cornell university philosophy phd

Academic Department

Founded in 1891, Cornell's Sage School of Philosophy offers students the excitement that comes from understanding intellectual problems and the satisfaction involved in finding theoretical and applied solutions. Students become familiar with classic texts and theories in the history of thought while also developing analytical skills that are valuable in academic, professional and everyday life. Small classes and a collaborative, communal atmosphere are among the distinguishing features of the Sage School. In addition to coursework, extracurricular activities and events offer abundant opportunity for philosophical exchange within Cornell and the wider philosophical community. The university's extensive library system, with its nearly five million volumes, provides excellent coverage of scholarly works in all branches of philosophy—historical, analytical, phenomenological, Continental and comparative.

The faculty of the Sage School edits The Philosophical Review , also founded in 1891, and generally regarded as the best journal in philosophy. Logos: The Undergraduate Journal of Philosophy at Cornell is run by a group of undergraduate majors who work with an advisory board of professionals to solicit papers, award cash prizes for the best submissions, provide critical comments on drafts, publish an annual volume, and organize additional colloquia and undergraduate conferences.

Associated Faculty

• Dorit Abusch
• Kaushik Basu
• Karen Bennett
• Richard Newell Boyd
• Tad Brennan
• Kimberly M. Brewer
• Charles Brittain
• Brandon Conley
• Dean Da Vee
• John M. Doris
• Gail Judith Fine
• Erin Gerber
• Nicole Hassoun
• Marta Heckel
• Ian Hensley
• Harold Theodore Hodes
• Karolina Hübner
• Terence Irwin
• Sofi gjing Jovanovska
• Rachana Kamtekar
• Alexander Kocurek
• Theodore Korzukhin
• Michelle Kosch
• Timothy Kwiatek
• David Lyons
• Scott MacDonald
• Kate A. Manne
• Daniel Manne
• Julia Markovits
• Andrei Marmor
• Lawrence J. McCrea
• Richard William Miller
• Michael Milona
• S. Cole Mitchell
• Daniel S. Murphy
• Sarah Murray
• Shaun Nichols
• Laura Niemi
• Matthew R. Paskell
• Carlotta Pavese
• Derk Pereboom
• David A. Pizarro
• Sydney Shoemaker
• David Shoemaker
• Nicholas Silins
• Daniel Smyth
• Justin Steinberg
• Nicholas Sturgeon
• Adriene Takaoka
• Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò
• Morgan Thompson
• Hannah Tierney
• Benjamin Yost
• Brianna Zgurich

In the news

Community event will showcase trans philosophy and scholarship

Persistent questioning of knowledge takes a toll

Summer Experience Grant applications now open

Students host first undergraduate philosophy conference

Related disciplines.

• Humanities and Arts

Ph.D. Program

Our doctoral program fully promotes an interdisciplinary approach to the ancient world. We offer all students an opportunity to develop a comprehensive course of study within one of our six concentrations : ancient history, ancient philosophy, classical archaeology and art, classical literature and philology, Greek and Latin languages and linguistics, and interdisciplinary Classics.

Some areas of strength in our program are:

• Ancient Philosophy from Plato to Plotinus and Augustine
• Ancient Religion from Classical Greece to Roman Egypt and Late Antiquity
• Mediterranean and Near Eastern Archaeology from the Bronze Age through Late Antiquity and Byzantium (including fieldwork)
• Scientific Approaches to the Classical Past
• Textual and Visual Forms of Expression in the Ancient World

Our program looks for students who:

• Have strong preparation in at least one discipline or domain of study
• Have proficiency in the relevant languages (ancient and modern)
• Are interested in research that cuts across disciplines and brings new approaches to the Classical field

General Requirements

During the week preceding the first week of classes of the Fall term, all entering students take a diagnostic test designed and evaluated by the First-Year Committee. It serves to guide the Committee in advising entering students on their curriculum for the first year.

By the end of the second semester a student should have chosen his or her own Special Committee, a group of at least three members (a Special Committee chair and two minor members). Two or more of these members should be in the Graduate Field of Classics as required by the individual concentration.

The following requirements are common to the five concentrations:

• At least three years of residence.
• Satisfactory performance on the “Q” Examination, by the end of their fourth semester (i.e. by the end of May). This examination is administered by the Field and is designed to demonstrate the level of proficiency in the language(s) required by the individual concentration and/or test progress on the reading list.
• Satisfactory completion of course work required by the individual concentration.
• Completion of 2 research papers (i.e. original contributions that could be presented to conferences or eventually submitted for publication) by the time of the “A” Examination.
• Satisfactory completion of the “A” Examination, before the end of their sixth semester (i.e. by the end of May). This examination is administered by the student’s Special Committee. The “A” Examination is a comprehensive general examination covering the authors, fields, and subjects chosen by the student and his or her Committee. These usually comprise three areas distributed between major and minor areas as required by the individual concentration.
• Before the end of their sixth semester (i.e. end of Spring of their third year), students will establish with their committee what will be the format and content of their dissertation prospectus, including what they need to present in the Fall, and decide on a timeline for its completion.
• Within the first three weeks of their seventh semester (i.e. beginning of Fall of their fourth year), students will present to their committee the agreed elements of their prospectus.
• Presentation of a dissertation prospectus to the Field at the beginning of the second term of the fourth year. 
• Satisfactory performance on two Modern Language Examinations. These are written examinations administered by the Field. All students must demonstrate reading knowledge of (a) German and (b) French or Italian. One of these modern language examinations must have been passed by the end of the student’s third year, and the second by the end of the fourth year.
• Presentation and public oral defense (“B” Examination) of a doctoral thesis.
• Submission of the approved doctoral thesis to the Graduate School.

Graduate Concentrations Requirements

Learning Outcomes

• think originally and independently
• identify new research opportunities
• proficiency in the relevant languages, ancient and modern
• thorough command of theoretical and empirical knowledge across the field
• in-depth knowledge of one major area
• produce publishable scholarship
• achieve excellence in spoken presentations
• Demonstrate effective skills in undergraduate teaching

Concentrations

Ancient history.

Ancient history at Cornell University can be studied either in the Field of History or in the Field of Classics. The two Fields cooperate in teaching and supervising graduate students and strongly encourage those in one Field to strengthen their preparation by relevant work in the other. In the Field of Classics, the concentration in Ancient History aims at training scholars who will be ready both to engage in cutting-edge research in history and to teach about the Greek and Roman world, including the literature and the languages. Click here for more information on the ancient history concentration and its requirements.

