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Courses and Supervision

James mcgill professor, -- on sabbatical until august 2025 -.

I received my BA (1986) in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures from Yale, and my MA (1990) and PhD (1994) in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton, where my supervisor was Prof. Hossein Modarressi. I then took up a Postdoctoral Research Assistantship (1994-1996) in Prof. Richard Sorabji’s Ancient Commentators on Aristotle project, in the Philosophy Department of King’s College London. My first teaching job was in the Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations Department at Harvard, where I was Assistant Professor (1996-2002) and then Associate Professor (2002-2004) of Islamic Intellectual History. In 2004 I came to the Institute of Islamic Studies at McGill, where I am currently James McGill Professor of Islamic Philosophy.  I also served two terms as Director of the Institute, 2005-2008 and 2016-2018.

I specialize in the history of Islamic thought, with an emphasis on the origins, development and influence of the philosophy of Avicenna (Ibn Sīnā, d. 1037). Most of my publications fall into the following five areas:

1)  The Aristotelian, Neoplatonic and kalām antecedents to Avicenna’s metaphysics and theory of the soul, and the evolution and interplay of Avicenna’s most important metaphysical distinctions: his distinction between essence and existence, his distinction between mental existence and concrete existence, and his distinction between intrinsically necessary existence and extrinsically necessary existence (2000; 2001a; 2002a; 2003a; 2003b; 2005).

2) The complex processes by which Avicenna’s metaphysical theories were appropriated by post-Avicennian Muslim mutakallimūn in order to solve long-standing theological problems, and then naturalized in the curricula of the institutions where they taught, all the way up to the late-19th century (2004a; 2004b; 2007a; 2009a; 2009b; 2009c; 2010a; 2011d; 2012a; 2013b; 2013d; 2014; 2018; 2022; In Preparation a; In Preparation b; In Preparation c).

3) Transmission, translation and transformation in medieval textual cultures, including the transmission of philosophical texts from Greek into Arabic (2001b; 2004c; 2011a; 2011b; 2011c; 2016c; 2016d).

4) The edition, translation and study of part of a remarkable codex housed in the library of the Madrasah-i Marwī in Tehran: two dozen philosophical treatises, thought to have been lost, by the Arabic Christian philosopher Yaḥyā ibn ʿAdī (d. 974), a student and colleague of the great Muslim philosopher al-Fārābī (d. 950) (2012b; 2012c; 2013a; 2013c; 2014; 2015; 2016b; 2017a; 2017b; 2017c).

5) Collaborating in the development of an Optical Shape Recognition software that will automatically convert digital images of Arabic philosophical manuscripts into living text in Unicode format (2010b; 2011e; 2012d; 2012e).

Six of these publications have been translated into Turkish (2006a; 2006b; 2007b; 2010c; 2010e; 2018b), three into Persian (2010d; 2013e; 2019b), and two into Arabic (2016a; 2021a).

Currently in preparation  

In Preparation a. Post-classical Arabic Philosophy, 1100-1900: Avicennian Metaphysics between Arabic Logic and Islamic Theology , under contract with Oxford University Press (Oxford) [Oxford History of Philosophy, ed. P. Momtchiloff]

In Preparation b. “The commentaries on Avicenna’s Ishārāt: An analytical inventory” (with A. Gacek and R. Pourjavady)

In Preparation c.  Islamic Analytical Theology, Volume II: The Post-classical Period, ca. 1100-1900. A List of Authors and Works

Grants and Fellowships

7) Principal Investigator, “Muḥammad ʿAbduh's Supercommentary on al-Dawānī's Commentary on al-Ījī's Creed : A New Source for the Renewal of Islamic Analytical Theology”, John Templeton Foundation ( CDN$307,510; 2019-22 ).

6) Principal Investigator, “Volume II: Post-classical Islamic Theology”, Kalam Research and Media ( CDN$48,804: 2014-15 )

5) Principal Investigator, “Post-classical Islamic Philosophy Database Initiative”, Canada Foundation for Innovation: Leaders Opportunity Fund--Funding for Research Infrastructure Alone ( CDN$1,526,000; 2008-2013 ).

4) Principal Investigator, “Transmission, traduction et transformation dans les cultures médiévales”: Fonds Québecois de la Recherche sur la Société et Culture (FQRSC): Soutien aux Équipes de Recherche (équipes en fonctionnement) ( CDN$338,725; 2008-13 ).

3) Principal Investigator, “Transmission, traduction et transformation dans les cultures médiévales”: Fonds Québecois de la Recherche sur la Société et Culture (FQRSC): Soutien aux Équipes de Recherche (équipes en émergence) ( CDN$52,800; 2006-08 ).

2) Principal Investigator, “Vehicles of Transmission, Translation and Transformation in Medieval Cultures”, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC): Aid to Workshops/Conferences ( CDN$25,000; 2006-2007 ).

1) ACLS/SSRC/NEH International and Area Studies Fellow, American Council of Learned Societies ( USD$30,000; 2003-04 ).

