Value-Oriented Education - Applied Philosophy

Applied Philosophy

It has been suggested that a specialized course relating to value-oriented education could be formulated in the form of a study of applied philosophy.

This is a very specialized subject, and Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) has already undertaken the task of preparing the curriculum for this Course.

In regard to Applied Philosophy, it would be necessary to develop a new curriculum. The aim of this curriculum should be:

a. To prepare young men and women to understand philosophical problems, as expounded by Indian and Western philosophers;
b. To underline the necessity and justification of applying philosophical visions of the ultimate reality or realities and meaning of life in day to day problems of contemporary times;
c. To develop in themselves integration of personality which would enable them to confront the problems of practical life with a sympathetic understanding, equanimity and ability to deal with them effectively;
d. To be able to counsel and guide people in different vocations and thus play the role of leadership; and
e. To promote value-orientation in various fields of creative and practical activities and professions.

It may be added that courses in higher education have always connections with employment avenues. From this point of view, since employment avenues are available in universities for those who can teach the usual courses of philosophy, the course of Applied Philosophy should include also the existing courses of philosophy. Applied Philosophy should also provide specialization in problems of practical ethics, value-oriented education, ethics of practice of law, medicine, management, industry, etc.

Since this is going to be a very specialized subject, a suitable curriculum and Syllabus can be formulated by a Committee of Experts. This Committee can be constituted under the joint auspices of Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), University Grants Commission (UGC) and National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA).

For the purposes of developing a curriculum and a syllabus, the following suggestions can be made so that they may be considered by the Expert Committee:

Under Graduate for B.A

First Year:
a. Problems of Philosophy and Applied Philosophy;
b. Practical lessons of human culture;
c. Applied moral and social philosophy;
d. Philosophy and practice of intellectual, aesthetic and practical skills.

Second Year:
a. Applied Philosophy of value-oriented education;
b. Philosophy of religion, science and yoga;
c. Problem of human freedom;
d. Applied Philosophy of nation building and world unity.

Third Year:
a. Applied Philosophy of law and economics;
b. Applied Philosophy of integral health;
c. Applied Philosophy of technology and management;
d. Applied Psychology of spiritual liberation and perfection.

The Expert Committee may also think of any other alternative curriculum and corresponding syllabus.

The emphasis should be to enable individuals to develop those qualities which have been specially emphasized by Sri M.K Kaw in his letter addressed to Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC) and others.

University Grants Commission (UGC) may consider instituting a Refresher Course for philosophers and teachers so that they could be equipped to teach Applied Philosophy with effect from the next academic year. Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) may collaborate in this task.