Modern Philosophy Course: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Mar 26, 2024 04:31 IST
Jasmine Dang Arora

Jasmine Dang AroraDeputy Manager-Content

The subject of Philosophy is as old as humans. Be it Western or Indian Civilizations, Philosophical works have always served as the primary source of knowledge for the human quest about nature. The term "modern philosophy" describes the philosophical ideas and research that arose during the "Early Modern" or "Modern" era, which is generally understood to have spanned the 17th to the 20th century. It includes a broad spectrum of philosophical groups and intellectuals that investigated novel concepts, challenged conventional wisdom, and established the foundation for modern philosophical thought.

The timeline of Western Philosophy goes back to the earliest recorded time of 600 BCE when Thales of Miletus began developing and writing Philosophy as a subject. The timeline of Modern Philosophy is generally considered from 1400 AD to the 20th century AD with the period to 1800 AD considered as the time of Early Modern Philosophy while the time beginning 1800 AD to 20th Century being the Modern Philosophy. The period after the 20th Century is considered the Contemporary Philosophy period. 

The most prominent philosophers of the Modern Era are David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Baruch Spinoza, Rene Descartes, Gottfried Leibniz, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and Bertrand Russel among others. Modern Philosophy is largely affected by the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution. The two primary segments of Philosophy which were developed in Modern Philosophy are Empiricism and Rationalism.

Table of Contents
  1. All About Modern Philosophy
    • 1.1 Why Study Modern Philosophy?
  2. Modern Philosophy Eligibility Criteria
  3. Modern Philosophy Entrance Exams 2024
  4. Modern Philosophy Courses
  5. Modern Philosophy Syllabus
  6. Modern Philosophy Course Top Colleges
    • 6.1 Top Private Colleges Offering Modern Philosophy Course
    • 6.2 Top Government Colleges Offering Modern Philosophy Courses
  7. Modern Philosophy Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
    • 7.1 Modern Philosophy Top Recruiters
  8. Modern Philosophy Course FAQs

All About Modern Philosophy

Modern Philosophy as a subject traditionally begins with René Descartes and his dictum "I think, therefore I am". Modern Philosophy is a very interesting subject as it studies Rationalism and Empiricism. Modern Philosophy studies the transition of knowledge from the Middle Ages to Modernity. It emphasized its studies on the value of human beings, which opposed dogma and scholasticism. The new interests led to the development of Political Science, Mathematics, and the meaning of life and its purpose and goals.

In Modern Philosophy, students get to learn plenty about Rationalism, Empiricism, Political Philosophy, Idealism, Existentialism, Phenomenology, Pragmatism, Analytic Philosophy, and much more. Modern Philosophy deals with practical and logical thinking that came into effect, how the greatest philosophers of the period faced intellectual challenges, and how Christianity brought out a different path of Philosophy.

Why Study Modern Philosophy?

Studying modern philosophy has the following important advantages:

  • Understanding of Historical circumstances: It offers a greater understanding of our cultural heritage by shedding light on the intellectual advancements and historical circumstances that created modern ideas.
  • Foundational Concepts: Several current philosophers have introduced fundamental ideas and concepts that still have an impact on politics, science, philosophy, and ethics today.
  • Critical Thinking Skills: Analytical reasoning, argument construction, and evaluation are all enhanced by reading challenging philosophical works.
  • Relevance to Current Issues: Modern philosophers addressed age-old concerns regarding the nature of reality, knowledge, morality, and society, providing perspectives that are still pertinent to discussions and problems today.

Relevant Link Related to Modern Philosophy:

Philosophy Course 

Modern Philosophy Eligibility Criteria

Students must check the eligibility criteria which are required to get admission to the Modern Philosophy course. It is to be noted that the eligibility criteria will vary as per the institute. Candidates can check below the general conditions of eligibility that they need to fulfill to taking admission to the Modern Philosophy course.

For information on institute-specific eligibility conditions, students need to check the website of the institute. It is highly advised that students ensure their eligibility before applying for admission to the course.

