Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy

The purpose of the D Phil in Philosophy is to produce reflective members and leaders of society who are able to think clearly and critically about intellectual and ethical and cultural issues in a complex multicultural and globalised world at an advanced level. The aim is to produce highly qualified and resourceful thinkers who are able to make informed judgments in their specialist areas and who are able to transfer their expertise and apply it in many contexts. Such thinkers increase the pool of qualified academic researchers. They will contribute to the regional and national goals through the possession of intellectual resources which may be applied to the formulation of policies relevant to the common and public good, through the ability to facilitate constructive dialogue and through the ability to critique unexamined ideologies. In addition in an 'information age' they will be able to discern what genuinely promotes human, social and cultural development.

Rationale for the Qualification

The Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy is designed for postgraduate philosophy students, educators, professionals, and leaders in civil society, pastoral leaders and other qualified people who wish to specialize in the field of philosophy or to apply that specialization to important and complex questions arising in social, political, ethical or cultural contexts of contemporary life at the highest level.

The aim is to provide thinkers who possess a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the whole field of philosophy and who will grasp the distinctive role of philosophy in mediating between diverse disciplines. The qualification enables candidates to extend the boundaries of knowledge both within the discipline and in relation to the application of philosophy to different sectors of life. It will equip candidates with skills and reflective ability and philosophic vision transferable to any area of professional life.

A distinctive feature of the course is its inclusion of philosophical traditions and positions that may not be emphasized in other institutions.

The qualification assumes that the candidate is proficient in the language of the provider and is able to demonstrate the applied competence which typically leads to the awarding of a qualification at Level 8 PG 3. This includes:

• A systematic understanding and a solid knowledge of the field of philosophy or a good understanding of the philosophical issues arising in a related field.
• An informed understanding of key terms, concepts, principles and methods of philosophy.
• An ability to critically analyse texts and to synthesise and integrate information as well as present this information in a well structured coherent argument using academic or professional conventions.
• An ability to relate new information and knowledge to a given body of theory, to work with a multiplicity of viewpoints and to operate in variable and unfamiliar contexts requiring creative thought and careful interpretation.
• An ability to be self-motivating and self-directing and to be organized in research.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is given to relevant practical and theoretical experience in the field or subfield. The relevance is assessed by the Academic Board which decides whether it suffices to allow admittance to the qualification and whether it may be admitted as partial requirement for the achievement of the qualification. Structured means for the assessment of individual learning against entrance requirements and against exit outcomes are devised on a case by case basis. These procedures may be assessed by independent moderators.

N/A

The outcomes relate directly to the purpose of the qualification: to provide competent thinkers and philosopher who as members and leaders of society will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in an integrated way to the many complex arising in the contemporary world. On achieving this qualification a candidate will:

• Possess analytical skills along with the ability to sympathetically appreciate and dialectically related and integrate diverse viewpoints.
• Be able to analyse and interpret and critique important philosophical texts and produce papers and give lectures on a variety of issues.
• Be aware of a wide range of philosophical positions and methods and be able to apply this knowledge to complex social, economic, cultural situations.
• Be able to make informed judgments when applying philosophical knowledge or methods to concrete issues, even if complete data is not available.
• Be able to communicate arguments both specialists and non-specialists.
• Be fully acquainted with the latest research findings in the field.
• Have made a substantial and original contribution to the advancement of knowledge in both theoretical and applied philosophy.
• Be able to contribute to the common and public good through the application of philosophical resources to issues in contemporary social and political and cultural life.

Competence is evident when the candidate

• Has presented a thesis constituting a substantial and original contribution to the advancement of knowledge in theoretical and/or applied philosophy and showing critical thought and rigorous analysis and expertise in the methods of scientific research appropriate to the topic.
• Has demonstrated the ability to conceptualise and to design a research programme for the generation of new knowledge and the ability to redesign the project in light of new discoveries or unforeseen problems.
• Has been able to defend the research findings before a board of examiners.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is aimed at evaluating foundational, reflexive and practical competence of the candidate. It evaluates the ability of the candidate to relate a solid historical and theoretical understanding of the subject with the capacity for independent research and study and to apply philosophical knowledge and skills to a wide range of concrete situations related to the intellectual, social, political, moral, cultural and religious dimensions of the contemporary world.

Competence is evident when the candidate

• Has presented a thesis constituting a substantial and original contribution to the advancement of knowledge in theoretical and/or applied philosophy and showing critical thought and rigorous analysis and expertise in the methods of scientific research appropriate to the topic.
• Has demonstrated the ability to conceptualise and to design a research programme for the generation of new knowledge and the ability to redesign the project in light of new discoveries or unforeseen problems.
• Has been able to defend the research findings before a board of examiners.
• Demonstrates a solid depth of philosophical knowledge and a high level of theoretical understanding with regard to basic philosophical positions, concepts, principles and methods.
• Is able to recognize the relevance of major historical thinkers for contemporary questions.
• Be able to take responsibility for his or her own position whilst being adaptable and flexible enough to appreciate radically different viewpoints.
• Is confident in the use of research skills appropriate to philosophy.
• Be able to apply philosophical concepts and principles and methods to specific concrete issues.
• Be able to use philosophical skills to draw up positions papers and reports on matters relating to the public good or to issues in the contemporary world.
• To apply philosophical resources to the particular social and economic and cultural contexts of S.A.
• To engage in debates and seminars and contribute to interdisciplinary forums concerning matter of applied ethics, dignity and human rights, the relationship of law and morality etc.