Publications  

List of publications (by year)

forthcoming “Jalāl al-Dīn al-Dawānī and the Avicennian synthesis”, in U. Rudolph, ed., What is Philosophy in the Islamic World?, Berlin: De Gruyter

2022 “Jamāl al-Dīn ʿAlī ibn Sulaymān’s Miʿrāj al-Salāmah and Miṣbāḥ al-ʿIrfān : Edition (with Introduction) of two early witnesses of the incorporation of Avicennian metaphysics into Imāmī-Shiite kalām ” (with H. Ansari), Shii Studies Review 6/1-2 (2022), 340-380

2021 “جانب من المنعطف السّينويّ في علم الكلام السّني” (“Jānib min al-munʿaṭif al-sīnawī fī ʿilm al-kalām al-sunnī”, Arabic translation of 2004a, by H. Bouhadī), in Philosmus (al-Falsafah wa-al-ʿulūm fī al-siyāqāt al-Islāmiyyah) 4 (2021), 1-38

2020 “Avicenna y la tradicíon aviceniana” (Spanish translation of 2005, by J.R. Abuchedid), Tras la palabra  |   Link to PDF

2019b “متن فلسفی تاز های از یحیی بن عدي : تكمله اى بر ’فهرست توصيفي‘ اندرس” (“Matn-i falsafī-yi tāz-hā-yi az Yaḥyā ibn ʿAdī: Takmila-hā-yi bar ‘Fihrist-i tawṣīfī-yi’ Indriss’”, Persian translation of 2012c, by I.M. Khālkhālī), in Āyinah-i Pizhūhish 174 (1398), 97-111

2019a “One aspect of the Avicennian turn in Sunnī theology” (reprint of 2004a), in M. Shah, ed., Islamic Theological Discourses and the Legacy of Kalam: Gestation, Movements and Controversies [ Critical Surveys in Islamic Studies ], Berlin: Gerlach, Vol. 2, 119-148

2018b. “Onbirinci ve Onikinci Asır Müslüman Doğuda Varlık ve Mâhiyet: Bir Taslak” (Turkish translation, by B. Taşkın, of “Essence and existence in the Islamic East ( Mashriq ) in the 11th and 12th centuries CE: A sketch”), Kader 16/2 (2018), 504-524 | Link to PDF

2018a. “On the emergence of Maragha Avicennism”, Oriens 46/3-4 (2018), 263-331 | Link to PDF

2017c.  A Safavid Anthology of Classical Arabic Philosophy. Facsimile Edition of MS Madrasah-i Marvī 19 (ed.), Markaz-i Dāʾirat al-maʿārif-i buzurg-i islāmī -- Intishārāt-i kitāb-i rayzān (Tehran)/McGill Institute of Islamic Studies (Montreal) [Intellectual Heritage of Islamic Civilization Series/سلسله میراث فکری تمدن اسلامی]

2017b. “Yaḥyā Ibn ʿAdī on a kalām argument for creation” (with P. Adamson), Oxford Studies in Medieval Philosophy 5 (2017), 213-239 | Link to PDF

2017a. “Yaḥyā ibn ʿAdī and Ibrāhīm ibn ʿAdī on whether body is a substance or a quantity: Text, translation and commentary” (with S. Menn), Arabic Sciences and Philosophy 27/1 (2017), 1-74| Link to PDF

2016d.  Medieval Textual Cultures: Agents of Transmission, Translation and Transformation (ed., with F. Wallis), Berlin: De Gruyter [ Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—Tension, Transmission, Transformation Series ]

2016c.  “Introduction: Agents of transmission, translation and transformation” (with F. Wallis), in Medieval Textual Cultures: Agents of Transmission, Translation and Transformation (ed., with F. Wallis), Berlin: De Gruyter [ Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—Tension, Transmission, Transformation Series ], 1-11 | Link to PDF

2016b.  “MS Tehran - Madrasa-yi Marwī 19: An 11th/17th-century codex of classical falsafah, including ‘lost’ works by Yaḥyā ibn ʿAdī (d. 363/974)”, Journal of Islamic Manuscripts 7/1 (2016), 89-122 | Link to PDF

2016a.  “ملاحظات حول مفهوم الشيئية عند ابن سينا” (Arabic translation of 2000, by A. Shihadeh), in R. Rashed, ed., Bayna al-falsafah wa-al-riyāḍiyyāt: min Ibn Sīnā ilā Kamāl al-Dīn al-Fārisī. Silsilat Dirāsāt tārīkhiyyah fī al-falsafah wa-al-ʿulūm fi al-ḥaḍārah al-arabiyyah al-islāmiyyah 3, Beirut: Centre for Arab Unity Studies/al-Tafāhum (2016), 101-150

2015.  “A newly discovered Yaḥyā b. ʿAdī treatise against atomism” (with D. Bennett), in D. Janos, ed., Ideas in Motion: Philosophical and Theological Exchanges between Christians and Muslims in Baghdad and Beyond in the Ninth and Tenth Centuries C.E ., Leiden: Brill (2015), 298-311 | Link to PDF

2014a. "Towards a genealogy of Avicennism", Oriens 42/2-4 (2014), 323-363 | Link to PDF

2013e. “سيمايى از گرايش به ابن سينا در كلام اهل سنّت” (Persian translation, by Ḥ. ʿAṭāʾī Naẓarī, of “One aspect of the Avicennian turn in Sunnī theology”), Kitāb-i māh-i dīn 179 (1391 sh./2013), 84-103 | Link to PDF

2013d.“Avicennism and exegetical practice in the early commentaries on the Ishārāt ”, Oriens 41/2-4 (2013), 349-378 | Link to PDF

2013c. “Yaḥyā ibn ʿAdī on the location of God” (with P. Adamson), Oxford Studies in Medieval Philosophy 1 (2013), 205-228 | Link to PDF

2013b. “Avicenna’s Islamic reception”, in P. Adamson, ed., Interpreting Avicenna: Critical Essays , Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (2013), 190-213 | Link to PDF

2013a. “Yaḥyā ibn ʿAdī’s discussion of the prolegomena to the study of a philosophical text”, in M. Cook et al., eds, Law and Tradition in Classical Islamic Thought , Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan (2013), 187-202 | Link to PDF

2012e. “Sparse descriptor for lexicon reduction in handwritten Arabic documents” (with Y. Chherawala* and M. Cheriet), Proceedings of the 21 st International Conference on Pattern Recognition (ICPR 2012) , 3729-3732