Core faculty in the concentration

Nicole Giannella: Roman history, Roman law, slavery.

Eric Rebillard: Roman history, Early Christianity and Late Antiquity.

Barry Strauss:  Ancient history and military history.

Ancient Philosophy

The study of ancient philosophy at Cornell University is administered jointly by the Fields of Classics and Philosophy, and members of the two Fields cooperate in teaching and supervising graduate students. The program aims at training productive scholars and effective teachers of ancient philosophy who will also be well-rounded classicists and philosophers. The concentration is designed differently for students in the two Fields, but it strongly encourages those in one Field to strengthen their preparation by relevant work in the other.   Click here for more information on the ancient philosophy concentration and its requirements.

Tad Brennan 
: Plato, Aristotle, Hellenistic philosophers, Late Platonists, and Pre-Socratics.

Charles Brittain  : Hellenistic epistemology and ethics, Platonist psychology and ethics, Augustine.

Jill Frank : Ancient Political Thought, Plato, Aristotle.

Rachana Kamtekar : Pre-Socratics, Hellenistic philosophy, Plato, Aristotle.

Scott MacDonald : Ancient and Medieval Philosophy.

Classical Archaeology and Art

The Concentration in Classical Archaeology and Art aims to provide the training and context to produce scholars ready to engage in cutting-edge archaeological and/or art historical research and teaching about the Greek and Roman worlds (including Cyprus and the wider Mediterranean area) in any period from prehistory through to Late Antiquity. Candidates are trained to be qualified for academic positions with an archaeological or art historical focus in Departments of Classics, History of Art, or Anthropology, as well as in interdisciplinary Archaeology Programs concerned with the ancient world and complex societies. The Cornell program offers a strong institutional setting, combining a long pedigree in outstanding Classical scholarship, cognate departments and courses in History of Art, Near Eastern Studies, and Anthropology, and world-leading science departments for those seeking to develop inter-disciplinary projects.   Click here for more information on the classical archaeology and art concentration and its requirements.

Annetta Alexandridis : Greek myth and iconography; Roman portraiture and funerary culture; archaeology and its media, gender studies, animal studies.

Benjamin Anderson : Late antique and Byzantine art, architecture, and visual culture; archaeology and architectural history of late antique and medieval Anatolia.

Caitlín Barrett : Household archaeology; religion and ritual; connectivity and cultural entanglement; lived experience in antiquity; constructions of identity; coroplastic studies; Roman wall painting; Hellenistic Eastern Mediterranean; Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt; Pompeii.

Kathryn L. Gleason : gardens and designed landscapes of the Roman world; environmental archaeology, landscape archaeology; methods of ancient design, construction, water management; ancient cultivation.

Lori Khatchadourian : Anthropological archaeology, Near Eastern archaeology, the archaeology of empires, materiality, landscape.

Sturt W. Manning : Aegean, Cypriot, and east Mediterranean prehistory; archaeological science; dendrochronology; dendroclimatology; dendrochemistry; climate change science; radiocarbon dating.

Verity Platt : Art and religion; image and text; Roman wall-painting and funerary art; Greek culture in the Roman empire; historiography of ancient art; Classics and media.

Eric Rebillard : Late Antiquity; Roman funerary archaeology.

Astrid Van Oyen : Roman archaeology; socio-economics of the Roman empire; materiality and archaeological theory; empire and imperialism; rural economies.

Classical Philology and Literature

The concentration in Classical Philology and Literature, focusing on Greek and Latin languages and literature, is the most frequently chosen, and provides students with the opportunity to follow a traditional training in philology and textual criticism, to explore Classical literature in the light of modern literary critical methodology, or to do both.  Click here for more information on the classical philology and literature concentration and its requirements.

Frederick M. Ahl : Greek and Roman Epic and Drama.

Charles Brittain  : Greek and Latin Literature.

Michael Fontaine : Latin Literature, Republican Drama, Augustan Poetry.

Nicole Giannella : Latin Literature.

Andrew Hicks : Latin Literature, Latin Palaeography.

Athena Kirk : Greek Literature.

Alan Nussbaum : Homer; Old Latin.

Hayden Pelliccia : Greek Literature.

Verity Platt : Hellenistic and Second Sophistic Literature, Art and Text.

Eric Rebillard : Late Antique Latin Literature and Early Christian Texts.

Courtney Roby : Latin Literature, Scientific and Technical Literature.

Jeffrey Rusten : Greek Literature and Historiography, Greek Comedy.

Greek and Latin Languages and Linguistics

Graduate applicants to the Field of Classics whose primary interest is in the Greek and Latin languages per se may choose to pursue the concentration in Greek and Latin Languages and Linguistics. The aim of this concentration is to acquire a broad background in general linguistics; Greek, Latin, and Indo-European linguistics; and Greek and Latin philology.   Click here for more information on the Greek and Latin languages and linguisticsconcentration and its requirements.

Larry McCrea : Sanskrit Studies.

Alan J. Nussbaum : Indo-European Linguistics, Greek and Latin Language and Linguistics, Homer, Old Latin.

Michael Weiss : Indo-European Linguistics, Historical Phonology and Morphology of Greek, Latin, and the Sabellic Languages.​

Interdisciplinary Classics

Interdisciplinary Classics is a concentration that fully promotes an interdisciplinary approach to the ancient world by training students in three different disciplines of Classics through course work and reading lists. It encourages students to make new connections between areas that have been traditionally distinct, bringing together, e.g., epigraphy, science, art history, history, philosophy, literature, and classical reception.  Click here for more information on the interdisciplinary classics concentration and its requirements.

Annetta Alexandridis : Greek myth and iconography; Roman portraiture and funerary culture; archaeology and its media, gender studies, animal studies.​

Benjamin Anderson : Late Roman and Byzantine art and architecture; history of archaeology.

​ Tad Brennan 
: Plato, Aristotle, Hellenistic philosophers, Late Platonists, and Pre-Socratics.

Charles Brittain : Hellenistic epistemology and ethics, Platonist psychology and ethics, Augustine; Greek and Latin literature.

Nicole Giannella:  Roman history, Roman law, slavery; Latin literature.

Verity Platt : “Hellenistic and Second Sophistic Literature; Art and Text; Art and religion; Roman wall-painting and funerary art; Greek culture in the Roman empire; historiography of ancient art; Classics and media.

