- FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
Department of Philosophy
Established in 1962, Department of Philosophy nurtures critical thinking and holistic development through the study of Indian and Western philosophy, fostering confidence, leadership, and ethical understanding.
Overview
Vision
To examine and reflect upon our understanding of the world and our place within it through the study of Philosophy, and translate its teachings into personal experience, through constant reflection and action.
Mission
Department Faculty
Activities Organised
Teaching and Learning Method
The department has pioneered a shift from traditional “passive” lecturing to active, ICT-enabled learning. The methodology is designed to cater to diverse learning styles (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic).
- Flipped Classroom & Blended Learning: Students engage with core materials (readings, videos) via Google Classroom or Moodle before class, allowing face-to-face sessions to be dedicated to high-level debate and analysis.
- The “Gobbet” Method: A specialized technique where students are presented with a passage of literature, an image, or an artifact to provide a context for deep philosophical analysis and discussion.
- Role-Play & Simulations: Students often enact philosophical dialogues (e.g., Socratic circles) or “role-play” as historical philosophers to better grasp complex ethical and metaphysical arguments.
- Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Students work in groups to solve open-ended ethical dilemmas, applying theoretical frameworks like Utilitarianism or Deontology to real-world scenarios.
Best Practices
The department is recognized for practices that bridge the gap between abstract thought and community application:
- Internal Academic Audit: A rigorous self-reflection process where external experts and alumni evaluate the curriculum and teaching quality to ensure it meets global standards.
- Compulsory Internships: Under the college’s autonomous structure, Philosophy students complete 120 hours of internship, often in NGOs, educational institutes, or legal firms, to develop professional ethics and “soft skills.”
- World Philosophy Day Celebrations: An annual flagship event involving inter-collegiate debates, guest lectures from international scholars, and “Philosophical Skits” to popularize the subject among the youth.
Notable Department Alumni
Name | Role / Achievement |
|---|---|
Sanket Revankar (2020) | Distinguished Alumnus and member of the Board of Studies in Philosophy, contributing to curriculum design, cleared NET-JRF and pursuing PhD full time at Goa University. |
Terrance D’Souza (2024) | Currently pursuing Masters in Social Work from St. Joseph’s, Bangalore. |
Mahima Shirodkar (2024) | Currently pursuing Masters at Goa University and looking to complete BEd after that and become a teacher. |
Alina Kollanur (2024) | Currently pursuing Masters in English at PCCAS |
Mizia Moreira (2024) | Flight attendant with Indigo |
Daniel Thomas (2025) | Currently pursuing LLB at National Law University, Odisha |
Legal Professionals | A significant number of alumni have pursued LL.B. at prestigious institutions like V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, specializing in Human Rights and Constitutional Law. |
Civil Servants and Social Work | Several alumni have successfully cleared GPSC/UPSC examinations, attributing their analytical and writing skills to their philosophical training as well as working with non-profits. |
Academia and Research | Alumni also opt to be part of academia and research either in Philosophy and other disciplines through graduate and doctorate programmes or complete their BEd and teach in schools. |