2012d. “A prototype system for handwritten sub-word recognition: Toward Arabic-manuscript transliteration” (with R. Farrahi Moghaddam*, M. Cheriet and T. Milo), Proceedings of the 11 th International Conference on Information Sciences, Signal Processing and their Applications (2012), 1198-1204 | Link to PDF

2012c. “Yaḥyā ibn ʿAdī’s Essay on the Four Scientific Questions regarding the Three Categories of Existence: Divine, Natural and Logical . Editio princeps and translation” (with S. Menn), Mélanges de l’Institut dominicain d’études orientales du Caire (MIDEO) 29 (2012), 73-96 | Link to PDF

2012b. “New texts of Yaḥyā Ibn ʿAdī: A supplement to Endress’ ‘Analytical Inventory’”, in D. Reisman and F. Opwis, eds, Islamic Philosophy, Science, Culture, and Religion: Studies in Honor of Dimitri Gutas , Leiden: Brill (2012), 307-326 | Link to PDF

2012a. “Indirect evidence for establishing the text of the Shifāʾ ”, Oriens 40/2-3 (2012), 257-273 | Link to PDF

2011e. “TSV-LR: Topological signature vector-based lexicon reduction for fast recognition of pre-modern Arabic sub-words”  (with Y. Chherawala* and M. Cheriet), Proceedings of the 2011 Workshop on Historical Document Imaging and Processing , New York: Association for Computing Machinery (2011), 6-13 | Link to PDF

2011d. “Essence and existence in the Islamic East ( Mashriq ) in the 11th and 12th centuries CE: A sketch”, in A. Bertolacci and D. Hasse, eds, The Arabic, Hebrew and Latin Reception of Avicenna’s Metaphysics , Berlin: De Gruyter (2011), 27-50 | Link to PDF

2011c. “Towards a natural-history model of philosophical change: Greek into Arabic, Arabic into Latin, and Arabic into Arabic”, in R. Wisnovsky, F. Wallis, J. Fumo and C. Fraenkel, eds, Vehicles of Transmission. Translation and Transformation in Medieval Textual Culture , Turnhout: Brepols ( Cursor Mundi: Viator Studies of the Medieval and Early Modern World , Vol. IV) (2012), 143-157 | Link to PDF

2011b. “Introduction: Vehicles of transmission, translation and transformation in medieval textual culture” (with F. Wallis, J. Fumo and C. Fraenkel), in R. Wisnovsky, F. Wallis, J. Fumo and C. Fraenkel, eds, Vehicles of Transmission, Translation and Transformation in Medieval Textual Culture , Turnhout: Brepols ( Cursor Mundi: Viator Studies of the Medieval and Early Modern World , Vol. IV) (2012), 1-22 | Link to PDF

2011a. Vehicles of Transmission, Translation and Transformation in Medieval Textual Culture (ed., with F. Wallis, J. Fumo and C. Fraenkel), Turnhout: Brepols  (2012) [= Cursor Mundi: Viator Studies of the Medieval and Early Modern World , Vol. IV] [x + 433 pp.]

8) Mediaevistik 26/1 (2015) 7) Tijdschrift voor Filosofie 76/3 (2014) 6) Al-Masāq (2014) 5) The Medieval Review 2014-10 (2014) 4) Medieval Encounters 19/5 (2013) 3) Francia-Recensio (2013) 2) Comitatus: A Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies 44/1 (2013) 1) Bulletin critique des Annales islamologiques 28 (2012)  

2010e. “Şiī Kelāmda Ekberī Dönüşümün Bir Yönü” (Turkish translation, by E. Alkan, of “One aspect of the Akbarian turn in Shīʿī theology”), Tasavvuf 26 (2010), 237-252 | Link to PDF

2010d. متافيزيك ابن سينا (Persian Translation, by M. Najafi Afra, of Avicenna’s Metaphysics in Context ), Tehran: ‘Ilm (2010)

2010c. İbn Sīnā Metafisiǧi (Turkish translation, by I.H. Ucer, of Avicenna’s Metaphysics in Context ), Istanbul: Kure Yayinlari (2010)

2010b. “IBN SINA: A database for research on processing and understanding of Arabic manuscripts images” (with R. Farrahi Moghaddam*, M. Cheriet, M. Adankon, and K. Filonenko), Proceedings of the 9 th IAPR International Workshop on Document Analysis Systems , New York: Association for Computing Machinery (2010), 11-17 | Link to PDF

2010a.  “Arabic logicians on perfect and imperfect syllogisms: A supplement to Patzig’s ‘Historical Excursus’”, in T. Langermann, ed., Avicenna and his Legacy: A Golden Age of Science and Philosophy , Turnhout: Brepols (2010), 257-273 | Link to PDF

2009c. “Jowzjāni, Abu ʿObayd”, in E. Yar-Shater, ed., Encyclopedia Iranica , Vol. 15, New York: Encyclopedia Iranica Foundation (2009), 82-84 | Link to PDF

2009b. “Fakhr al-dīn al-Rāzī’s Commentary on the Metaphysics of Avicenna’s Kitāb al-ishārāt wa al-tanbīhāt ” (trans.), in S.H. Nasr and M. Amin Razavi, eds, An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia , Vol. 3: Philosophical Theology in the Middle Ages , London: I.B. Tauris (2009), 189-202

2009a. “Philosophy and Theology (Islam)”, in R. Pasnau, ed., The Cambridge History of Medieval Philosophy , Vol. 2, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (2009), 698-706 | Link to PDF