Eric Rebillard : Roman archaeology, history, literature; Early Christianity and Late Antiquity.

Courtney Roby : Latin Literature, Scientific and Technical Literature.

Reading Lists

Check in the concentrations'  requirements which are the relevant lists for each concentration.

• Greek and Latin Authors and Texts
• Greek and Latin Authors and Texts (for the Classical Archaeology and Art Concentration)
• Classical Archaeology and Art
• Greek and Latin Linguistics Reading List

All graduate students in the Field of Classics are admitted with six years of guaranteed support, including tuition, health insurance, as well as an annual stipend, and summer stipend after the first through fifth years. 

Two years of this support (ordinarily the first and the fifth) take the form of fellowships provided by the Graduate School. The other four years are derived from fellowships controlled by the Department and from teaching assistantships.

The Townsend Fund also enables the department to offer travel grants to graduate students. We encourage students to spend some time at other universities in North America and Europe in order to study with scholars whose work would complement and enrich their individual research interests.

Application Procedures

Complete the application online at  Apply Now  no later than December 15 . Applications are evaluated in January, and applicants are usually notified of their status at the beginning of February.

Requirements

The Field of Classics requires the following:

• an academic statement of purpose
• a personal statement
• three letters of recommendation
• a ten to twenty page writing sample

GRE scores are not required or accepted.

All applicants must submit transcripts of all attended colleges or universities.

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores to Graduate School.

Writing sample

We strongly recommend that you choose as a writing sample work that shows your ability to work closely with ancient texts in the original language. Ideally your writing sample should also demonstrate research abilities and critical use of secondary sources. If you are writing an undergraduate Honors Thesis a chapter from it would be a good choice. 

If you are applying for the concentrations in Ancient History, Ancient Philosophy, Classical Archaeology and Art, or Indo-European Linguistics it is particularly important that you submit a sample that will enable us to evaluate your work in that area.

Graduate Student Handbook

Current graduate students should be sure to review the graduate student handbook frequently.

Current Graduate Students Alumni

• Profiles of our current graduate students are here.
• Profiles of our graduate alumni are here.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Physics

Welcome to Cornell University: Any person, any study.

A Flexible, Interdisciplinary Curriculum

The Ph.D. program in the graduate field of Applied Physics is a research-oriented doctoral program tailored to individual interests. The program combines a core physics curriculum with research and study in one of several areas that deal either with the application of physics to a technical discipline or with the interface between physics and another area of science. Students who have majored in physics, in another physical science (for example, chemistry), or in an engineering field are eligible for the program.

The program is designed so that students can evaluate the many different research opportunities available before deciding on an area of specialization. Although most students join the research group of a faculty member in the graduate field of applied physics students may also join a group outside applied physics—a reflection of the tremendous flexibility offered to our graduate students—and begin their thesis research by the end of the first academic year. Most students complete the program under their original faculty supervisor, but if a student should decide to change research groups, the decision is subject only to the agreement of a new thesis supervisor.

Students in applied physics may pursue thesis research in any one of several broad areas, including nanoscience, condensed matter physics and materials science, optical physics, quantum electronics and photonics, biological physics, astrophysics and plasma physics, or atomic, molecular, and chemical physics.

There are 19 faculty members in AEP as well as nearly thirty other faculty members representing ten different departments outside the school which comprise the applied physics field faculty. This large faculty, engaged in many research projects with federal, state, or corporate sponsors, makes it possible for applied physics students to choose thesis research topics from many different areas. While each student becomes an individual investigator responsible for an independent research project, interactive and collaborative research programs and shared research facilities are hallmarks of advanced study at Cornell. The majority of the faculty members in the field participate in one or more of Cornell’s numerous research centers and programs, and most graduate students in applied physics make extensive use of the research facilities maintained by these centers.

Special Committee

Students entering the Applied Physics program begin by taking courses that will meet core requirements. During the first year of study, students choose a major area within applied physics for study and thesis research and a minor area of study that is outside the field of physics or applied physics. Students then choose a special committee of three or four faculty members who will supervise their graduate program and monitor the progress of their thesis research. Ultimately, this faculty committee also approves a student’s thesis. Generally, the chair of the committee is the supervisor of the student’s thesis project, the second member is from the student’s major area of study in applied physics, and the third member represents the minor area of study (as does the optional fourth member). With guidance from this faculty committee, the student plans an individualized course of study that will fulfill the core curriculum and minor subject requirements and will provide the groundwork for full-time thesis research in a particular area of specialization.

• Research Areas

Graduates with doctorates in applied physics pursue careers in academic institutions, corporate and national laboratories, and research institutes. In recent years: 

As a philosophy major, you can choose among courses in epistemology, metaphysics, history of philosophy, logic, ethics, social and political philosophy, Continental philosophy, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, aesthetics and philosophy of science. You’ll participate each year in events that range from informal reading groups and workshops to formal conferences and large public lectures by visiting philosophers. The Sage School's small classes and collegial atmosphere support vibrant philosophical exchange among undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and visiting philosophers.

Sample classes

• Ethics of Eating
• Knowledge and Reality
• Minds and Machines
• Ethics and Healthcare

All information below is based on the 2022 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive, rather they are a sampling of the data. If you would like more information, please email  [email protected]

What can you do with a degree in Philosophy?

Graduate school:.

In 2022, 34% of philosophy majors embarked on graduate school journeys. They pursued various advanced degrees, with 37% focusing on their JD, 27% working towards a PhD, 17% dedicated to an MA, and more. Their graduate field interest ranges from law (37%) to computer science (10%) and philosophy (10%).

These ambitious individuals have chosen to continue their education at prestigious institutions like the California Institute of Technology, Duke University, Harvard University, and the University of Chicago.

Employment: 

50% of philosophy graduates secured employment, and the majority entered sectors in education (18%), consulting/professional practice (16%), and law (16%). Bloomberg, Deloitte Consulting, Goldman Sachs, and Google were the top 2022 employers.

Where 2022 Philosophy Graduates Work

• Department website
• Undergraduate program
• Undergraduate minor
• Graduate program

Associated interests

• Ancient History
• Human behavior

Related disciplines

• Humanities and Arts

Full list of majors and minors

 Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design

The research tradition within the Human Behavior and Design major is based on the social sciences, in particular environmental psychology and human factors and ergonomics. The underlying premise is that systematic, empirical research based in the social sciences, when combined with an understanding of design processes, can contribute to the planning, design, and management of environments that enhance individual and organizational effectiveness.

