In the novel Quo Vadis there is a revelatory piece of conversation between the two

protagonists Vinicius and Petronicus: ‘Alas! Petronicus’, says Vinicius, ‘it is easier to find
Philosophy in the world than wise counsel.’ To me this encapsulates in a symbiotic sense the
paradoxical nature of pursuing the discipline of Philosophy then and NOW. For in a radical
sense the discipline of Philosophy is ubiquitous. But in a more primal sense ‘Philosophy’
cannot be pursued as a discipline like other disciplines of study. Therein lies the inbuilt irony.
Gillian Rose, a contemporary philosopher, understood this radicality in these words: ‘To be a
philosopher you need only three things. First, infinite intellectual eros: endless curiosity about
everything. Second, the ability to pay attention: to be rapt by what is in front of you without
seizing it yourself, the care of concentration... Third, acceptance of pathlessness (aporia) ...
that there may be no solutions to questions...’
Philosophy, indeed, whispers and also surprises you. This is what happened when a student
of mine penned these words: ‘ Guru illuminates the path that leads to an abundance of
opportunities in life, and you have been and will continue to be that guiding light . ... Now
that I look back I am unable to identify the process by which I learnt and grew as a person
because it occurred so naturally.” I wish and pray that this be the experience of all of us who
pursue Philosophy, both the Teacher as well as the Taught.
One last word. Hats off to Sanya Sethi and her editorial team for putting their heart and soul,
body and mind into this noble task of giving shape to the ideas, thoughts and ruminations in
this 2023 edition of FALSAFA, the annual magazine of the students of the Department of
Philosophy at Hindu College.

Dr Devasia Muruppath Antony

Associate Professor &
Teacher In-charge (2022-23)
Department of Philosophy &
Department of B.A.Program
Hindu College
University of Delhi