2007b. “İbn Sīnā ve İbn Sīnācı Gelenek” (Turkish translation, by M. Cüneyt Kaya, of “Avicenna and the Avicennian tradition”) in İslam Felsefesine Giriş , Istanbul: Küre Yayinlari (2007), 103-149 | Link to PDF

2007a. “One aspect of the Akbarian turn in Shīʿī theology”, in A. Shehadeh, ed., Sufism and Theology , Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press (2007), 49-62 | Link to PDF

2006b. “İbn Sina’nın Şey’iyye Kavramı Üzerine Notlar” (Turkish translation, by A. Meral, of “Notes on Avicenna’s concept of thingness ( shay’iyya )”),  Marmara Üniversitesi İlâhiyat Fakültesi Dergisi 26/1 (2004), Istanbul: Marmara Universitesi Ilahiyat Fakültesi (2006), 85-118 | Link to PDF

2006a. “Sünnī Kelāmda İbn Sīnācı Dönüşümün Bir Yönü” (Turkish translation, by A. Meral, of “One aspect of the Avicennian turn in Sunnī theology”), Marmara Üniversitesi İlāhiyat Fakültesi Dergisi 26/2, Istanbul: Marmara Universitesi Ilahiyat Fakültesi (2006), 149-177

2005. “Avicenna and the Avicennian tradition”, in P. Adamson and R. Taylor, eds, The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy , Cambridge: Cambridge U.P. (2005), 92-136 | Link to PDF

2004d. Review of A. Alami, L’ontologie modale: Étude de la théorie des modes d’Abū Hāshim al-Jubbāʾī , in Archives de Philosophie 67 (2004), 513-514

2004c. “Alexander of Aphrodisias: Excerpts from the Arabic versions of On the Principles of the Universe and Essay on the Differentia ” (trans.), in R. Sorabji, ed., The Ancient Commentators on Aristotle: A Source Book , London: Duckworth (2004)

2004b. “One aspect of the Avicennian turn in Sunnī theology”, Arabic Sciences and Philosophy 14/1 (2004), 65-100 | Link to PDF

2004a. “The nature and scope of Arabic philosophical commentary in post-classical (ca. 1100-1900 AD) Islamic intellectual history: Some preliminary observations”, Bulletin of the Institute Of Classical Studies (University of London) 47 (2004), 149-191 ( Special Issue 83/2: Philosophy, Science and Exegesis in Greek, Arabic and Latin Commentaries , edd. P. Adamson, H. Baltussen and M.W.F. Stone) | Link to PDF

2003b. “Towards a history of Avicenna’s distinction between immanent and transcendent causes”, in D. Reisman, ed., Before and After Avicenna , Leiden: E.J. Brill (2003), 49-68 | Link to PDF

2003a.  Avicenna’s Metaphysics in Context , London: Duckworth / Ithaca, NY: Cornell U.P. (2003) [xii + 305 pp.] | Link to PDF

17) Journal of [the Japanese Society of] Medieval Philosophy (『中世思想研究』) 55 (2013) 16) Sakarya Üniversitesi İlāhiyat Fakültesi Dergisi 14/25 (2012) [Turkish translation] 15) İslām Araştırmaları Dergisi 19 (2009) 14) Recherches de théologie et philosophie médiévales 75/1 (2008) 13) Journal of Near Eastern Studies 67/2 (2008) 12) Archives de philosophie 70/3 (2007) 11) International Journal of the Classical Tradition 13/1 (2006) 10) Archiv für Geschichte der Philosophie 88/1 (2006) 9) Journal of Islamic Philosophy 2/1 (2006) 8) Speculum 81/2 (2006) 7) Journal of the History of Philosophy 43/1 (2005) 6) The Thomist 69/2 (2005) 5) Journal of Islamic Studies 16/1 (2005) 4) Ars Disputandi 5 (2005) 3) Historia Philosophica: International Journal 3 (2005) 2) Journal of the American Oriental Society 124/2 (2004) 1) The Classical Review 54/2 (2004)

2002c. Review of Y. Michot, ed. and trans., Ibn Sīnā: Lettre au vizir Abū Saʿd , in Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society 12/3 (2002), 363-366

2002b. “Heavenly Book”, Encyclopaedia of the Qur’ân , Vol. 2, Leiden: E.J. Brill (2002), 412-414 | Link to PDF

2002a. “Final and efficient causality in Avicenna’s cosmology and theology”, Quaestio: The Yearbook of the History of Metaphysics 2 (2002), 97-123 | Link to PDF

2001b. “Yaḥyā al-Naḥwī (John Philoponus)”, Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition , Vol. 11, Leiden: E.J. Brill (2001), 251-253 | Link to PDF

2001a. Aspects of Avicenna (ed.), Princeton: Markus Wiener (2001) [= Princeton Papers, Vol. 9] [xiv + 182 pp.] | Link to PDF

2) The Middle East Journal 56/4 (2002) 1) Middle East Studies Association Bulletin 39 (2005)

2000. “Notes on Avicenna’s concept of thingness ( shayʾiyya )”, Arabic Sciences and Philosophy 10/2 (Sept. 2000), 181-221 | Link to PDF

1998. Review of S. Inati, Ibn Sina and Mysticism , in Harvard Middle Eastern and Islamic Review (1998)

1996. Review of P. Lettinck, Aristotle’s Physics & Its Reception in the Arabic World , in Classical Review 45/2 (1996), 288-289

Undergraduate Teaching  

McGill (2004-present):

6) ARLE 102 ( Arts Legacy: The Medieval Islamic and Christian Worlds – with Prof. F. Wallis, Dept. of History, McGill) 5) ISLA 200 ( Islamic Civilization ) 4) ISLA 380 ( Islamic Philosophy and Theology ) 3) ISLA 523 ( Higher Intermediate Arabic: Classical Arabic )