Course

Modern Philosophy Eligibility Criteria

Bachelors Degree

The candidate should have done their Class 12 from a recognized University in any stream and should have secured a minimum of 45%.

Masters Degree

The candidate should have done their BA in Philosophy or any equivalent discipline from a recognized University and should have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate.

MPhil

The candidate should have done their MA in Philosophy in a specialization (Modern Philosophy if done) from a recognized University and should have secured a minimum of 55% aggregate.

PhD

The candidate should have done their MA/MPhil in Philosophy from a recognized University and should have secured a minimum of 60%.

Note: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Modern Philosophy Entrance Exams 2024

The desirous students can get admission to Modern Philosophy courses by appearing in the below-mentioned entrance exams. Several assessments may be necessary for philosophy courses, depending on the educational setting and degree (undergraduate or postgraduate).
Before applying to any college, applicants should also be aware of the entrance examinations and the information they contain. The following are the major entry examinations and crucial dates for philosophy courses:

Entrance Exam Registration Dates Exam Dates
CUET Feb-Mar 2024 CUET Exam Schedule
IGNOU ------ IGNOU Exam Schedule
PUBDET Jan' 2024 PUBDET Exam Schedule
AAT Jan' 2024 AAT Exam Schedule
BHU UET Closed BHU UET Exam Schedule
TISSNET To be notified TISSNET Exam Schedule

Note: This information is sourced from official website of the institute/exam.

Relevant Link: CUET Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024.

Modern Philosophy Courses

Candidates interested in pursuing Modern Philosophy as a course of study can choose from a variety of programs provided by various institutes in India and abroad. A bachelor's degree in Modern Philosophy will require the candidate to know the basics of various topics covered under the subjects.

The master's degree will lead the candidate to a specialized study in Modern Philosophy. The MPhil and PhD degrees are research-oriented programs. Candidates can check below Modern Philosophy courses below and their duration as per their interests.

Courses

Duration

BA in Philosophy

3-Years

MA in Philosophy

2-Years

MPhil in Philosophy

2-Years

PhD in Philosophy

2 to 4 Years

Modern Philosophy Syllabus

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Modern Philosophy will gain a thorough understanding of the philosophical movement, major historical developments, and significant philosophers of the day. Students gain the skills to assess difficult topics and formulate cogent arguments by critically analysing philosophical books and ideas. They gain understanding of philosophical ideas, moral conundrums, and political ideologies as they investigate fundamental concerns about reality, knowledge, ethics, and politics.

Students can see the below table to learn the BA in Modern Philosophy syllabus:

Semester-1 Syllabus for Modern Philosophy

Introduction to Philosophy

Ancient Philosophy: Predecessors and Influences

Early Modern Philosophy: Descartes, Bacon, and the Scientific Revolution

Rationalism vs. Empiricism: Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz

British Empiricism

Ethics and Morality in Modern Philosophy

Semester-2 Syllabus for Modern Philosophy

The Enlightenment and Its Philosophers

Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason

Kantian Ethics: Categorical Imperative and Moral Law

Hegel's Dialectical Idealism

Utilitarianism and Consequentialism: Bentham and Mill

Existentialism: Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre

Semester-3 Syllabus for Modern Philosophy

Phenomenology: Husserl and Heidegger

Analytic Philosophy: Russell, Wittgenstein, and Logical Positivism

Pragmatism: Peirce, James, and Dewey

Continental Philosophy: Existentialism (Continued), Structuralism, and Post-Structuralism

Feminist Philosophy: Wollstonecraft, de Beauvoir, and Contemporary Feminist Thinkers

Postmodernism: Foucault, Derrida, and Cultural Critique

Semester-4 Syllabus for Modern Philosophy

Advanced Seminar in Modern Philosophy

Philosophy of Science

Philosophy of Mind

Philosophy of Art and Aesthetics

Senior Thesis or Capstone Project in Modern Philosophy

Elective Courses in specialized areas (e.g., Philosophy of Religion, Political Philosophy, Environmental Ethics)

Modern Philosophy Course Top Colleges

Many institutes in India offer Modern Philosophy courses at graduation and post-graduation levels. Candidates can select the institute based on their preference, ranking, and location which best suits them. Below are some of the best institutes to study Modern Philosophy.

