Tattva Journal of Philosophy https://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/tattva <p>Tattva Journal of Philosophy seeks to facilitate critical study and in-depth reflection and analysis of issues, problems and concerns of human life, in order to further the directions and transformations human society needs to evolve into. It targets philosophers, educational institutions, research centres, social scientists, policymakers and any individual interested in and committed to human welfare.</p> <p>Tattva Journal of Philosophy is a <a href="https://ugccare.unipune.ac.in/Apps1/User/WebA/DesciplinewiseList?DiscpID=1&amp;DiscpName=Arts%20and%20Humanities">UGC-CARE Listed Journal</a>. (<strong>Group I, Arts and Humanities</strong>)</p> <p><strong>Open Access Policy</strong>: This is an open access journal which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the <a href="https://www.budapestopenaccessinitiative.org/">Budapest Open Access Initiative</a> (BOAI) definition of open access.</p> <p><strong>Peer Review Policy:</strong> <em>Tattva</em> Journal of Philosophy is a double-blind peer-reviewed journal.</p> <p><strong>Publication Charges Policy</strong>: <em>Tattva</em> Journal of Philosophy <em>does not levy any charges from the authors or from authors' institutions or from any funding agency for the publication of the articles. This includes article processing charges (APCs), submission charges, page charges, colour charges or any instance where money is required to complete the publication process. Tattva</em>Journal of Philosophy <em>is fully funded by CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India. </em></p> Christ University, Bengaluru, India en-US Tattva Journal of Philosophy 0975-332X <p>Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:</p> <p>Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a&nbsp;<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/" target="_new">Creative Commons Attribution License</a> that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.</p> <p>Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.</p> <p>&nbsp;Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See&nbsp;<a href="http://opcit.eprints.org/oacitation-biblio.html" target="_new">The Effect of Open Access</a>).</p> Editorial https://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/tattva/article/view/7129 Peter Jonkers Copyright (c) 2025 Peter Jonkers https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 17 1 v viii 10.12726/tjp.33.0 Metaphor and Concept: Some Reflections on the Derrida-Ricoeur Debate https://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/tattva/article/view/7018 <p class="Abstract">The debate between Jacques Derrida and Paul Ricoeur on the philosophical status of metaphor has been seen as between two positions, one which privileges the destabilizing power of the metaphoric over the conceptual (Derrida) and the other which domesticates the metaphoric in the service of the conceptual (Ricoeur). Commentators on this debate, no matter where their sympathies lie, seem to predominantly be in agreement on this issue. In this paper I attempt to invert the frame within which this debate has been viewed. I argue that the debate can more fruitfully be read not as one on the status of metaphor in philosophy, but rather on the task of concept-construction in philosophy. I also argue that in reading this debate from this perspective, we come across a rather surprising conclusion: that it is Derrida, rather than Ricoeur, who provides us with a more robust and profitable mode of concept-construction that can accommodate scientific revolutions, epistemological breaks, and paradigm shifts. Ricoeur’s model of concept construction, I argue, only functions within what Thomas Kuhn has called ‘normal science’.</p> Huzaifa Omair Siddiqi Copyright (c) 2025 Huzaifa Omair Siddiqi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 17 1 1 14 10.12726/tjp.33.1 Rung: Colours of Consciousness. https://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/tattva/article/view/7007 <p>‘Rung,’ colour, has been a subject of exploration by philosophers as the study of consciousness progresses. They believe colours, besides their objective, physical understanding, also have a phenomenal and subjective understanding, for example, the ‘feeling’ that we get when the redness of the red setting sun is felt, or the blueness of the blue sky is experienced. This feeling or subjective phenomenal experience is what has been called consciousness or qualia, qualia being the properties of such experiences. However, deciphering such experiences is what has been the greatest task given to the philosophers; the mystery of this ‘feeling’ or phenomenal experience we get when a colour is perceived is also a mystery, if unfolded, it helps us to decipher what consciousness is. This paper attempts to investigate the subjective experience of colour as explored in&nbsp;Indian Bakhti and Sufi poetry. Colour or ‘rung’ has been extensively used as imagery in such poems, where the experience of being in a divine state is equated to being immersed in the experience of a colour. The&nbsp;divine, also known as ‘rungrez,’ the colour dyer or the colour giver, is&nbsp;the one who infuses us with such colourful experience, the experience of himself or consciousness. In this way, the paper will explore the subjective experiences (of colour) as portrayed in such poetry and will try to perceive the question of consciousness from a different perspective.</p> Zeenia Bhat Vegitha Reddy Copyright (c) 2025 Zeenia Bhat, Vegitha Reddy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 17 1 15 30 10.12726/tjp.33.2 Poetic Metaphor, Thinking and Truth https://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/tattva/article/view/6991 <p>Philosophy and poetry are traditionally seen as distinct, even opposing pursuits. While philosophy emphasizes logic, reason, and problem-solving, poetry leans into imagination, emotion, and expression. Despite these differences, the two often overlap, particularly in Political Philosophy. Philosophical thought often employs poetic devices (metaphor) in creating concepts—sometimes unconsciously—while poetry can serve as a powerful medium for philosophical inquiry. The paper focuses on the intersection of poetic metaphor, thought, and action, suggesting that poetry translates abstract concepts into tangible lived experiences, making it an essential foundation for meaningful public discourse. Poetry, with its ability to preserve and communicate the depth of human experience, can resist ideological control and uphold truths that philosophy alone may not capture. As a result, poetic language forms a durable common ground necessary for political dialogue and civic freedom. The paper also highlights the significance of contemporary spoken word poetry, which channels poetic expression into spaces for free speech and political engagement, aligning closely with the aims of political philosophy.</p> Pritika Copyright (c) 2025 Pritika https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 17 1 31 46 10.12726/tjp.33.3 Rhyme Against Reason: On the Platonic Theory of Art https://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/tattva/article/view/6852 <p class="Abstract">In this essay, I trace the influence of Plato on the classical feud between rhyme and reason and investigate Socrates’ notion of divinity to sketch out his theory of art. I also draw a general outline of the metaphysics of poetry enfolding artistic inspiration. Finally, I evaluate the unsettled scores between philosophy and poetry.