2) ISLAMIC CIVILIZATIONS 145 ( Islamic Philosophy and Theology ) 1) ARABIC 130a and 130b ( Advanced Classical Arabic )  

Graduate Teaching  

McGill (2004-present): ISLA 602 ( Islamic Philosophy and Theology ); ISLA 769 ( Special Seminar ); ISLA 770 ( Islamic Logic ); ISLA 777 ( Islamic Philosophy ); ISLA 788 ( Special Topics in Islamic Thought ); ISLA 789 ( Special Seminar ). Topics include:

32) “Rhetoric: From Aristotelian khaṭābah to Arabic-Islamic balāghah ” (2023 Winter) 31) “Philosophy, theology and logic in Egypt during the long 19th century” (2022 Fall) 30) “The life and thought of al-Ghazālī” (2021 Fall) 29) “The School of Bahrain: Imāmī-Shīʿī Thought in the 7th/13th Century” (2021 Winter) 28) “Dawānī’s philosophy and theology” (2020 Fall) 27) “The reception of Avicenna’s metaphysics in post-classical Islamic intellectual history” (2019 Fall) – with Prof. S. Menn 26) “Philosophical thought, jurisprudence and Sufism during the Safavid period” (Fall 2018) – with Prof. R. Abisaab 25) “Avicenna’s modal syllogistic and its reception” (Winter 2017) – with Prof. S. Menn 24) “Muḥammad ʿAbduh’s philosophy and theology” (Winter 2016) 23) “Ṭūsī’s Tajrīd al-ʿaqāʾid and Qūshjī’s commentary” (Winter 2015) – with Prof. J. Ragep 22) “The philosophy of Abū l-Barakāt al-Baghdādī” (Winter 2014) – with Prof. S. Menn 21) “Al-Fārābī’s philosophy of music” (Fall 2013) – with Prof. A. Laywine 20) “Avicenna’s Ishārāt and its commentary tradition” (Winter 2013) 19) “Basran and Baghdadi Mu‘tazilism” – with Prof. S. Menn (Winter 2012) 18) “Suhrawardī and Ishrāqī philosophy” – with Dr R. Pourjavady (Fall 2009) 17) “Modal syllogistic” (Winter 2009) 16) “Ibn ‘Arabī and Akbarian metaphysics” (Fall 2008) 15) “Philosophy of language and ʿilm al-waḍʿ ” (Winter 2008) 14) “Dialectic and ādāb al-baḥth ” (Winter 2007) 13) “Creeds ( ʿaqāʾid ) and credal commentaries” (Winter 2005) 12) “Philosophy of Ibn Sīnā” (Winter 2005)

11) “Twelver Shīʿism” (Spring 2003) 10) “Assertoric syllogistic” (Fall 2002) 9) “Ethics” (Winter 2002) 8) “Ḥanbalism and Wahhābism” (Fall 2001) 7) “Māturīdism” (Fall 2000) 6) “Special metaphysics and theology” (Winter 2000) 5) “General metaphysics and ontology” (Winter 1999) 4) “Psychology and epistemology” (Winter 1998) 3) “Ashʿarism” (Fall 1997) 2) “Natural philosophy” (Winter 1997) 1) “Muʿtazilism and Neo-Muʿtazilism” (Fall 1996)  

Graduate Supervision

Doctoral level :

I am the supervisor or co-supervisor of nine current Ph.D. students, who are working on different aspects of the history of Islamic thought. I have also supervised or co-supervised 21 Ph.D. dissertations to completion, on the following topics:

2022b    The Reception of Ptolemy’s Latitude Theory in Islamic Astronomy (McGill: IIS) (co-supervisor: R. Morrison) 2022a    The Composition and Transmission of Avicenna’s al-Najāt, Ilāhiyyāt and al-Mabdaʾ wa-al-Maʿād : Critical Edition (McGill: IIS) 2018b    Intellectual Life in the Ḥijāz in the 17th Century: The Works and Thought of Ibrāhīm al-Kūrānī (1025-1101/1616-1690) 2018a   The Metaphysics of Conserving Causation in Avicenna (supervisor: S. Menn) 2015     Maḥmūd ibn Muḥammad ibn ʿUmar al-Jaghmīnī’s al-Mulakhkhaṣ fī al-hayʾa al-basīṭa: An Edition, Translation, and Study (co-supervisor: F. Wallis) 2014b   Avicenna (d. 1037), Logical Theory, and the Aristotelian Tradition 2014a   Reason, Revelation and the Reconstruction of Rationality: Taqī al-Dīn Ibn Taymiyya’s Darʾ Taʿāruḍ al-ʿAql wa-l-Naql (supervisor: W. Hallaq) 2013     Freeing Philosophy from Metaphysics: Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī’s Philosophical Approach to the Study of Natural Phenomena 2012c   Islamic Thought and Revivalism in the Russian Empire: An Intellectual Biography of Abū Naṣr Qūrsāwī (1776-1812) 2012b   Intellect, Substance and Motion in al-Fārābī’s Cosmology (co-supervisor: J. Ragep) 2012a   The Dialectical Forge: Proto-system Juridical Disputation in the Kitāb ikhtilāf al-ʿIrāqiyyīn (supervisor: W. Hallaq) 2010b   The Authority of Poetry: Meaning, Philosophy and the Islamic Textual Tradition (supervisor: P. Buckley) 2010a   Politics and Cosmology in al-Fārābī and St Augustine (supervisor: E. Ormsby) 2009b   Ismaʿil al-Faruqi (1921-1986) and Interfaith Dialogue 2009a   The Ethical Evaluation of Brain-dead Persons and Organ Transplantation in Contemporary Muslim Ethics (co-supervisor: A. Snedden) 2008     The Mystical Teachings of Muḥammad ʿAbd al-Karīm al-Sammān, an 18th-century Sufi 2006     Ethics of War in Islamic Thought 2005     The Doctrine of Imamate in Twelver Shiʿism: Traditional, Theological, Philosophical and Mystical Perspectives 2002b   Al-Fārābī and the Starting-point of Philosophy: A Study of the Kitāb al-jadal (Book of Dialectic) 2002a   Creation: A Comparative Study between Avicenna’s and Aquinas’ Positions 2000     At the Threshold of Philosophy: A Study of al-Fārābī’s Introductory Works on Logic  

