Applied Philosophy

GS F312

Prof. Kumar Neeraj Sachdev

Chamber 6168-F / kns@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
Class Room 6105 (MWF 9)
 1. Scope and Objective:

The students will learn and reflect through

the philosophical perspectives of human
nature and society in various real life issues
pertaining to moral dilemmas, social justice,
equality, technology and the internet.
They will be able to apply and appreciate
the advantages of philosophical
perspectives in the contemporary world.
 2. Text book:

Jostein Gaarder, Sophie's

World, London: Phoenix,
1996 (Paperback Edition)
 Reference books:
I. A.C. Grayling, Philosophy: A Guide through the Subject,
Oxford University Press, 1995
II. Richard Norman, The Moral Philosophers: An Introduction
to Ethics, Second Edition, Oxford University Press, 1998
III. Peter Singer, A Companion to Ethics, Oxford: Blackwell
Publishers, 1993
IV. Charles E Harris, Michael S. Pritchard & Michael J. Rabins,
Engineering Ethics, New Delhi, India: Cengage Learning
India Private Limited, 2009
V. George Reynolds, Ethics in Information Technology, New
Delhi, India: Cengage Learning India Private Limited, 2007
VI. Duncan Langford, Internet Ethics, London: Macmillan Press
Ltd., 2000
 3. Course Plan:
Learning Objectives Topics to be covered
To get acquainted with the Philosophical Perspectives The
content of different points of view Ancient, The Modern and The
in the discipline of Philosophy Contemporary

To get familiar with different Ethical Perspective

aspects of moral values, virtues,
principles, and rules

To know the nature and Logical Perspective

correctness of reasoning in
arguments
To understand the nature Epistemological
and diverse aspects of Perspective
knowledge

To comprehend various Metaphysical Perspective

approaches to the
contours of reality

To know the nature of God, Soul, Body and the

fundamental philosophical World
issues
To comprehend the socio- Ethics and Moral Dilemmas
ethical nature of dilemmas in
the world
To examine the causes of World Poverty
poverty
To understand the arguments Euthanasia
for and against mercy killing
To examine the right to abort Abortion
unwanted pregnancies
To analyze philosophical Case Studies
implications in concrete
situations
To assess the interlocked Social Justice and Equality
characterization of justice and
equality

To understand and evaluate the Society and Freedom of Expression

social constraints on freedom of
expression

To assess philosophical bases of Crime and Punishment

theories of punishment
To examine the challenges of politics Politics and the Problem of Dirty
to moral values Hands
To analyze the moral justification of War and Peace
war and peace
To analyze philosophical implications Case Studies
in concrete situations
To appreciate the importance of Social and Value Dimensions of
social and value oriented Technology
implications of Technology

To understand the need for security Computer and Internet Crime

of information systems

To evaluate the impact of Impact of Information Technology

information technology on certain on the Quality of Life
parameters of quality of life

To assess the importance of Democratic Values and the Internet

democratic values such as freedom
and equality in the use of internet

To analyze philosophical implications Case Studies

in concrete situations
 4. Evaluation Scheme:
Duration Weightage
EC Evaluation Date and
No Component Time
1 Mid Semester 90 30 12/10 9:00 -
Test Minutes 10:30 AM
2 Assignment / - 30 To be
Case Study / announced
Report
3 Comprehensive 3 Hours 40 08/12 FN
Examination
5. Chamber Consultation Hour:
To be announced in the class. (Thursdays 4.00 pm 4.50 pm)
6. Notices:
Notices, if any, concerning the course will be shared in the class
and will be posted through institute email to all registered
students.
7. Make-up Policy:
Make-up component(s) will be allowed provided the concerned
student submits the documented proof.
Instructor-in-charge
GS F312
Thank You.