Program Focus

The Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design at Cornell University is a multidisciplinary program integrating the social sciences and design. Research focuses on environmental settings across a range of scales (from products to buildings to cities), that support safe, healthy and productive behaviors and foster sustainable design and lifestyles.

The program brings together faculty and students with expertise in the fields of interior, industrial and graphic design, architecture, art, design history, historic preservation, design with digital media, building technology, environmental psychology, human factors and ergonomics, economics, and facility planning and management to work on problems related to the interior environment.

The Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design rests on the following basic premises:

• Development of the knowledge base guiding the planning, design, and management of physical settings requires systematic, empirical research.
• The physical environment affects the realization of human and organizational potential including health, safety, comfort, productivity and satisfaction.
• The users of environments are diverse and have different needs. Individual characteristics such as culture, gender, stage in the life course, family structure, role or task affect environmental needs.
• Organizational culture, goals, and structure help shape building design and use.
• The planning, design, and management of good environments require consideration of all users.
• Understanding organizational and human needs is no less critical than understanding financial, technological and aesthetic factors influencing the planning, design, and management of our physical surroundings.
• Multidimensional spatial experiences are heightened through an understanding of design elements, such as circulation, materials, lighting and acoustics.
• Theory provides a foundation that both informs and is informed by research and practice.

The program draws its strength from faculty knowledge and research in the following four areas:

• Environmental Psychology
• Facility Planning and Management
• Human Factors and Ergonomics

Ph.D. Requirements

Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design curriculum requirements  and the graduate student handbook .

People who embrace thinking across disciplinary boundaries and who have a passion for teaching and scholarship are encouraged to apply. The strength of this unique new program is the integration of scientific and creative expertise within the same department. Applicants' prior disciplines might include (but are not limited to): social science, design, or engineering.

For more information, please contact the Graduate Field Assistant at [email protected] .

Applications are due November 1st . Applications are accepted for Fall Admission only.  

In addition to the online application via the Graduate School website , the following required documents must be submitted online:

• Academic Statement of Purpose (within 500 words)
• Personal Statement (limit 500 words)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts
• Writing sample
• Curriculum vitae
• GRE general test (The desired combined score should be greater than or equal to 310—for the new scoring system effective November 2011—or, a combined score of 1200 for the old scoring system.)
• TOEFL - test for International students (DEA overall minimum: 105, plus Graduate School minimums must be met for each section: writing: 20; listening: 15; reading: 20; speaking: 22)
• OR IELTS - The Graduate School requires an overall band score of a 7.0 or higher on the IELTS

For additional information on how to apply, please visit Graduate School Admissions.

The intent of the Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design program is that all admitted students will be fully funded with tuition, fees, and a stipend for a period of four academic (9 months) years contingent upon satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Prospective Ph.D. Student Application Requirement FAQ

Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) at  [email protected] .

First, you should read papers written by faculty with whom you might like to work to see if your interests align. Carefully review the websites and online materials provided by the program. In your application, describe your experience related to research, statistics, design, etc. Demonstrate your research experience. Describe you interests – possible dissertation research directions. Indicate your goals following the PhD. Request letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your research aptitude, commitment, preparedness, work ethic.

Yes, the Graduate School can help with this, but you must still adhere to our requirements and deadlines. 

No, we only have one admission cycle, applications are due in November for PhD; students start in the Fall semester of the following year.

All application materials are submitted online via the Graduate School’s application system (available on the web at: http://www.gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/applying/apply-now ). 

No, a portfolio is not required for the Ph.D. degree.

No, but scholarly writing sample submissions are preferred (ex: Master’s Thesis; Peer Review Journal Article; Senior Honors Project).

One writing sample is sufficient.

HCD provides four years of funding to Ph.D. students in HBD, as long as students’ progress and performance is satisfactory. This funding could take the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, or some combination and is typically for the nine-month academic year.

No, it is not necessary to have an MS or MA before beginning the PhD.  The strongest applicants are those who have a foundation in research (e.g., have completed a research thesis (undergrad or graduate), have participated in a lab as a research assistant, have perhaps taken a social science research methods class).

For the PhD in Human Behavior and Design, a background in both design and research is preferred, but students may come from a variety of disciplines.

Yes, HOWEVER, if substantial progress has not been made on their Master’s, then it’s a long shot. Applicants should be told the following two things: 1. Their Ph.D. work will take 4 years to complete, and 2. Lack of substantial progress on their Master’s Thesis will be viewed as a liability.

Yes. Note that GRE scores must be less than five years old. See the language proficiency requirement here . 

No. Academic letters of recommendation are valuable and somewhat preferable; however recommendations should be from people who can best assess the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the applicant. 

Cornell’s institutional test code for ETS is 2098. DEA’s department code is 4499.

D+EA recommends a combined verbal/quantitative GRE score of 310 (new scoring system effective November 2011) or a combined score of 1200 (old scoring) but this is not an absolute cutoff. Candidates with strong applications, but scores below this level, may be considered. You may submit scores to D+EA more than once if you re-take the test. Your scores may not be older than 5 years. Please plan to take the GRE in time to submit your scores by the application due date. 

No, the GR’s can't be waived.

Yes, GREs can be retaken, but scores must be submitted by the application deadline. 

We strongly encourage you to take the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS tests early enough in advance that your scores will be received by our application due date. We may allow some latitude, however. If your official scores have not arrived by the due date, but your unofficial scores have, we may hold your application if approved by the DGS. Your scores are automatically reported to Cornell by the testing service (ETS) as soon as they are ready, and the Graduate Field Assistant will automatically add them to your packet.

Please see the graduate school's website .

D+EA recommends a GPA of 3.0 (minimum), but this is not an absolute cutoff.

The online application requires you to upload an unofficial copy of each official transcript from each college or university previously attended. To prepare your transcripts, follow the steps below:

Admitted students who accept the admission offer are required to submit an official  transcript prior to matriculation.  For more information visit:  https://gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/prepare/transcripts/

It is advised that you periodically check your application on line to see if your application is complete, especially if you are waiting for letters of recommendation to be uploaded. D+EA’s Graduate Field Assistant may, as a courtesy, send you a reminder if you have missing information when the committee begins to review applications. If you have questions, please contact D+EA’s Graduate Field Assistant at [email protected] .

