S3

OAS 306 Philosophy of Culture

Program : Baccalaureate in Philosophy Semester : S3 Credits : 01 Teacher : Varakukalayil Jojo Joseph Aim The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the nature of culture and the cultural diversities of our world. Culture is built up on nature—on its ecosystem and civilization. There should be a shift of the ‘centre of gravity’ from cosmos to human being. We will explain how the dialectics of the tireless efforts of humans for the mastery over nature and the awareness of the hidden mysteries of nature lead them to the appreciation of beauty, harmony and order of this universe. Our answer to the question ‘what is culture?’ is to be derived from the human person’s incarnation…

Continue ReadingOAS 306 Philosophy of Culture

OAS 305 Philosophy of Arts (Western Aesthetics)

Program : Baccalaureate in Philosophy Semester : 03 Credits : 01 Teacher : Rev. Dr Madathisseril Sebastian Aim The concern of the course is to provide a philosophical vision of the nature and value of art and literature. The course starts from the historical development of the theme, up to the 20th century aestheticians. It discusses the different theories of aesthetic creativity namely the imitation theory, representation theory, how the classical Greek philosophers namely Plato and Aristotle responded differently to these theories, expressionist theory, formalist theory, neo-representation theory, neo-Wittgenstein open concept, and institutional theory of art. The discussion is centred on the fact that these different theories that explain the very nature of art has its importance for culture and…

Continue ReadingOAS 305 Philosophy of Arts (Western Aesthetics)

OBS 115 History of Medieval Western Philosophy

Program : Baccalaureate in Philosophy Semester : S3 Credits : 05 Teacher : rev. Dr Kuttikadan John Lindo Aim We begin our discussion by explaining how the Christian apologists of the pre-medieval period defended their faith against the heretics by making use of Greek philosophical concepts and confidently attempting a harmonious blend of faith and reason. We discuss in some detail the philosophy of the great medieval thinkers such as St. Augustine, Boethius, St. Anselm of Canterbury, St. Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus and William of Ockham. We also present the ideas of Avicenna, Al-Ghazali, Averroes and Moses Maimonides. References Gilson, E., History of Christian Philosophy in the Middle Ages, London, 1955. Copleston, F., A History of Philosophy: Medieval Philosophy, Vol.…

Continue ReadingOBS 115 History of Medieval Western Philosophy

OBS 120 History of Indian Philosophy (Heterodox)

Program : Baccalaureate in Philosophy Semester : S3 Credits : 03 Teacher : Rev. Dr Madathisseril Sebastian Aim This course is a study of the three the Indian Heterodox systems (Nastikadarsanas) such as Carvaka, Buddhism and Jainism. Essential characteristics of Indian thought, the teachings of the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad-Gita are introduced in the beginning of the course It will discuss the metaphysics, epistemology and the ethical systems of these three counter movements. This course is intended to make learners aware of the rich heritage and aims in creating a sense of universal human hood and a living spirituality. References Vellarackal, Paul, Darsanas: Classical Indian Philosophy (Kottayam: OIRSI, 2016). Sharma, Chandrahar, A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy (Delhi:…

Continue ReadingOBS 120 History of Indian Philosophy (Heterodox)

OBS 114 History of Ancient Greek Philosophy

Program : Baccalaureate in Philosophy Semester : S3 Credits : 05 Teacher : Rev. Dr Madathisseril Sebastian Aim In the History of the Ancient Philosophy, we will elaborate general historical and geographical plan of ancient philosophy. Firstly, we will see how to understand the name of ‘pre-Socratic philosophers’. To accomplish this objective, there will be reading of a selection of the fragments and of the testimonies on pre-Socratic philosophers. Then we will continue with Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, on the relativity of human wisdom versus absolute divine wisdom. And also explain the Hellenistic philosophical schools such as sceptical, epicurean and stoic; then finally we will arrive at the Neo-platonic schools and the commentaries on this will point out the continuity…

Continue ReadingOBS 114 History of Ancient Greek Philosophy