The Best Places to Study Philosophy

Choosing the best place to study philosophy is a deeply personal decision that depends on your specific interests, goals, and geographic preferences. However, there are several institutions globally recognized for their strong philosophy programs.

United States

Some of the top universities in the U.S. for philosophy include:

Harvard University - Known for its comprehensive curriculum and distinguished faculty. Stanford University - Offers a strong focus on both contemporary and historical philosophy. University of Chicago - Renowned for its rigorous approach and emphasis on critical thinking. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Offers a unique blend of philosophy with science and technology.

United Kingdom

Great universities in the U.K. for philosophy include:

University of Oxford - Offers a prestigious philosophy program with a strong emphasis on analytical philosophy. University of Cambridge - Known for its historic program and a wide range of philosophical topics. London School of Economics (LSE) - Focuses on the intersection of philosophy and social science.

Europe

Notable philosophy programs in Europe are found at:

University of Amsterdam - Offers a strong emphasis on contemporary philosophy and a diverse range of courses. University of Heidelberg - Known for its focus on German idealism and continental philosophy.

Australia

Australian universities with excellent philosophy programs include:

Australian National University (ANU) - Recognized for its strong research output and diverse philosophical studies.

Online Programs

Many universities now offer online philosophy degrees or courses, making it accessible regardless of your location. Examples include:

Harvard University Stanford University University of California, Berkeley

Choosing the Right Institution

When selecting a philosophy program, consider factors such as faculty expertise, the curriculum offered, research opportunities, and the overall academic environment. It's also very beneficial to visit campuses if possible to experience the community and available resources first-hand.

Global Rankings

According to the latest ranking in Brian Leiter's Philosophical Gourmet, the best philosophy faculty in the English-speaking world is at New York University. Other prominent programs include:

Oxford University Rutgers University - New Brunswick Princeton University University of Pittsburgh University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Yale University University of Toronto Harvard University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of California - Berkeley

It's important to note that these rankings focus on graduate study and may not fully capture the specific needs of undergraduate students.

Key Takeaways:

Harvard University Stanford University University of Oxford New York University University of Chicago