Top Private Colleges Offering Modern Philosophy Course

 

Some of the popular private colleges for Philosophy course are as follows:

Name of College Fees (in INR)

Amity University, Noida

INR 1 lakh

Christ University, Bangalore

INR 1.2 lakh

Loyola College, Chennai

INR 1.3 lakh

Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar

INR 1.14 lakh
Mount Carmel College, Bangalore INR 1.5 lakh
Shoolini University, Solan INR 96,000

Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune

INR 78,000
Stella Maris College, Chennai INR 75,000
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai INR 23,000
St. Joseph's University, Bangalore INR 96,000

Top Government Colleges Offering Modern Philosophy Courses

Philosophy courses can also be pursued by several government colleges. The fees of government colleges is comparatively less than private colleges. Top Colleges have specific guidelines and students need to fulfill that criteria to get admission.

Name of College Fees (in INR)
Daulat Ram College, Delhi INR 47,000
Gargi College, Delhi INR 24,000
Hansraj College, Delhi ----

Hindu College, University of Delhi

INR 52,000
Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi INR 20,000

Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi

INR 54,000
Madras Christian College, Chennai INR 56,000
Miranda House, Delhi INR 42,000
Ramjas College, Delhi INR 42,000
Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi INR 37,000

Modern Philosophy Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

Getting a dream job after doing the course is what every student looks for.  While Modern Philosophy as a career option has limited opportunities, it does have some of the most promising jobs in teaching, research, and analytics among others. Some of the jobs which a Modern Philosophy graduate can look for are given here:

Job Profiles Average Salary
Philosophy Professor INR 4 LPA-INR 12 LPA
Researcher INR 3 LPA-INR 10 LPA
Writer/Author INR 2 LPA-INR 8 LPA
Consultant INR 3 LPA-INR 12 LPA
Religious Leader/Counselor INR 2 LPA-INR 8 LPA
Lawyer INR 3 LPA-INR 10 LPA
Public Policy Analyst INR 3 LPA-INR 12 LPA
Journalist/Columnist INR 3 LPA-INR 8 LPA
Entrepreneur Varies

Note: This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, is subject to vary.

Modern Philosophy Top Recruiters

A few top recruiting companies for Modern Philosophy graduates are:

Top Recruiters for Metaphysics

Chandigarh University

Abbott

K.L Textiles

Lucknow University

Adani Agro

Sun pharmaceutical

NDTV

Ministry of AYUSH

Ranbaxy

Goonj

Hindu College

NDTV

Quick Links Related to Modern Philosophy Courses:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Overview

Master of Arts (MA) Overview

Modern Philosophy Course FAQs

Q. What is the admission process for Modern Philosophy courses?

A. Students can see the below points to learn the admission process for Modern Philosophy courses:

Choose University/College: The first step is to search for colleges or universities that are offering courses in Philosophy. Check the fees, the seats offered, and the eligibility criteria that are set for the course.

Apply for Course: Proceed to apply for admission after getting to know the university offering the program. Fill up the details as required and pay the application fee. The application forms are available for a limited period so the candidate is advised to know the details way in advance.

Mode of Admission: Universities and Colleges will either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission through merit. For postgraduate courses, the candidate will have to appear for an entrance exam.

Results: Selected and qualified candidates make the merit list. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage, to be eligible for admission.

Counselling: The candidate will have to appear for the counselling session conducted at the university to book their seat, submit their documents and pay the fees to seal admission.

Q. What are the skills required for Modern Philosophy courses?

A. Modern Philosophy as a course requires the candidates to have an interest in knowing things beyond imagination. Philosophy is certainly the subject that requires candidates to possess some of the below-mentioned skills.

Skills Required for Modern Philosophy

Attentive

Avid Reader

Understandable

Good Communication Skills

Enthusiastic

Observant

Perceptive

Creative

Understanding

Curious

Inquisitive

Keen

Sharp Minded

Learned

Knowledgeable

Intellectual

Q. What are the main subjects in Modern Philosophy?

A. The curriculum of Modern Philosophy is designed in a manner that provides in-depth knowledge to students about the subject and trains them to be thorough professional.