</p> Muskan Kaur Copyright (c) 2025 Muskan Kaur https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 17 1 47 62 10.12726/tjp.33.4 The Philosophy of the Plate: Food, Culture, and the Quest for Identity in Northeast India https://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/tattva/article/view/6860 <p>Beyond its basic nutritional function, the food we eat defines us in many ways, forming an integral part of our identity, and it also reflects cultural norms and social practices. This paper explores the meaning of food and its relationship with culture and identity. The importance of food has long been overlooked by scholars across different fields. However, in recent decades, this topic has gained considerable attention from academics. Based on the material and metaphysical qualities of food, this paper explores the concept of food, culture, identity, and the sensory experience of food. By briefly exploring the Mizo food culture, this paper also looks at the interconnectedness of these fundamental concepts in Mizo society. This paper aims to encourage future analysis across multiple disciplines, encompassing interdisciplinary studies that philosophise culinary and food studies.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Amiya Kumar Das Catherine Lalnuntluangi Copyright (c) 2025 Amiya Kumar Das, Catherine Lalnuntluangi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 17 1 85 104 10.12726/tjp.33.8 Intersections of Philosophy and Social Science: Exploring their Inextricable Relationship https://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/tattva/article/view/6891 <p>This paper seeks to reassess the significance of philosophical inquiry, which, despite its historical importance, often remains marginalised in contemporary discussions. The relationship between philosophy and social science is symbiotic and mutually enriching. Philosophy provides the theoretical foundations, critical perspectives, and conceptual tools that inform social scientific inquiry, while social science research offers empirical data and real-world contexts that challenge and refine philosophical theories. This dynamic interaction contributes to a deeper understanding of human society and enriches both fields of study.To begin, let us delve into the etymological origins of the word "Philosophy". Etymologically, "philosophy" is derived from the Greek words 'Philein', meaning "to love", and 'Sophia', meaning "knowledge" or "wisdom". The Greeks believed that anyone seeking knowledge in any area could be considered a philosopher, as philosophy once encompassed nearly all forms of knowledge.<a href="#_edn1" name="_ednref1">[i]</a> Despite the inherent value invested in philosophy, it has not received adequate recognition to justify its importance in contemporary discourse. It often faces the burden of constant justification, particularly within academic contexts, including social science studies. This raises questions about the role and subject matter of philosophy.Philosophy, as a subject, engages in critical inquiry into fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and society. Its methodology requires ongoing justification within academic discourse, especially within the realm of social science studies. This paper aims to address some of these morally problematic questions and argue for the immense significance of philosophical inquiry in enhancing social science research. The objective of this paper is to highlight key insights that a philosophical examination of the social sciences can offer. By doing so, it aims to underscore the pivotal role of philosophical inquiry in advancing our understanding of human society and advocating for its integration into social science studies. A philosophical approach can critically assess the assumptions, methodologies, and ethical implications inherent in social science research, leading to more robust and reflective scholarship. For instance, philosophical analysis can challenge biases in sociological theories, offer deeper insights into ethical issues in psychological research, and question the epistemological foundations of anthropological studies. By incorporating philosophical inquiry, social scientists can attain a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of human behavior and social structures, ultimately fostering a more ethical and reflective practice. This paper, therefore, argues for a closer integration of philosophical perspectives into social science disciplines to enhance their theoretical and practical contributions to understanding and improving human society.</p> Deepak Kumar Sethy Copyright (c) 2025 Deepak Kumar Sethy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 17 1 105 123 10.12726/tjp.33.9 On Philosophy and Poetry in Contemporary Thought https://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/tattva/article/view/7041 Peter Jonkers Copyright (c) 2025 Peter Jonkers https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 17 1 63 68 10.12726/tjp.33.5 The Impossibility of Verse: Understanding Limited Research Engagement with Poetry https://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/tattva/article/view/7036 <p>This study explores the lack of academic research on poetry among postgraduate learners by examining their perception, experience, and interaction with poetry through their educational years. Using semi-structured interviews, the study identifies factors influencing their engagement and research interest in poetry. Findings reveal that learners perceive poetry as laborious, a view often reinforced by mechanical and exam-oriented teaching methods in early education. This pedagogical approach, coupled with a sense of poetry being an inaccessible form, leads to reduced personal reading and a lack of confidence in the learners' own interpretation. At the university level, poetry is often sidelined in favour of more accessible literary forms and modes of analysis as a primary research option. This diminished engagement limits the emergence of research questions, contributing to a cycle where less reading results in less research, perpetuating the gap in poetry scholarship. The paper calls for pedagogical reform to foster genuine appreciation and encourage poetry as an area for academic inquiry.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Sinchana Shetty Copyright (c) 2025 Sinchana Shetty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 17 1 69 76 10.12726/tjp.33.6 Silence in the Philosophical Classroom: On Learning and Teaching Poetry https://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/tattva/article/view/7038 <p>This article is an examination of the treatment of poetry within educational and academic contexts, a reflection from the positionality of a student of literature. It draws on both personal experiences and broader philosophical anxieties. It argues that institutional emphasis on analytical clarity and narrative coherence has led to a discomfort with the ambiguous, affective, and non-propositional nature of poetic language.&nbsp;</p> Neha Sen Copyright (c) 2025 Neha Sen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 17 1 77 84 10.12726/tjp.33.7