Dissertation Workshop Dr. Sara L. Uckelman - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Dissertation Workshop Dr. Sara L. Uckelman s.l.uckelman@durham.ac.uk 19 February 2020 Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 1 / 13

Outline The purpose of the thesis How to choose a topic How to prepare How to write Questions Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 2 / 13

The purpose of the thesis Chance to explore a topic in depth Chance to explore a topic not necessarily covered in modules Chance to work closely with an expert Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 3 / 13

How to choose a topic What drew you to philosophy? What modules have you enjoyed most? Intersection with real life Talk to potential supervisors Don’t be afraid to change Find something FUN Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 4 / 13

How to choose a topic Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 5 / 13

Some sample previous topics Is it morally impermissible to terraform a lifeless Mars? Does the state have the right to punish? What is nonsense? The nature of the soul in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. Temporal logics for time travel. A new conception of human rights. Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 6 / 13

How to prepare Read and think Bibliography, vocabulary list Talk your ideas out Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 7 / 13

How to write Dissertation workshop in Michaelmas 2020 3–5 chapters, +/- introduction and conclusion Set outline/schedule with supervisor Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 8 / 13

Possible topics and supervisors (1) 19th C philosophy: Jeremy Dunham, Matthew Eddy, Andy Hamilton (see also Hist. and Phil. of science and medicine) Aesthetics: Chiara Brozzo, Andy Hamilton, Louise Hansen Ancient philosopy: Anna Marmodoro Buddhist philosophy: Simon James, Sara L. Uckelman Early modern philosophy: Jeremy Dunham, Ben Smith Environmental philosophy: Simon James, Wendy Parker Epistemology: Chiara Brozzo, Chris Cowie, David Faraci, Louise Hanson, Ethics and moral theory: Chiara Brozzo, Chris Cowie, David Faraci, Louise Hanson, Sue Lowe, Holger Maehle, Joe Saunders, Ben Smith History and philosophy of medicine: Matthew Eddy, Holger Maehle, History and philosophy of science: Chiara Brozzo, Matthew Eddy, James Fraser, Robin Hendry, Holger Maehle, Wendy Parker, Peter Vickers Idealism: Jeremy Dunham, Andy Hamilton Kant and Post-Kantian philosophy: Jeremy Dunham, Joe Saunders Late Antique Philosophy: Anna Marmodoro, Sara L. Uckelman Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 9 / 13

Possible topics and supervisors (2) Logic: Sara L. Uckelman Medieval philosophy: Anna Marmodoro, Sara L. Uckelman Metaethics: Chris Cowie, David Faraci, Philip Goff, Joe Saunders Metaphysics: David Faraci, Philip Goff, Louise Hanson, Robin Hendry, Anna Marmodoro Methodology: Chris Cowie, Sara L. Uckelman, Peter Vickers Nietzsche: Jeremy Dunham Phenomenology and existentialism: Simon James, Ben Smith Philosophy of language: Louise Hanson, Sara L. Uckelman, Peter Vickers Philosophy of mathematics: Robin Hendry, Sara L. Uckelman Philosophy of mind: Chiara Brozzo, Jeremy Dunham, Matthew Eddy, Philip Goff, Andy Hamilton, Ben Smith Philosophy of religion: Philip Goff, Simon James, Anna Marmodoro Political philosophy: David Faraci, Andy Hamilton Pragmatism: Jeremy Dunham Women philosophers: Sara L. Uckelman Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 10 / 13

How to sign up with a supervisor Supervisors will agree to take students on a first come-first served basis. 1 Identify a potential supervisor. 2 Confirm on DUO ("Philosophy Undergraduate Students" → "Dissertation Supervisors") that your potential supervisor still has space. 3 Email your potential supervisor a short (100-200 words) summary of your proposed topic. 4 The supervisor will: (a) tell you that the topic has been approved; (b) ask for further clarification before approving it; (c) direct you to a more appropriate supervisor. 5 If your topic is approved, their email to you should also be copied to me, and I will add you on DUO. 6 A week after you’ve received approval, check DUO to ensure your name is listed underneath yoursupervisor. NOTE: YOU CANNOT SIGN UP DIRECTLY ON DUO. Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 11 / 13

Where to get more info Drop-in consultation: Thursday, February 27, 14:00-16:30, 48/49 Old Elvet, room 201 Michaelmas dissertation workshop: Late Oct/early Nov 2020. Epiphany dissertation workshop: Early Mar 2021. Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 12 / 13

Questions? Dr. Sara L. Uckelman Dissertation Workshop 19 February 2020 13 / 13