Department of Philosophy

About the Department

The Department of Philosophy was established in 1976. Professor Ramachandra Gandhi along with Dr. Suresh Chandra, Dr. Y.N. Chopra, and Dr. S.A. Zaidi, may be regarded as its founding members. From 1978 onwards, the Department of Philosophy commenced its M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. programmes, marking the formal expansion of its postgraduate and doctoral academic offerings. From its very inception, the department adopted a distinctive academic vision that prioritized creative thinking, critical engagement, and innovative inquiry over a narrowly scholastic approach confined to the history of Philosophy or summaries of philosophical schools. This foundational commitment has continued to shape and enrich the department’s teaching and research culture.

The Department is eminently known in the country for research in diverse fields of philosophy. It has been recognized by the UGC as a Department of Special Assistance since 1987. The thrust areas of research under these programmes are (1) Philosophy of Language: Indian and Western and (2) Cognitive Science (including Logic and Philosophy of Mind). The Department has also received grants under ASIHSS for a period of five years from April 2006 to March 2011. The thrust areas under this scheme are (1) Philosophy of Science and (2) Moral and Political Philosophy – both from Indian and Western Perspectives. In addition to these, the Department also carries on research in Philosophy of Wittgenstein, Contemporary Western Philosophy, Systems of Indian Philosophy, Contemporary Indian Philosophy, Ethics and Aesthetics.

Beginning with the academic session 2026–27, the Department of Philosophy will introduce an Integrated Master’s Programme in Philosophy, further strengthening its commitment to advanced and comprehensive philosophical education.