Masters level :  

I am the supervisor of one current MA student, who is working on the history of Islamic thought. I have also supervised nine MA theses to completion, on the following topics:

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100+ Philosophy Research Paper Topics

One of the most difficult tasks philosophy students faces each year is in having to come up with a philosophy topic to write a paper on. Students can get notifications of big projects months ahead of time and then spend weeks trying to figure out whether their philosophy essay topics are good enough to earn a good grade.

We get it. It’s hard to pull this task together with schedules and responsibilities. This is why we work to find philosophical topics that are current and relatable. We stick to important issues that are at the forefront of the discipline and bring them to you in one convenient philosophical topic for the essay list.

Finding the right philosophy topics can turn regular assignments into A+-winning assignments and we’ve done the work to help you and hundreds of other students get started with these philosophy paper topics. Here are our top 100 philosophy topics for the current school year:

Argumentative Philosophy Research Paper Topics

• Do people naturally have good and bad qualities?
• Do we need family support to find happiness?
• How humans can be happy without reproduction?
• What is the definitive explanation of happiness?
• Do most people feel they aren’t living their full lives?
• Would you marry for money if it meant you could never be happy?
• Would you like to live your life more than once?
• Would you rather work vocationalation job or a high-paying job?
• Are personalities unique or are they just template?
• Do you think that it is moral to follow all the rules?

Good Philosophy Paper Topics for All Levels

• Does one need to lead a moral life to achieve happiness?
• Why do people find life harder than expected?
• Which is the better teacher? Experience or learning?
• Do people always do what they want at that moment?
• Is truth universal or does it change because of perspective?
• Do animals have a better sense of morals than humans?
• Can people gain an education without proper schooling?
• Does one need to be literate to understand philosophy?
• Which ie preferable? Determinism or Free Will?
• Is capital punishment ethical in today’s world?

Controversial Topics in Philosophy

• How does society shape a person’s life and beliefs?
• Do you need a lot of money to live a rich life?
• Why are some people living without actually experiencing things?
• Is spiritual power more important than free will?
• Do genetics play a bigger role in the way people behave?
• What impact does the word “love” have on positivity?
• What is the real reason we live our lives?
• Is it possible to form a perfect world?
• Do religion and philosophy contradict one another?
• Can a world exist without laws or regulations?

Fun Philosophy Paper Topics for High School

• What would be your form ideal government?
• What are the different ways in which humans understand each other?
• How is the concept of happiness defined by different philosophers?
• Is existence simply a dream experienced by a larger being?
• If you can spend a week in any period, which would it be?
• Are we alone in our galaxy or are there other intelligent life forms?
• What does it mean to have free will versus determinism?
• If you can change one thing from your past, what would it be?
• Does religion limit our abilities to explore the meaning of life?
• What does it mean to be loved or to love others?

Topics for Philosophy Paper on the Classics

• What does it mean to understand our universe?
• Does happiness come from our actions toward others?
• Are our thoughts evidence that we exist?
• What is the definition of evil as it relates to the modern world?
• Could societies exist without laws and regulations?
• Are people born good or evil or are they raised to be one or the other?
• Is torture a justifiable form of punishment?
• How can past leaders influence today’s youth positively?
• Is beauty truly in the eye of the beholder?
• Can we refocus our minds to think more positively?

Easy Philosophy Paper Topics for High School

• What does it mean to be moral in today’s world?
• Can wars be justified if it supports the greater population?
• What does it mean to be a postmodern philosopher?
• What are today’s most important life values?
• What is the current perspective on the definition of loneliness?
• How does one prepare for life after death?
• Would you like to repeat your life with full knowledge of the prior?
• Does something better than nothing always lead to benefits?
• Do people choose to suffer or is it a feeling beyond our control?
• Should people have to right to die by suicide?

Philosophy Topics to Write About Quickly

• Do we exist in some form after death?
• Do supernatural entities exist in the world?
• Are video games negatively impacting people’s moral values?
• How does one boost his or her ability to be creative?
• Is it important to spend your entire life learning?
• What does it mean to be mentally conscious?
• What is the definition of loneliness and have you experienced it?
• What are the most important character traits for leaders to have?
• Does one need a lot of money to be considered rich?
• Are we alone in the universe or is there another life?

Philosophical Topics for Essays on Current Issues

• Are parents responsible for how their children behave?
• Are the U.S. and U.K. meritocratic societies?
• Has social media had an impact on people’s morals?
• Do you agree with the notion that love only exists for 3 years?
• Are humans more likely to cause trouble because of boredom?
• Is capital punishment morally justified in modern society?
• Do humans have the same ideas about what is right and what is wrong?
• How does death affect how humans view life?
• Is it complicated to live a life of happiness?
• Should teenagers be given the responsibility to make their own choices?