Yes, we allow deferments up to one year, but this must be decided when responding to the department’s offer.  To request a deferral, by the "reply by" date (typically April 15) an applicant must first accept the offer of admission and then request (and provide a reason for) the deferral.  Applicants cannot defer admission after declining our offer; instead the applicant must re-apply.

Yes, but this is on a case-by-case basis, and the D+EA Graduate Faculty will make decisions as to what is allowed or not allowed. Typically, you will need to provide a syllabus for your prior course(s).

 If you would like to schedule a visit, you should first make an appointment with D+EA’s DGS. If you would like to meet with other D+EA Faculty, you could also schedule meetings with them while you are on campus. Many students also enjoy taking a walking tour of campus while they are here: http://www.cornell.edu/visiting/ithaca/walking_tours.cfm .    Other useful links include the campus map  and the Visit Ithaca web site: http://www.visitithaca.com/

Ph.D. Program FAQ

Our Ph.D. students often find jobs in academia but some choose to pursue jobs in industry (e.g. Apple, Google) or as design researchers/environmental psychologists within large architecture firms.

Yes, The Graduate School regularly collects and shares information on graduate student experiences and outcomes to support prospective applicants in their decision-making process. For more information please see their metrics and outcomes data .

No, D+EA does not offer online classes for the Ph.D. program.

Yes, the Ph.D. program is STEM certified.

The first two years are dedicated primarily to course work (in your major field and two minor fields).  At the end of year 2, PhD students complete qualifying exams (“A Exam”).  Arrangements for you’re A-Exam are made with your dissertation committee. A dissertation is required.  Years 3 and 4 focus primarily on research and the completion of the dissertation.  The “B Exam” is the dissertation defense. 

Four years.

Yes, PhD students are expected to be on campus for the 4-year PhD degree. For more information please see: https://living.cornell.edu/live/wheretolive/housingoptions/index.cfm  

This depends on what sort of funding is awarded to the doctoral student. In most cases, Ph.D. students will be asked to function as a teaching assistant for at least part of their time in D+EA.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Regional Science

Cornell has conferred more than 70 doctorates (Ph.D.s) in regional science, with well over half of the degrees awarded to students from outside the United States.

Cornell Ph.Ds in regional science have become professors at major academic institutions in the United States including Arizona State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Ohio State University, University of California Santa Barbara, University of Cincinnati, University of Florida, University of Illinois, University of Pennsylvania, University of West Virginia, and Cornell University. Others are professors at universities in Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, South Korea, and Thailand.

Cornell regional science graduates also hold research positions in international organizations such as the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade. Many work at the highest policy analysis levels in national governments and corporations.

• Sample curriculum for the Ph.D. in Regional Science degree
• Ph.D. Student Profiles

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See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

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Doctor of Philosophy

Students in the Ph.D. degree program are expected to complete their degree requirements in three to four years but may be allowed up to seven years to complete requirements. Candidates for the Ph.D. degree are paired with a committee chair (major advisor) within the field and select two minor advisors.  There are no general course requirements for Ph.D. degree; instead, students select classes with the help of their special committee based on background and interests.

Students do not need to hold an M.S. degree to apply for the Ph.D. program, and can apply directly with a B.A./B.S. or equivalent Bachelor's degree. Ph.D. Acceptance Rate: 17% M.S. Acceptance Rate: 3%

Ph.D. candidates must meet the following field and Graduate School requirements:

• Completion of a minimum of 6 academic semesters with at least two coming after the A exam
• Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0
• Completion of the degree within seven years of admission
• Enrollment in at least 12 credits per semester, not including audited classes.
• Enrollment in FDSC 6000, Seminar, each semester
• Enrollment in FDSC 6010, Principles and Applications of Food Science and Technology, during the first fall semester
• Enrollment in FDSC 6950, Current Readings in Food Science, two times during program
• Gain experience as a teaching assistant for at least one semester
• Present a public seminar during FDSC 6000 or a special seminar
• Yearly completion of Student Progress Review
• Understanding of core competencies in food science
• Q exam – completed before the start of the second semester
• A exam – completed after completing two academic semesters but before starting the seventh semester
• B exam – taken after completing all degree requirements, but not earlier than one month before completing six academic semesters
• Satisfactory completion of a dissertation under the supervision of the Special Committee. 
• Students should consult the  Graduate School web site  for specific information regarding the completion of degree and submission of the dissertation

Concentrations

The Field of Food Science and Technology offers MS and PhD degrees in Food Science with the following concentrations. 

• MS & PhD Research Concentrations

Field of Food Science & Technology Handbook

Food Science Graduate Handbook: Fall 2022 Edition

For questions regarding this handbook, please email fdscigrad [at] cornell.edu (fdscigrad[at]cornell[dot]edu)

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Ph.D. Milestone Requirements & Timeline

To remain in academic good standing, Cornell University MSE Ph.D. students must satisfy the below academic milestones in accordance with the official Ph.D. timeline. It is recommended that students check Graduate School deadlines prior to setting plans for completion of milestones.

See the detailed recommended planning timeline for completion milestones (B/M Exams).

If any of the above requirements cannot be met according to the required timeline, students must Submit a Petition to the Graduate School. Communicate all petition requests with your committee, DGS, and GFA prior to submission.

Cornell University does not offer a separate Masters of Science (MS) degree program in the field of Statistics. Applicants interested in obtaining a masters-level degree in statistics should consider applying to Cornell's MPS Program in Applied Statistics.

Choosing a Field of Study

There are many graduate fields of study at Cornell University. The best choice of graduate field in which to pursue a degree depends on your major interests. Statistics is a subject that lies at the interface of theory, applications, and computing. Statisticians must therefore possess a broad spectrum of skills, including expertise in statistical theory, study design, data analysis, probability, computing, and mathematics. Statisticians must also be expert communicators, with the ability to formulate complex research questions in appropriate statistical terms, explain statistical concepts and methods to their collaborators, and assist them in properly communicating their results. If the study of statistics is your major interest then you should seriously consider applying to the Field of Statistics.

