Philosophy and Critical Thinking Course | IIT(ISM) Dhanbad | Prof. Gyan Prakash
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 803 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Power of Your Mind: A Course on Philosophy and Critical Thinking
In a world overflowing with information and competing narratives, the ability to think clearly, analyze arguments, and question assumptions is more valuable than ever. The online course "Philosophy and Critical Thinking," offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, is designed to equip you with precisely these skills. Guided by the esteemed Prof. Gyan Prakash, this 12-week journey delves into the foundational ideas of both Western and Indian philosophical traditions, making profound wisdom accessible to all.
Why Study Philosophy for Critical Thinking?
Philosophy is not merely an abstract study of old ideas; it is the ultimate training ground for the mind. It teaches us to:
- Identify logical fallacies in everyday arguments.
- Construct coherent and persuasive reasoning of our own.
- Examine ethical dilemmas from multiple perspectives.
- Question deeply held beliefs about reality, knowledge, and the self.
This course is meticulously structured to demonstrate how great philosophers, from Socrates to Sankara, built powerful arguments through rigorous thought processes. You will learn to apply these same tools of analysis to contemporary issues, enhancing your decision-making and problem-solving abilities in any field.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Gyan Prakash
The course is led by Prof. Gyan Prakash, an Associate Professor of Indian Philosophy at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. A scholar of high repute, his expertise ensures an authentic and insightful exploration of philosophical concepts.
- Academic Credentials: Ph.D. from IIT Bombay, with a focus on the nature of mind and action.
- Research Excellence: Published 18 papers, co-editor of international volumes, and recipient of the Award for Excellence in Thesis Work.
- Global Perspective: Recipient of the Erasmus+ scholarship for faculty at Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
- Interdisciplinary Reach: Former Member of the Board of Studies for The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (2023).
Prof. Prakash’s ability to bridge complex philosophical ideas and practical application makes him the perfect guide for this intellectual journey.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
This undergraduate/postgraduate level course requires no prior knowledge of philosophy. It is open to students from all streams and any curious learner. Over 12 weeks, the curriculum unfolds as follows:
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Foundations of Western Thought: Introduction to Philosophy, Pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. |
| Week 3-4 | The Question of Self: Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, and Hume's groundbreaking arguments on identity and consciousness. |
| Week 5-6 | Moral Philosophy: Introduction to Ethics, Hedonism, Utilitarianism (Mill), and Kant's duty-based ethics. |
| Week 7-9 | Core Indian Philosophy: Vedas, Upanishads, concepts of Atman & Brahman. Deep dive into Advaita (Sankara) and Vishishtadvaita (Ramanuja). |
| Week 10-12 | Diverse Indian Systems: Buddhism (Four Noble Truths, No-Self), Samkhya (Purusha-Prakriti), and Jainism (Anekantavada, Syadvada). |
Key Benefits of Enrolling
- Develop Sharp Critical Thinking: Move beyond opinion to reasoned judgment.
- Gain Cultural Literacy: Understand the philosophical underpinnings of both Eastern and Western civilizations.
- Enhance Academic & Professional Skills: Improve writing, debate, and analytical skills valued in every discipline.
- Learn from a Top IIT: Experience quality education from one of India's premier institutions.
- Completely Free & Accessible: Designed for anyone with an inquisitive mind.
Essential Reading Materials
The course references seminal texts to guide your exploration:
- Thilly, F., A History of Philosophy
- Sinha, Jadunath. Outlines of Indian Philosophy
- Hiriyanna, M. The Essentials of Indian Philosophy
These texts provide a comprehensive backbone for the topics discussed each week.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideally suited for:
- University students (UG/PG) from Science, Engineering, Commerce, and Arts streams.
- Professionals seeking to improve their logical reasoning and ethical frameworks.
- Lifelong learners curious about big questions of existence, knowledge, and value.
- Educators looking to incorporate critical thinking pedagogies.
Embark on this 12-week intellectual adventure to hone your mind, challenge your perspectives, and discover the timeless art of critical thinking through philosophy. Enroll today and start thinking like a philosopher.
Enroll Now →