Philosophy Thesis Topics for a Big Project

• Do religion and the belief in God change a person’s behavior?
• Are Machiavellian ideals still relevant in today’s government?
• Is animal experimentation ever justified to protect humans?
• What are the pros and cons of a utilitarian society?
• What are the pros and cons of a communist government?
• Why are humans the only species to be violent?
• Is economic justice more important than legal justice?
• Should women have univerabortion rightstion?
• What impact did the 20th-century wave of philosophy have on the U.S.?
• How do you know that you are different from other people?

Philosophy Research Paper Topics

• What are the tendencies we see most in humans?
• Are our morals connected to or influenced by culture?
• Would you live your life a second time?
• Should religion have a voice in a nation’s government?
• What do you think makes for an ideal society?
• Are truths relative to specific situations or circumstances?
• What is the most important aspect to gain human knowledge?
• What is something that veritably upsets you?
• What is something in your life that you would like to change?
• What is the most effective way to increase one’s IQ?

Getting a good grade on a philosophy research paper requires you to consider several different options and narrow down those options to a topic you feel you can conduct complete philosophy research on. The topic should also be something that interests you and verges into new areas in the discipline and area of study. This can be a difficult task for many students, so we create custom philosophy research topics to suit every situation. If you can’t find a topic you like from this list, just give us a call, email us, or send us a message via chat. We can direct you to a qualified philosophy expert writer to create a custom list of philosophical ideas to fit your assignment needs.

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Philosophy Dissertation Topics

Published by Grace Graffin at January 9th, 2023 , Revised On January 9, 2023

Introduction

The choice of dissertation topic is crucial for research as it will facilitate the process and makes it an exciting and manageable process. Several dissertation ideas exist in philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, aesthetics, deontology, absurdum, and existentialism. Philosophy dissertations can be based on either primary research or secondary research.

Primary data dissertations incorporate the collection and analysis of data obtained through questionnaires and surveys. On the other hand, secondary data dissertations make use of existing literature to test the research hypothesis . To help you get started with philosophy topic selection for your dissertation, a list is developed by our experts.

These philosophy dissertation topics have been developed by PhD qualified writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question ,  aim and objectives ,  literature review  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics for 2022 here.

Philosophy Dissertation Topics of Research

Topic 1: an examination of women's perspective on feminist philosophy..

Research Aim: This study aims to look into the importance of feminism in a philosophical context. It will also identify the factors that lead to postmodernism and liberal feminism from women’s perspectives and will also focus on the impact of feminist philosophy on the development of modern society.

Topic 2: Sociological Functionalism- Investigating the Development and Beliefs

Research Aim: This research study will focus on new types of functionalism and get a deeper understanding of inner and outer circumstances in which different approaches take place. This study will also investigate how the researchers use social theory to acquire a better understanding of the environment in which these concepts are used. It will also promote sociology through informing and inspiring practices and research.

Topic 3: Assessing the History and Development of Philosophical Work from the 15th to 21st Century.

Research Aim: This study aims to find the history and development of philosophical work from the 15th and 21st Centuries. It will examine the theoretical foundations of the practice, applications, and social consequences. This study will also focus on different factors of how philosophy has evolved in these centuries and what changes have occurred.

Topic 4: A Comprehensive View of Social Development of Loneliness.

Research Aim: This study will comprehend how various theoretical points of view are connected or linked r to loneliness. This study will also present an argument for an interpretative social point of view by dissembling the sense of loneliness into key components. It will also focus on the problems and different behaviours of people.

Topic 5: What does it mean to live in an Ideal Society- Discuss using Plato's Philosophies.

Research Aim: Plato is well known for his monologue known as the Republic; he was also the classical political philosopher whose views influenced future political thoughts. Plato’s ideal society was created during a time when Plato was exceedingly optimistic about human nature and its ability to absorb knowledge. This study will conduct a deep analysis of Plato’s ideologies and his views and their impact on the western political world.

More Philosophy Dissertation Research Topics

Topic 1: why we should stop capital punishment and adopt permanent solutions to help solve crimes..

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse the importance of rehabilitation and counseling of criminals to bring them back to their usual walks of life. The whole idea is to eliminate crime, and capital punishment does not provide solutions where a clean society can be developed.

Topic 2: Should people always obey the rules? A closer look at the line between breaking rules and rebellion.

Research Aim: Rules are developed to maintain a balance in society and ensure discipline, which helps an individual in every sphere of their lives. But specific rules are created only for serving a group and not for the whole society’s best interest. This research aims at finding pieces of evidence where rule-breaking is a rebellion and for the upliftment of humanity and not in personal interest.

Topic 3: Loneliness: Reconstructing its meaning

Research Aim: This research aims at finding the meaning of loneliness, what it is to feel lonely, why some people are reclusive, isolate themselves. Loneliness is not always related to sadness, and some people feel better in isolation due to their bitter experiences of life.

Topic 4: Understanding why religion is paramount above anything else for many people around the globe.

Research Aim: Religion forms the basis of life and way of living for many people around the globe. People often get confused with religion and spiritualism, and the grandeur associated with religion becomes more important. The lack of knowledge and education forces blind faith. This research aims to find the reason for dependency on religion and how it negatively affects human lives.

Topic 5: What is the best way to boost a person’s creativity?

Research Aim: This research aims at finding the best possible way to boost a person’s creativity. The most important way is to motivate, inspire, and support them in their process of exploring innovative ideas. Recognition of talent can be the most effective method, which the research will investigate.

Topic 6: Morality and religion: Why are they different, yet they talk about the same thing?

Research Aim: The fundamental essence of religion is compassion and empathy for humans and ensures morality and ethics as a way of life. This research emphasises the primary aim of a religion and how people are getting disoriented and making rituals of religion the prime concern.

Topic 7: Wealth: Is it possible to be rich without having a lot of money?

