We offer classes, seminars, and directed study in the history of ancient, modern, and contemporary Western philosophy, and in the systematic areas of epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, philosophy of science, philosophy of physics, philosophy of biology, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, philosophy of mathematics, mathematical logic, and aesthetics. Philosophy courses are frequently offered in other departments, such as Political Science, French, and Classics, and students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. The department offers the M.A. and the Ph.D. degrees. The graduate program is designed primarily for those seeking the Ph.D., but under exceptional circumstances students aiming at the M.A. may be admitted. Examinations and course work are expected to be completed within three years.
Most students take about two or three years to write their doctoral dissertation.
Students are required to demonstrate competence in at least one foreign language and to take 14 courses, some of which must be selected to meet the departmental distribution requirements. Students also take an examination in a field of special interest to them and then, during the fifth semester, write a substantial paper on a topic in that field. After satisfying these requirements, students concentrate on the doctoral dissertation. Students in both departments, however, may apply to enroll in a special program of studies in history and philosophy of science coordinated by the Johns Hopkins Center for History and Philosophy of Science. Students who fulfill requirements will be certified by the Center as having completed this special program.