About the Department

History
The Department of philosophy, established in 1953, is one of the oldest departments of Rajashahi University. At the beginning, this department started its academic activities at Rajshahi college, a premier and renowned institution located in Rajshahi city. Later on, it had been shifted to its own campus and took place at 1 st Science Building and continued its function there till late 1964. In 1965, it was again shifted to its present site ‘Momotaj Uddin Arts Building'.

Objectives
The objective of this department is to develop and nourish the ability of the students, beyond all kinds of superstitions and pre-determined assumptions, to define issues precisely and to criticize them, to construct and formulate arguments, to expose hidden assumptions, to develop open-mindedness towards ideas other than one's own, and to write and speak with precision, coherence and clarity.

Programs
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (B. A. Hons.) :   The department offers four year Honours course for the undergraduate students. Students who obtain a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or equivalent are eligible for admission in B. A. Hons. program. The department follows requirements for admission as prescribed by the University. But the department has the sole authority to conduct and set criteria for written test and viva voce for final selection. The admission requirements and procedures may slightly vary from year to year. The admission in the department of philosophy usually comprises a written test (on Bangla, English, Logic/General Knowledge based on the syllabus of H. S. C. /Equivalent Examinations) and the academic records at S.S.C. and H.S.C. levels. 

2. Master of Arts (M. A. ) : The department offers one year Master's program for the students who obtain B. A. Hons. degree from this Department.  

3. M. Phil. To carry out research work in the diversified fields of philosophy, the Department offers M. Phil. program for the students who obtain B. A. Hons. and M. A. degrees with satisfactory marks. Eligible candidates should go through a written test and an oral examination conducted by the department in order to get final selection in pursuing the program. The researcher is supposed to complete the work within two years under the guidance of the designated supervisor/supervisors. The advertisement for the M. Phil. program is given by the University each academic session usually at the beginning of every calendar year. Not only the students of this department but also students from other universities fulfilling the criteria can avail themselves of this program.

4. Ph D: The procedure for a Ph. D. degree is the same as that for M. Phil. program. The normal duration of a Ph. D. course is three years, which is extendable in special circumstances up to six years.

Publication 
The Department publishes a research journal named Anwesan to expose, enlarge and elaborate various philosophical issues. The journal accommodates quality writings on philosophical problems form home and abroad.  

Student's Association
The department organizes extra curricular programs on culture and sports through the student's association to develop leadership among the students.