. Hence this course would enable the students to see one’s life from a universal perspective and to respond the needs of humanity applying the principle of non-violence.
Siby Karikilamattathil
WPH 30 POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (2 Credits)
This course gives a general introduction to Political Philosophy as seen through the examination of some of the major texts and thinkers of the western political tradition. Three broad themes that are central to the understanding of political life are focused upon: the polis experience (Plato, Aristotle), the sovereign state (Machiavelli, Hobbes), constitutional government (Locke), and democracy (Rousseau, Tocqueville). Thus the course aims to give a broad understanding of the manifold way in which different political philosophies have given expression to various political institutions within human culture. Roy Varakath
SPH 04 PHILOSOPHY OF KNOWLEDGE (4 Credits)
Epistemology is the theory of knowledge which is a justified true belief. Hence the course deals with the nature, source and limitations of knowledge. In studying the nature of knowledge, we will discuss the conditions that a belief must meet to qualify as knowledge. Thus, we will explore what takes it for a certain belief to be justified and the connection between being justified in believing something, being right in believing it and knowing it. In studying the sources of knowledge, we will address the extent to which perception, memory, and testimony and reasoning gives us knowledge. Finally, while we study the limitations of knowledge, we will consider skepticism and its various forms. Rafy Vezhaparambil
SEM 01 PHILOSOPHICAL HERMENEUTICS (2 Credits)
Hermeneutics in the very general sense of interpretation has existed ever since the human existence. However, this course concerns itself with the theory of understanding and interpretation of language. The main objective of this course is to provide students with an overall understanding and development of this philosophical discipline with special emphasis on the philosophy of Hans Georg Gadamer. Joshy Kottackal
WPH 06 ANALYTIC PHILOSPHY (2 Credits)
Analytic philosophy is a movement in, and style of, philosophy that began in Britain and America in the early 20th century, and continues to dominate academic philosophy in the English-speaking world. In this course, we examine some of the most important works of this movement. The topics we’ll cover include philosophical analysis, logical form, logical atomism, logical positivism and “the linguistic turn” in philosophy.
Francis Alackakunnel
SPH 09 MORAL PHILOSOPHY (04 Credits)
This course deals with the notion and scope of ethics, human act, the will, imputability, impediments to the human act, ends of human act, the norm of morality, different theories regarding the norm of morality, stoicism, Kant‘s formalism, perfectionism, intuitionism, egoistic hedonism, utilitarianism, evolutionary naturalism, the concept of law, natural law, obligation and sanction, virtue and vice, rights and duties. George Vettaparambil
RESEARCH PAPER
The purpose of the research paper is to introduce the candidates to deeper study and research. Through this they learn to conduct independent, original research and to present the same scientifically following an approved methodology. This would enable them to identify relevant problems, raise significant questions, summarize and compose the texts researched and to think critically and coherently. The following will be the normal procedure: The choice of the topic for research, selection of the guide, presentation and preparation of the proposal to the guide, writing and submission of the paper and a public defense of the same before a board.
COMPREHENSIVE WRITTEN EXAMINATION
This written examination for three hours is meant to evaluate the capacity of the candidates to understand comprehensively the major philosophical courses they have attended in the preceding three years. It is meant to evaluate how much the candidates have critically and coherently personalized the ideas that they have encountered.
COMPREHENSIVE VIVA VOCE
The purpose of Comprehensive Viva Voce examination is to evaluate the capability of the candidates to summarize and express coherently and systematically the important philosophical topics they have learned during the 3 year course. The duration of this examination is one hour (15 minutes each before a commission consisting of 4 professors). It gives the candidates as taste of philosophical discourse. They will be able to exhibit their talents in oral communication as they have to present and defend their arguments logically and critically. They will have to be in a position to demonstrate their views keeping in mind the interrelatedness of various philosophical disciplines. A booklet containing various topics will be provided to the candidates one month prior to the examination.
X. B.A. PROGRAMME
The students who join after their PUC/Higher Secondary do the B.A. (philosophy) of Indira Gandhi Open University (IGNOU). Those Students, who join after graduation may be allowed to pursue Post Graduate Studies in, provided they prove themselves capable of doing it without affecting their philosophical studies. For details on the B.A. Programme of IGNOU please refer to the Prospectus of the University. XI. LIBRARY For the smooth running of our library and for the benefit of everybody in the house, please observe the following directions. They are not meant to be restrictions on your use of the library, but to help you use it better.
