As one of the six departments which make up the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, the Department of Philosophy at Durham is notably diverse, offering a vibrant and friendly atmosphere for teaching and research. We have expertise in a broad range of areas, including metaphysics, mind, philosophy and history of science and medicine, ethics, aesthetics, Buddhism, 19th and 20th century continental philosophy, philosophy of language and linguistics.

The department and its associated research centres continue an intellectual tradition that dates back to medieval times. Our students not only become heirs to this tradition, but also contribute to its continued success.

90% of all of the research submitted by staff across Durham University was assessed as being at least of International Quality (2* and above) in terms of originality, significance and rigour. Of the research assessed from Philosophy, 90% is at least of International Quality. 55% of the Department's research was recognised as Internationally Excellent or World Leading (3* and 4*).  More on Philosophy's RAE 2008 success.

Postgraduate Study in 2010/11

You can now apply (online) to study in the next academic year. Please contact the PG admissions secretary (philosophy.pgsec@durham.ac.uk) for more information.

---

Recent Publications

• Andy Hamilton, 'Aesthetics and Music'
• Elisabeth Schellekens, 'Aesthetics and Morality'
• Matthew Ratcliffe, 'Rethinking Commonsense Psychology'
• Nick Zangwill, 'Aesthetic Creation'
• Soran Reader, 'Needs and Moral Necessity'
• Wolfram Hinzen, 'An Essay on Names and Truth'
• Jonathan Lowe, Personal Agency: The Metaphysics of Mind and Action.
• Matthew Ratcliffe, Feelings of Being: Phenomenology, Psychiatry and the Sense of Reality.
• Holger Maehle, 'Doctors, Honour and the Law'
• Holger Maehle, A Short History of the Drug Receptor Concept.