There are also several related fields that may fit even better with your interests and career goals. For example, if you are mainly interested in mathematics and computation as they relate to modeling genetics and other biological processes (e.g, protein structure and function, computational neuroscience, biomechanics, population genetics, high throughput genetic scanning), you might consider the Field of Computational Biology . You may wish to consider applying to the Field of Electrical and Computer Engineering if you are interested in the applications of probability and statistics to signal processing, data compression, information theory, and image processing. Those with a background in the social sciences might wish to consider the Field of Industrial and Labor Relations with a major or minor in the subject of Economic and Social Statistics. Strong interest and training in mathematics or probability might lead you to choose the Field of Mathematics . Lastly, if you have a strong mathematics background and an interest in general problem-solving techniques (e.g., optimization and simulation) or applied stochastic processes (e.g., mathematical finance, queuing theory, traffic theory, and inventory theory) you should consider the Field of Operations Research .

Residency Requirements

Students admitted to PhD program must be "in residence" for at least four semesters, although it is generally expected that a PhD will require between 8 and 10 semesters to complete. The chair of your Special Committee awards one residence unit after the satisfactory completion of each semester of full-time study. Fractional units may be awarded for unsatisfactory progress.

Your Advisor and Special Committee

The Director of Graduate Studies is in charge of general issues pertaining to graduate students in the field of Statistics. Upon arrival, a temporary Special Committee is also declared for you, consisting of the Director of Graduate Studies (chair) and two other faculty members in the field of Statistics. This temporary committee shall remain in place until you form your own Special Committee for the purposes of writing your doctoral dissertation. The chair of your Special Committee serves as your primary academic advisor; however, you should always feel free to contact and/or chat with any of the graduate faculty in the field of Statistics.

The formation of a Special Committee for your dissertation research should serve your objective of writing the best possible dissertation. The Graduate School requires that this committee contain at least three members that simultaneously represent a certain combination of subjects and concentrations. The chair of the committee is your principal dissertation advisor and always represents a specified concentration within the subject & field of Statistics. The Graduate School additionally requires PhD students to have at least two minor subjects represented on your special committee. For students in the field of Statistics, these remaining two members must either represent (i) a second concentration within the subject of Statistics, and one external minor subject; or, (ii) two external minor subjects. Each minor advisor must agree to serve on your special committee; as a result, the identification of these minor members should occur at least 6 months prior to your A examination.

Some examples of external minors include Computational Biology, Demography, Computer Science, Economics, Epidemiology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Operations Research. The declaration of an external minor entails selecting (i) a field other than Statistics in which to minor; (ii) a subject & concentration within the specified field; and, (iii) a minor advisor representing this field/subject/concentration that will work with you in setting the minor requirements. Typically, external minors involve gaining knowledge in 3-5 graduate courses in the specified field/subject, though expectations can vary by field and even by the choice of advisor. While any choice of external minor subject is technically acceptable, the requirement that the minor representative serve on your Special Committee strongly suggests that the ideal choice(s) should share some natural connection with your choice of dissertation topic.

The fields, subjects and concentrations represented on your committee must be officially recognized by the Graduate School ; the Degrees, Subjects & Concentrations tab listed under each field of study provides this information. Information on the concentrations available for committee members chosen to represent the subject of Statistics can be found on the Graduate School webpage . 

Statistics PhD Travel Support

The Department of Statistics and Data Science has established a fund for professional travel for graduate students. The intent of the Department is to encourage travel that enhances the Statistics community at Cornell by providing funding for graduate students in statistics that will be presenting at conferences. Please review the Graduate Student Travel Award Policy website for more information. 

Completion of the PhD Degree

In addition to the specified residency requirements, students must meet all program requirements as outlined in Program Course Requirements and Timetables and Evaluations and Examinations, as well as complete a doctoral dissertation approved by your Special Committee. The target time to PhD completion is between 4 and 5 years; the actual time to completion varies by student.

Students should consult both the Guide to Graduate Study and Code of Legislation of the Graduate Faculty (available at www.gradschool.cornell.edu ) for further information on all academic and procedural matters pertinent to pursuing a graduate degree at Cornell University.

/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="cornell university philosophy phd"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Field description.

The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in no more than six and one-half years. Accordingly, students in the program are normally guaranteed full financial support for six and one-half years.

The Sage School does not offer a terminal master's degree. For detailed information on the Graduate Program in Philosophy, please visit the  Sage School of Philosophy website .

Contact Information

218 Goldwin Smith Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY  14853

Data and Statistics

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Field Manual

Subject and degrees.

• Philosophy (Ph.D.) (Ithaca)

Concentrations by Subject

Emad H Atiq

• Campus: Ithaca
• Concentrations: Philosophy: philosophy
• Research Interests: philosophy of law, ethics, meta-ethics

Theodore R. Brennan

• Research Interests: ancient philosophy; epistemology

Charles Francis Brittain

• Research Interests: ancient philosophy

John M. Doris

• Research Interests: ethics in organizations and life

Gail Judith Fine

• Campus: Ithaca - (Graduate School Professor)
• Research Interests: ancient philosophy; history of modern philosophy; epistemology and metaphysics

Harold Theodore Hodes

• Research Interests: logic; philosophy of mathematics; philosophy of logic; philosophy of language

Rachana Kamtekar

• Research Interests: ancient history, ethics and political philosophy

Alexander W. Kocurek

• Research Interests: metaphysics, logic, philosophy of language

Michelle A. Kosch

• Research Interests: Kant; 19th century; ethics; moral psychology

Scott C MacDonald

• Research Interests: medieval philosophy; philosophy of religion; ethics; epistemology
• Research Interests: feminism, ethics

Julia Markovits

• Research Interests: ethics

Andrei Marmor

• Research Interests: philosophy of law

Sarah E. Murray

• Research Interests: Linguistics

Shaun B. Nichols

• Research Interests: moral psychology, experimental philosophy, cognitive science

Carlotta Pavese

• Research Interests: epistemology, philosophy of action

Derk Pereboom

• Research Interests: free will; Kant; philosophy of mind; philosophy of religion

David W. Shoemaker

• Research Interests: Philosophy, Moral Psychology, Ethics, Bioethics

Nicholas Silins

• Research Interests: epistemology; philosophy of mind

William Starr

• Research Interests: philosophy of language, logic

Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò

• Research Interests: social, political, law, African

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Table of Contents

Undergraduate Program

Getting started.

Any philosophy course numbered in the 1000s or 2000s is suitable for beginning study in the field. Sections of PHIL 1110, 1111, and 1112 are part of the First-year Writing Seminar (FWS) program; they are taught by various members of the instructional staff on a variety of philosophical topics, and because of their small size (16 students at most) they provide ample opportunity for discussion. Students who want a broad introduction to philosophy may take PHIL 1100, but many students with special interests may find that the best introduction to philosophy is a 2000-level course in some particular area of philosophy; such courses have no prerequisites and are usually open to first-year students.