11.1. Reading Room Periodicals placed on the rack are meant to be read only in the reading room. Under no circumstances shall they be taken out of the reading room - neither to the living rooms, nor to the reference hall. When you put them back, please see that they are placed exactly in the place marked for them.
11.2. Reference Hall Books placed in the reference hall are meant only for references and they shall not be taken to the rooms. If you find a particular book very important for your paper or thesis, they may be issued to you for a very short period, but only with the permission of the Father Librarian. Please see that the books are not misplaced and the order of the books not disturbed. Don‘t leave your personal study materials on the tables or racks in the reference hall.
11.3. Stack Room a) No seminarian, except the brother librarians, is expected to enter the stack room.
b) As a rule, the seminarians are allowed to keep up to 5 books at a time for a period of 2 weeks. However, the 3rd years may have more books when they write the B Ph. Paper, but only with the written permission of the father librarian. This exception may be made also to 1st and 2nd years in case of extreme necessity. Those who need more books than allowed may write down the details of the books they need, get it signed by the father librarian and present the list to the library office. In any case, the books are to be returned within two weeks. When needed for a longer period of time, return the books and get them re-issued, but not for a third time consecutively. That means, after one month of having the book in the custody of one person it should be available for others at least for a week.
c) You may borrow up to two periodicals at a time, for a period of two weeks.
d) Do not mark or write in the books with any writing material. Be respectful and sensitive to the future users of the books.
e) Do not fold the papers of the books to mark a page.
f) Do not put excess pressure on opened books by placing other books or any heavy material to keep them opened or as book markers, because it will break the binding. Please be aware that all the paperback editions are not bound with threads but the sheets are simply pasted together.
g) Do not tear off the sheets from the books.
h) As a rule, the books shall be issued only to the members of De Paul Institute, Bangalore.
i) Books or periodicals personally borrowed from the library shall not be passed to another. If another requires the same, the concerned books or periodicals shall be duly returned to the library and get them re-issued to the new borrower.
11.4. Periodicals Room Periodicals Room will be opened on Saturdays from 10.00 to11.00 am and again from 2.30 to 3.00 pm. You may keep with you up to two bound volumes at a time, but not for more than two weeks.
11.5. Recreation Hall Librarians will put the news papers on the tables in the recreation hall. On the first table you will find the news papers of the day and on the second, of the previous day. Please keep this order and don‘t take them away. You can have the old papers for further references or paper cuttings, but get the permission from the librarians.
11.6. Staff Room Seminarians are not allowed to use the periodicals or books placed in the staff room.
XII. CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
11.1. De Paul Cultural Academy (DPCA) DPCA provides opportunities for everyone to nurture and develop ones‘ cultural talents. The entire community is divided into a number of small groups and every month a cultural meeting is organized by one of the groups. Debates on pertinent themes are also arranged between the groups. Moreover, on every ecclesiastical and civil feast the DPCA conducts extra-ordinary cultural get-togethers, which provide ample opportunity for the young artists to come out.
11.2. De Paul Darsana It is a semi digitalized magazine which is frequently published as wall magazine and it is also made available as bound book annually. This wall magazine carries various types of literary and artistic creations. It is conceived as a medium to bring to light short stories, essays, paintings and cartoons etc by the students.
11.3. SMILE Fellowship Sacred Scripture‘s Social Message into Living Experience (SSSMILE) fellowship is a forum for the students to study, meditate on and put into practice the social message of the gospel. Under the auspices of this association the students visit the families and sick people in the villages around the Institute and help them financially, psychologically and spiritually. In their free time they give free tuition to the poor school children of the locality. The seminarians volunteer to donate blood to poor and needy patients in the Government hospitals in the city. In order to raise funds for the charitable activities of SSSMILE fellowship the students work in the farm on holidays, cultivate vegetables, and make some savings also from their pocket money. The SSSMILE Fellowship enables them to find their identity as followers of St. Vincent de Paul who is the patron of all charitable activities.
11.4. Mission Exposure Programme The first and the second year students spend some days familiarizing themselves with and participating in the various activities of the Church in the social sector during their summer holidays. They live with the socially and economically disadvantaged helping them in their various needs.