PhD Philosophy

Program Overview

---

The PhD in Philosophy program at the University at Albany provides students with an in-depth understanding of philosophy and its history, specializing in either the philosophy of knowledge and representation or the philosophy of values and society. The program emphasizes research and critical thinking skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, and the nonprofit sector. Students benefit from teaching experiences and a supportive learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and collaboration.

Program Outline

---

The program's objectives are to:

• Equip students with a foundation in key philosophical areas like epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy.
• Allow students to specialize in either the
• philosophy of knowledge and representation
or the
• philosophy of values and society
.
• Enable students to conduct independent research and produce a significant dissertation that contributes to the field of philosophy.

---

The PhD program is designed for students who:

• Possess a strong desire to teach philosophy at the college level.
• Have a passion for conducting original research and contributing to the philosophical discourse.
• Seek an intellectually challenging and rewarding program that will prepare them for a successful career in academia or other related fields.

---

Outline:

---

Program Structure:

---

The PhD program consists of three main phases:

---

Foundational Coursework:

Students begin their studies with core philosophy courses that cover essential areas like epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy, along with logic requirements.

---

Specialization Courses:

Students then deepen their understanding by taking advanced seminars, research, and directed readings in their chosen specialization.

---

Dissertation Research:

Students conclude their program by completing an original dissertation in close collaboration with faculty advisors.

---

Core Philosophy Courses:

Students must complete one course from each of the following categories:

• Ways of Knowing: Theory of Knowledge or Philosophy of Science
• Philosophy of Thought and Meaning: Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, or Philosophy of Mind
• Philosophy of Morality and Values: Ancient Ethical Theory, 17th-19th Century Ethical Theory, Contemporary Ethical Theory, or Fundamental Issues in Ethics
• Philosophy of Law, Rights, and Justice: History of Political Philosophy, Contemporary Political Philosophy, or Fundamental Issues in Political Philosophy
• Logic Requirement: Completeness and Decidability course or departmental logic exam

---

Specialization Courses:

---

Students choose three or more courses from their chosen specialization, either Philosophy of Knowledge and Representation or Philosophy of Values and Society.

• Knowledge and Representation: Courses may focus on cognitive, linguistic, aesthetic, and cultural ways of knowing, and symbolic systems.
Examples include Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, Analytic Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Theory of Knowledge, Logic and Philosophy, Philosophy of the Social Sciences, Theory of Art, and Topical courses in epistemology, aesthetics, logic, psychology, and cognitive science.
• Values and Society: Courses examine moral and political issues arising from societal values.
Examples include Ethics and Public Policy, Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Public Health, Bioethics, Ancient Ethical Theory, 17th-19th Century Ethical Theory, Contemporary Ethical Theory, Theory and Function of Religion, Philosophy and Public Affairs, Philosophy of Race, Philosophy and the Humanities, Philosophy and Literature, History of Political Philosophy, Contemporary Political Philosophy, Meta-ethics, and Topical courses in ethics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of law, and philosophy of politics.

---

History of Philosophy Courses:

Students choose three courses from ancient and modern philosophy, including:

• Ancient Philosophy: One or two courses from Plato, Aristotle, Medieval Philosophy, or Ancient Philosophy after Aristotle.
• Modern Philosophy: One or two courses from British Empiricism, Continental Rationalists, or Kant and Continental Idealism.
• Additional Option: If taking only one course from each category above, students may choose a third course from a wider selection, including Ancient Ethical Theory, 17th-19th Century Ethical Theory, Phenomenology, 19th Century Continental Philosophy, Pragmatism, History of Political Philosophy, Topics in the History of Philosophy, History of Logic, or Analytic Philosophy.

---

Assessment:

• Comprehensive Exam: Students demonstrate their mastery of philosophical knowledge and research skills by passing a written comprehensive exam covering all areas of philosophy.
• Topical Exam: Students further specialize their knowledge by passing a written or oral topical exam related to their chosen dissertation topic.
• Dissertation Defense: Students defend their original dissertation research to a faculty committee, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent research, analyze and synthesize complex ideas, and present their findings effectively.
• Additional Requirements: Students may need to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language or research tool depending on their specific research focus.

---

Teaching:

Students may also have opportunities to co-teach with faculty or develop and teach their own courses, further honing their pedagogical skills.

---

Careers:

An earned PhD in Philosophy prepares graduates for diverse and fulfilling careers, including:

• Teaching Philosophy: Graduates are qualified to teach philosophy and cognate subjects at various institutions, from community colleges and private liberal arts colleges to major universities and private secondary academies.
• Government and Think Tanks: PhD graduates are equipped to contribute to policy development and analysis within government agencies, political think tanks, and nonpartisan research firms.
• Nonprofit and Social Impact: Individuals with a PhD in Philosophy can contribute to the social impact sector, working in international non-profits, social impact startups, and educational technology companies.

---

Other:

• The PhD program in Philosophy offers an optional dual degree option with a Master's in Bioethics through a collaboration with Clarkson University's Capital Region Campus.
This program prepares graduates to address complex ethical and policy questions surrounding advancements in biomedical sciences and medical technology.
• The program emphasizes a supportive and intellectually stimulating learning environment where students collaborate with faculty and engage in ongoing research activities, contributing to a dynamic and vibrant intellectual community.