Philosophy PhD
Program Code: G-PHIL-PHD
Degree Designation: Doctor of Philosophy
Department: Philosophy Department
Website: philosophy.duke.edu/graduate
Program Summary
Our doctoral program offers considerable flexibility; individual programs of study are developed for each student. Students may also take advantage of cooperative program to work in the Philosophy Department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Students may, after taking a balanced program, specialize in any of the following fields: the history of philosophy (from ancient to twentieth century analytic), epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, the philosophical foundations of cognitive science, moral psychology, normative ethics, metaethics, political philosophy, Chinese philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of biology, philosophy of social science, philosophy of law, philosophy of mathematics, and philosophical logic.
Individual programs of study are developed for each student. Prior to being admitted to candidacy for the PhD, the student must successfully complete fifteen courses distributed among five subject areas and pass an exam on a future research statement as well as a preliminary examination on the dissertation proposal. In satisfying these requirements, students are expected to demonstrate both factual knowledge and critical understanding. Work in a minor or related field, not necessarily confined to any one department, is encouraged but not required.
If a student’s dissertation is devoted to any considerable extent to an author, that student must be able to read the author’s works in the original language/s. Reading knowledge is demonstrated by either (1) receiving at least a grade of B in French 2, German 2, Greek 2, Latin 2, or other language course that the director of graduate studies has approved in advance, or (2) passing a departmentally administered translation exam.
The JD/PhD is offered by the department in cooperation with the Duke Law School. JD/PhD students must apply for admission to both the Duke Law School and The Graduate School. Students must combine relevant coursework in philosophy with full-time work toward a law degree.
A terminal degree of master of arts may be earned by a PhD student who decides not to continue with doctoral studies and who meets the requirements of The Graduate School for the MA. Such a student must pass an oral master’s examination, which may be the defense of a master’s thesis or an alternative academic exercise approved by the department.
To inquire about the JD/PhD program, applicants should contact the Duke Law School directly.
Academic Requirements
15 courses, with up to 5 courses outside the department. These courses will normally be distributed over 5 semesters, with at least 6 courses completed at the end of the first year.
Area Requirements
3 History of Philosophy courses, including 1 in Ancient and 1 in Modern Philosophy
1 Philosophy of Science (philosophy of science, biology, psychology) course
2 courses, selected from Metaphysics, Epistemology and Philosophy of Mind, one of which must be the M&E pro-seminar
2 courses, selected from Value Theory (ethics, aesthetics, political or social philosophy, and philosophy of Law), one of which must be the ethics pro-seminar
1 Logic course, satisfied by passing a logic examination or taking PHIL 250 Symbolic Logic
Language Requirement - if needed for dissertation work
Future Research Statement and Oral Examination
Preliminary Examination
Dissertation
Dissertation Defense