For more information about appropriate courses in philosophy, browse the course listings here.

Major Requirements

Students expecting to major in philosophy should begin their study of it in their first or second undergraduate year. Admission to the major is granted by the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the department on the basis of a student's work during the first two years. Normally the student must have completed two philosophy courses with grades of B or better, and a minimum of 3 credits for each, before applying for the major. Students wishing to become philosophy majors should apply via the online form . 

 A grade of "S" (Satisfactory) for a Spring 2020 Philosophy class will be accepted when applying for the major or the minor, due to the impact of COVID-19.

Students admitted to the major select or are assigned a faculty member as their academic advisor. The advisor can help students plan an appropriate curriculum in the major, select courses outside the major, and ensure that they are meeting college and department degree requirements.

Requirements for the major:

A minimum of eight  philosophy courses , taken for a letter grade, and a total of a minimum of 24 credit hours

• At least one course on ancient philosophy, typically PHIL 2200, 3202, or 3203, also certain other courses with a large component of Plato or Aristotle. For courses other than 2200, 3202, or 3203, check with instructor.
• At least one course on the history of modern philosophy before 1900 (e.g. PHIL 2220 or a course with a large component on some figure/s in the history of modern philosophy before 1900)
• A minimum of six philosophy courses numbered 2000 or above
• A minimum of three philosophy courses numbered  3000 or above

IMPORTANT NOTE: The eight courses satisfying the major may NOT include:

• More than one section of a first-year writing seminar (PHIL 1110, 1111, 1112)
• Any course with the digit "9" in the second place (e.g. 1900, 1910, 2990, etc)
• PHIL 4900 or 4901
• More than four courses completed at other institutions

In addition, students must take at least 6 credits of course work in philosophy or related subjects, approved by the student's major advisor if not offered by the Philosophy Department. 

A grade of B- or better is required for any course to count toward satisfaction of major requirements.  For Spring 2020 classes only, a grade of "S" [Satisfactory] is acceptable for a PHIL course to count for major requirements.

A course in formal logic (e.g., PHIL 2310), while not required, is especially recommended for majors or prospective majors.

Majors in philosophy may choose to pursue  honors  in their senior year.

Honors in the philosophy major are awarded on the basis of an assessment of the student’s overall performance in the major, taking into account their grades in philosophy classes, and also their oral performance in class and their departmental citizenship.  A primary factor will be the faculty’s assessment of the student’s philosophical writing, as evidenced by the production of one or more substantial pieces of writing, such as seminar term papers, an (optional) senior thesis, or the equivalent.  

Eligibility

Students interested in being considered for honors should be philosophy majors and normally, by the time they graduate:

• will have a GPA  (Grade Point Average) of at least 3.5 in the major, and a minimum overall GPA in all courses taken at Cornell of 2.7 (B-);
• must have taken at least ten philosophy courses (these may not include any PHIL courses with a 9 in the second digit, with the exception of PHIL 4900 and PHIL 4901—the senior thesis);
• will have taken at least two courses at the 4000/6000 level, with the aim of producing substantial pieces of philosophical writing (e.g. seminar term papers), or the equivalent; this requirement can, but need not be, satisfied by undertaking the (optional) senior thesis (see below);
• will have taken at least four courses at the 3000 level or above;
• will have taken a minimum of 30 credits hours in philosophy. 

The faculty will consider all eligible students for honors, so there is no need for students to declare themselves interested in being considered for honors.  However, we recommend that you speak with your faculty advisor about course selection, particularly with regard to upper-level seminars or the senior thesis, at the start of your junior and senior years, to ensure that your coursework will provide you with sorts of samples of written work that could form the basis of an award of honors. 

The Senior Thesis

Students who wish to undertake a substantial, specialized, in-depth independent research project under the supervision of a member of the Sage School faculty may choose to enroll in the optional senior thesis.  Students typically devote two courses (PHIL 4900/4901) in consecutive terms of their senior year to writing a satisfactory thesis (although some students have completed a thesis in a single term).  Neither PHIL 4900 nor 4901 counts towards the eight philosophy courses required for the major, though they can count towards the ten courses required for honors.  Enrollment in the thesis project is dependent on finding a suitable faculty advisor.  The senior thesis is one route, but not the only route, to producing the substantial pieces of philosophical writing needed for honors consideration.  (Candidates whose theses are judged by the faculty not to merit the award of honors may nonetheless, at the discretion of the faculty, be awarded a passing grade for PHIL 4900/4901.)

Contact the department office for the application for the thesis.

NOTE:  The senior thesis is not required for honors in philosophy, and in many cases, students may find it preferable to enroll in two upper level or graduate seminars, and benefit from the greater structure and philosophical community such seminars offer, rather than undertaking the thesis project. 

Honors Awards

The decision to award a degree in philosophy with honors (cum laude), high honors (magna cum laude), or highest honors (summa cum laude) is made jointly by the faculty of the Sage School.  Every spring, the faculty will hold a meeting to review each of the graduating majors (including multiple majors) who meet the numerical criteria in order to consider whether they should be awarded departmental honors.  No student will be awarded honors unless at least two faculty members are willing to advocate for the honors on the basis of their assessment of at least one substantial piece of work such as a seminar paper or the equivalent.  As noted, students will be considered for honors without needing to put themselves forward for consideration.  It will fall to the faculty to recruit second readers for seminar papers and theses as necessary.

Minoring in Philosophy

The philosophy minor is designed for students who would like to formally pursue focused studies in philosophy, receiving recognition for this work, along with their major in another field.  The minor is open to any undergraduate student in any college at Cornell.

Admission to the minor is based on a student's work in philosophy; students would be expected to have completed two philosophy courses (of at least 3 credits each) with grades of B or better prior to applying.

To satisfy the requirements and complete the minor in philosophy, a minimum of five philosophy courses (of a minimum of 3 credits each, with a total of at least 15 credits) must be taken for a letter grade (B- or better), including:

• No more than one course numbered below 2000
• At least two must be numbered above 3000
• At least one must be in the history of philosophy before 1900, including study of ancient or modern philosophy before 1900 (or with a large component on some figure/s in the history of philosophy before 1900)
• Courses numbered 1900-1999, 4900, 4901 (or any courses with a "9" digit in the second place) will not be accepted for the minor
• No more than one semester of FirstYear Writing Seminar (FWS: PHIL 1110, 1111, 1112) will be accepted
• No more than two courses completed at other institutions

For Spring 2020 classes only:  a grade of "S" [Satisfactory] is acceptable for a PHIL course to count for minor requirements.

