PhD in Philosophy

Program Description

What does this course offer?

The main goal of the 3rd Cycle Course in Philosophy is to carry out research in Philosophy, in close coordination with the Center for Philosophical and Humanistic Studies (CEFH) - the Research Unit of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences (FFCS) - and with an innovative and original contribution to the progress of philosophical knowledge, materialized in the preparation of a Doctoral Dissertation or Thesis.

The course syllabus consists of a teaching component (two semesters) and a research and dissertation preparation component (four semesters).

The teaching component takes up the first two semesters of the course. It aims to deepen the knowledge and skills of philosophical reflection and analysis, guiding trainees towards themes, authors and works of recognized interest, topicality and quality, through the attendance of four curricular units (CUs). These courses will also provide an excellent space for interaction and collaboration between doctoral students.

Each semester of the teaching component consists of one compulsory course and one optional course. The compulsory courses are as follows:

Semester I: “Research in Philosophy” - provides the indispensable tools for
advanced and rigorous research;
Semester II: “Temas Avançados de Metafísica e Teoria do Conhecimento” – proporciona uma visão integradora das questões fundamentais da Metafísica e do Conhecimento.

The optional curricular units will be chosen from the following:

Advanced Topics in Social and Political Philosophy;
Advanced Topics in Philosophy of Nature;
Advanced Topics in Philosophy and Science;
Advanced Topics in Aesthetics;
Advanced Topics in Ethics;
Advanced Topics in Philosophy of Religion;
Advanced Topics in Phenomenology;
Advanced Topics in Anthropology.

The Curricular Units of the Course reflect the thematic areas of the FFCS and the corresponding lines of research of the CEFH. They provide candidates with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills, in line with their research interests, with a view to their dissertation project.

The dissertation preparation component extends over the remaining four semesters of the course, providing the preparation of the doctoral dissertation, always integrated into the respective follow-up seminar.

Objectives

To provide a suitable context for philosophical research, in complete freedom and respect for the different positions and currents of thought;
To arouse interest in current issues in philosophical thought, framing and confronting them with historical tradition;
Impart a dynamic of demand, rigor, quality, originality and critical spirit in the development of the work;
Encourage the enrichment of thought through the exchange of ideas and participation in philosophical events;
To provide personalized guidance and accompaniment in the preparation of the Doctoral Dissertation.

The creation of this 3rd Cycle Course aims to deepen academic paths in the area of Philosophy. The Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences in which it is based has a long and relevant tradition in terms of teaching, research, guidance and publication in all areas of philosophical reflection.