Main Subjects in Modern Philosophy
Modern Philosophy and the Scientific Revolution Fundamental Assumptions of Early Modern Philosophy
Representational Theory of Perception Continental Rationalism and Its Fundamental Assumptions
Western Philosophy: Ancient Medieval & Modern Philosophical Counselling: Indian &Western
Modern Indian Thought Gandhian Thought & Peace Studies
Philosophy of Mind Moral Philosophy
Philosophy of Religion Applied Ethics

Q. What does modern philosophy study?

A. Modern philosophy studies a wide range of topics, including:

  1. Epistemology: The study of knowledge, including its nature, sources, and limits.
  2. Metaphysics: Exploration of the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and being.
  3. Ethics: Examination of moral principles, values, and ethical theories.
  4. Political Philosophy: Analysis of concepts such as justice, freedom, authority, and governance.
  5. Logic: Study of reasoning and argumentation, including formal and informal logic.
  6. Aesthetics: Inquiry into beauty, art, and the nature of aesthetic experience.
  7. Philosophy of Mind: Investigation of the nature of consciousness, mental states, and the mind-body relationship.

Q. What’s the purpose of modern philosophy?

A. The purpose of modern philosophy is to:

  1. Understand reality better.
  2. Explore how we know things.
  3. Contribute to scientific exploration.
  4. Discuss what's right and wrong.
  5. Think about how societies should be run.
  6. Critique cultural beliefs and norms.
  7. Answer personal questions about life and existence.

In short, modern philosophy helps us understand the world, think critically, and navigate ethical and existential dilemmas.

Q. What is the difference between ancient and modern philosophy?

A. Ancient philosophy, spanning from the 6th century BCE to the 6th century CE, was characterized by a focus on metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy. Thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle explored fundamental questions about reality, ethics, and human nature through dialectic reasoning and philosophical dialogue.

Concepts such as the theory of forms by Plato and virtue ethics by Aristotle shaped subsequent Western philosophical traditions. In contrast, modern philosophy emerged primarily from the 17th to the 20th century, witnessing a shift towards epistemology, scientific inquiry, and skepticism. Thinkers like René Descartes, Immanuel Kant, and John Locke laid the groundwork for modern thought, addressing issues of knowledge, reality, and the nature of existence through empirical observation, rational analysis, and the adoption of the scientific method. The methodologies and focus of ancient and modern philosophy reflect the changing intellectual landscape and the evolving understanding of the world throughout history.

Popular Modern Philosophy Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Modern Philosophy Colleges in India. Learn more about these Modern Philosophy colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
174 Courses
0 - 30 K
8 LPA
60 Courses
120 - 12 L
8 - 9.5 LPA
22 Courses
48.5 K - 75.9 K
7.88 - 8.4 LPA

#1 India Today

1 Course
25 L
19.2 LPA

Humanities & Social Sciences Applications open till Oct 14, 2024. Apply Now

78 Courses
7.2 K - 60 K
4.8 - 8.66 LPA
83 Courses
240 - 10.89 K
5 - 15.5 LPA

Popular Private Modern Philosophy Colleges in India

84 K - 13.2 L
3.4

#45 The Week

Humanities & Social Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

75 K - 4.81 L
4.1
3 L - 14 L
4.5 LPA

Humanities & Social Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

20 K - 3 L
10 K - 3.15 L
30.9 K - 5.02 L
3 - 3.5 LPA

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Modern Philosophy. Students interested in pursuing a career on Modern Philosophy, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

12 Sep ' 24

Second Phase of Counselling Begins

9 Sep ' 24

Reporting to Respective Colleges

13 Feb ' 24 - 14 Mar ' 24

YCMOU March 2024 Exam

9 Apr ' 23 - 13 Apr ' 23

YCMOU June application form 2023 submission with ...

20 Sep ' 24

SAT Registration Deadline for October Test

24 Sep ' 24

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

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