Department of Philosophy

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies cherishes the rare distinction of being not only the oldest Postgraduate Department of GC University Lahore, but also of being the alma mater of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the “Poet of the East”. Since its establishment in 1868, eminent thinkers and teachers like Thomas Arnold, S. G. Brett, L.P. Saunders and G. N. Chatterji, have been contributing to its academic development. Since Partition, the following distinguished scholars and professors have chaired the Department:
1. Prof. Qazi Aslam
2. Prof. Dr. Hamid ud Din
3. Prof. Muhammad Saeed Sheikh
4. Prof. Shahid Hussain
During its long history, the Department has continued to be one of the most important centres of Philosophical learning in South Asia, noted particularly for the promotion of a spirit of free inquiry and critical thinking. In order to meet the challenges of integrated learning, the Department introduced a new discipline of Interdisciplinary studies, renaming the Department as the Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies.

A number of new courses and revised syllabi have been introduced by the Department. The Department is offering a number of new interdisciplinary courses to BA/BSc students in order to broaden their vision and to inculcate philosophical insight.

FACILITIES
Philosophy: The New Outlook:

During its long history, the Department has continued to be one of the most important centers of Philosophical Learning in South Asia, especially noted for the promotion of the spirit of free inquiry and critical thinking. At the beginning of 21st Century, with changing times and shifting paradigms, there is a need to have a fresh look at philosophy vis-a-vis other disciplines. In order to meet this challenge, new initiative has been taken to rename the department as the Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Many new courses and revised syllabi have been introduced in the light of contemporary vision of Philosophy, not only as theoretical wisdom but also as the most powerful interdisciplinary discourse and explanatory practice. Similarly the department is offering a number of new interdisciplinary courses to BA/B.Sc students in order to broaden their vision and inculcate philosophical insights in their respective areas of study.

Research

To be philosophical is to be original; it is to be open-minded and multidirectional. It is of the essence of an intellectual to entertain different ideas, ruminate over them and formulate new ones. The Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary studies should therefore be the natural seat of research work. Currently, a number of research projects are underway.

Research Journal

The Research Journal of the Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies is titled “Quest”. It regularly publishes research articles of reputed national and international scholars.

Brett Philosophical Society

Being the oldest Society at the University, the Brett Philosophical Society provides students and staff members with a platform for active philosophical dialogue on contemporary issues.

COURSES
• BA (Hons.) Philosophy
• Philosophy as an Allied Subject
• M.Phil Philosophy