For more information, email  [email protected] .

If you are interested in applying for the minor, please fill out the minor request form here.

Note on Transfer Credits for Study Abroad for the Major/Minor

Philosophy majors and minors who are considering study abroad should keep in mind that any pre-approval given by the Philosophy Department before a student does coursework abroad is merely tentative approval. A final decision about transfer of credit can be made only after the work for a course has been completed. It is important that a student save as much information relevant to Philosophy courses taken abroad as is possible (examples:  syllabi and reading lists), in order to provide that information to the Philosophy Director of Undergraduate Studies upon return to campus.

In particular, some courses taken abroad involve significantly less written work than do Philosophy courses at Cornell. (In extreme cases, the only written work that a student does is to take a final exam.) It is very unlikely that the Philosophy Department will grant more than 2 Cornell credits for any such course.  Accordingly, students should try to find out in advance how much written work a course will involve, and should attempt to take courses that require roughly the same amount of writing required by courses offered by the Department. Contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for more information.

Minor in Law & Society

The Law & Society minor is open to all undergraduates throughout the university. Though many of those who register for the minor have intentions of going on to law school or a law-related profession, the Law & Society minor is not just for students interested in entering law school. 

The best candidates for the Law & Society minor are students interested in broader relations between legal institutions and historical and contemporary societies. This broader topic is, and should be, of interest to many students, regardless of whether they intend to enter the legal profession.

Visit the Program on Ethics & Public Life (EPL) page for more information on this minor.

Opportunities for Undergraduates

Activities and events in the Sage School provide opportunities for philosophy majors and other students interested in philosophy to engage with one another, with graduate students and faculty in the Sage School, and with visiting philosophers. In addition to opportunities intended specifically for undergraduates in philosophy, there are many  activities and events  sponsored by the Sage School  which undergraduates in philosophy are encouraged to attend.

Norman Kretzmann Undergraduate Philosophy Lecture:

Each academic year, the undergraduate philosophy majors choose a speaker to invite to campus to give a lecture and interact with undergraduate students. Normally a speaker is selected in the fall semester and invited to visit in the following spring semester. The visit includes a reception or dinner or additional discussion session with the speaker (primarily for majors). The Director of Undergraduate Studies coordinates the selection process and assists the majors in arranging and hosting the event.

In March 2024, the LOGOS Club will be hosting a day long undergraduate philosophy conference.   More information is here .

Norman Kretzmann Undergraduate Research Assistantships:

Each academic year up to two research assistantships are made available to undergraduate majors in philosophy (one each semester). Majors are invited to apply to assist on available faculty research projects. The projects will be posted on the department website when they are available. Research assistants earn no academic credit but earn an hourly wage.

The application, which must be submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Studies by the advertised deadline, consists of (1) a letter of application specifying one (or more) of the available faculty research projects and (2) a short statement (no longer than 300 words) explaining the applicant’s qualifications for and interest in the project(s). Applicants should contact the faculty member sponsoring the research project in advance of submitting an application. Research assistantships are awarded on the basis of the applicant’s overall academic record, record in philosophy courses and suitability for the project. Other things being equal, preference is given to seniors, then to juniors and finally to sophomores. Applications are reviewed by a faculty committee chaired by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Should the faculty committee judge in any given semester that there are no suitable applicants, no research assistantship will be awarded in that semester.

Logos: the Undergraduate Journal of Philosophy at Cornell:

Undergraduate interested in philosophy are the staff and editors of Logos , a refereed journal that publishes undergraduate work in philosophy. Logos also sponsors undergraduate reading and discussion groups.  They meet in Goldwin Smith on Thursdays at 5 pm during the academic year.  For more information, email the Philosophy office at [email protected] u .

Funds to Support Special Initiatives:

The Sage School sometimes has a limited amount of funding available to support special undergraduate initiatives. In the past, these have included the undergraduate discussion club, travel by undergraduates to philosophy conferences, and Logos. Inquiries about funding for special initiatives should be made to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Department Library:

Undergraduate majors are entitled to use the departmental library housed in the Philosophy common room, 213 Goldwin Smith Hall.

Minorities in Philosophy (MAP) Reading Group:

Undergraduates are welcome to be part of the MAP (Minorities in Philosophy) Reading Group, along with graduate students.  For information about Cornell's local chapter of MAP, contact the Philosophy office .  Information on the national organization here .

Contacts for the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Philosophy and for general inquiries about the philosophy major/minor are available on the department contacts page.

Contacts for questions regarding the Law and Society minor are available here .

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• Ethics and Politics in Computing Colloquium

Cameron is a PhD student in Philosophy at the University of Michigan. His interests are wide ranging, but he works primarily in normative ethics, epistemology, political philosophy, and legal philosophy.

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Talk:  Is All Privacy Informational Privacy?

Abstract:  Orthodoxy in the study of privacy holds that privacy comes in different modalities or dimensions. The three most commonly distinguished modalities are: informational, decisional, and physical/local. Though concerns that arise under the ambit of each of these dimensions are all said to involve privacy, they are also thought to be sufficiently distinct from each other to require separate treatment. Scholars have struggled to square the supposed unity of these plurality of concerns as privacy-implicating, with their seeming difference. In this paper, I ask whether decisional and local privacy are really best thought of as characterizing non-informational concerns that nevertheless are properly understood as being concerned with privacy. I argue that the answer should be a qualified "No." By comparing a weak and a strong version of the thesis that all privacy is informational privacy, I argue that we have both conceptual/theoretical and moral/normative reasons to think that talk of decisional and local privacy distorts our thinking about privacy, rather than leading to a more refined understanding.

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GUEST OVERVIEW: William M. Briggs. the Statistician to the Stars!, is a writer, philosopher and itinerant scientist, who lives far from Experts. He earned his PhD from Cornell University (before it became fully woke) in statistics. He studies the philosophy of science, the use and misuses of uncertainty, the corruption of science, and the uselessness of most predictions. He began life as a cryptologist for the Air Force, slipped into weather and climate forecasting, and matured into an epistemologist. He maintains an active and lively blog at wmbriggs.com.

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