Ph.D. in Philosophy

Program Overview

This Ph.D. program in Philosophy focuses on post-Kantian European philosophy, providing advanced training in research and scholarship. Students engage in seminars, develop a dissertation project, and receive mentorship from renowned faculty. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and beyond, with a focus on alt-academic career training.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Ph.D. program in Philosophy delves into post-Kantian European philosophy, with faculty expertise in German idealism, phenomenology, social/political theory, psychoanalysis, structuralism, poststructuralism, and more. The program focuses on advanced philosophical training, equipping students to undertake high-quality independent research under faculty supervision. The ultimate objective is to prepare graduates to become independent members of the international philosophical community, secure full-time academic positions, or pursue fulfilling careers beyond academia.

Outline:

Year 1-2

• Intensive engagement through small-scale seminars that explore primary texts and complex philosophical concepts.

Year 3

• Continuation of seminars, while the focus shifts toward the formulation and development of the doctoral dissertation project, which will form the centerpiece of the student's research and scholarship over the following years.

Years 4-6

• Dedicated to in-depth dissertation research and writing, culminating in the submission of a substantial dissertation, typically in the final year of the program.

Additional Aspects of the Program Structure and Content:

• Interwoven approach to the broader study of the history of philosophy as an interdisciplinary field of knowledge and as an essential foundation for contemporary philosophical discourse.
• Expertise from faculty across the spectrum of philosophy, covering ancient to contemporary periods, providing diverse perspectives and guidance.
• Access to Visiting Speakers series, graduate research colloquium, reading groups, and student organizations for a dynamic and engaging academic environment.
• Opportunities for students to participate in the Heidelberg Exchange Program, collaborating with one of the most distinguished philosophy departments globally.
• Pedagogical training through seminars and workshops to prepare students for teaching philosophy, complemented by additional support from the Center for Teaching Excellence for more comprehensive pedagogical development.

Teaching:

Expert and dedicated faculty, many of whom have national and international acclaim, provide mentorship and guidance throughout the program. While there is no specific mention of unique pedagogical approaches within the provided content, the overall program structure is carefully curated to foster critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and excellence in research and academic engagement.

Careers:

Graduates have gone on to secure competitive post-doctoral and grant-funded positions, including Fulbright grants, Mellon-funded positions, and research opportunities within the esteemed European Research Council. Additionally, they have successfully obtained tenure-track positions in academia. The department's emphasis on alt-academic career training ensures diverse career pathways and fulfilling opportunities outside academia as well.