Research Aim: Wealth and money are co-related as lots of money gives the power to buy anything. But a wealth of human life lies in their moral values, love, affection, proper health and wellbeing, and money cannot accept them. This research topic will speak about becoming wealthy, even with limited monetary wealth.

Topic 8: How can the custom of dowry be eliminated from people’s minds?

Research Aim: Dowry is a social parasite, and it is now a punishable offence by the law. But rules alone cannot change society. The research aims at eradicating the practice of dowry from people’s minds in the light of education.

Topic 9: To love or to be loved: Which is more important?

Research Aim: Love is the feeling of intense desire or deep affection. The most beautiful feeling gives a sense of satisfaction and grows through exchange between two individuals. To love and be loved are two co-related aspects as human expects love in return. The research focuses on the more critical dilemma, being on the giving or receiving side of love.

Topic 10: Why social behaviour and ethics cannot be separated?

Research Aim: The research aims to evaluate the importance of ethics in social behaviour and why they cannot be separated. An ethical society is a proper place to thrive for every individual.

Topic 11: A more in-depth look at things that make human life meaningful.

Research Aim: Money, power does not always buy happiness. The research lays the foundation for the importance of care, compassion, empathy. Love and affection as the more essential aspects that make human life meaningful.

Topic 12: Is it possible to create an ideal society?

Research Aim: An ideal society is free from any crime and economic disparities where everyone is treated equally. This research will discuss whether a perfect community is attainable; it is practically possible or not.

Topic 13: A closer look at modern life values.

Research Aim: The research aims to focus on the change in values in modern times. The research’s primary purpose is to provide a comparative study of how modern people’s mindset has changed over time.

Topic 14: Euthanasia: Is it ethical?

Research Aim: A long time debate exists regarding the ethical side of euthanasia. Ending someone’s life can be considered unlawful as we do not have the right to end something we did not create. This research aims at providing evidence in favour of euthanasia and also the negative aspects.

Topic 15: What is the value of truth? Are there instances when lying is good?

Research Aim: The research aims to provide evidence where lying is not unethical. The study will give an example from Bhagwat Gita, where Lord Krishna lied to safeguard humanity.

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Philosophy Research Topics: 200+ Best Ideas To Explore

Philosophy is all about asking big questions and trying to understand things better. It helps us think about important stuff like what exists, what we should do, and what makes something beautiful. This blog will talk about excellent philosophy research topics that get you thinking.

There are so many cool things to explore – from questions about the mind and reality to how society should work. By learning about these ideas, you can get more intelligent and add to what humans know. Explore fascinating philosophical questions with us! 

We’ll examine exciting research that makes you go “hmmm” and “whoa.” It’s an adventure to figure out life’s big mysteries. There is no need for fancy words – just curiosity and an open mind. Philosophy is for everyone who wants to learn. Let’s think deeply together and discuss philosophy research topics. 

Why Philosophy Research Matters?

Table of Contents

Here are a few reasons why philosophy research matters

• It helps us understand people and big life questions better – Philosophy thinks about essential things like what is real, right and wrong, beauty, and what life means. Philosophical research gives new views on these big topics.
• It builds critical thinking skills – Studying philosophy improves skills like logical thinking, analyzing ideas, and making good arguments. These skills help us break down complex problems, evaluate ideas, and make sensible arguments. Philosophy trains the mind to think clearly.
• It provides foundations for other subjects – Many school subjects like physics, psychology, and linguistics build on philosophical foundations. Analytic philosophy has mainly influenced subjects like logic, the philosophy of language, and the philosophy of science.
• It can impact society – Philosophical ideas have shaped laws, policies, social norms, and attitudes over history. Applied ethics examines how philosophical frameworks should guide moral issues like social justice. Philosophy can provide ethical analysis of new technologies like AI and bioengineering.
• It has value in itself – Some argue philosophy is worthwhile for its own sake, separate from any practical impact. Philosophical inquiry allows us to contemplate life’s biggest questions deeply. Many find this search for wisdom inherently meaningful.

In short, philosophy builds transferable skills, provides foundations for other subjects, tackles big questions, and has value in thinking deeply about life. At the same time, not always concrete, philosophical research enables reflection on what it means to be human and our place in the world.

How to Choose Philosophy Research Topics

Here are some tips on how to choose good philosophy research topics:

• Start with your interests – Consider philosophical, meaningful, or intriguing philosophical issues. Research flows more smoothly when you have a natural curiosity about the topic.
• Look for under-explored areas – Scan philosophy journals and databases to find gaps where a new perspective could contribute. New angles on existing debates are often good topics.
• Consider professors’ specialties – Many professors actively publish and have specific areas of expertise. A topic that aligns with their research can allow closer guidance.
• Select manageable focus areas – Don’t pick topics that are too broad or already thoroughly debated. Focus on a specific part that can be covered deeply, given time/resource constraints.
• Check if original research is feasible – For undergraduate papers, topics requiring original data may be unrealistic. Survey recent literature to ensure primary research is viable at your level.
• Run topics by your advisor – They can evaluate if the topic is reasonable in scope, offers enough academic sources, and aligns with program expectations. Their input is invaluable.
• Craft a robust research question – The research question drives the paper. Ensure it is arguable, not just factual, and identifies a tension/problem to resolve.
• Evaluate practical significance – What real-world implications might this topic have? How could the research be meaningful beyond academia? Consider the potential impact.
• Ensure philosophical depth – Topics should connect to fundamental philosophical debates and allow room for conceptual analysis. Seek substance over just novel observations.

The ideal topic has a compelling question grounded in philosophy, doable scope, available sources, significance beyond the paper, and alignment with your skills/interests. With focus and planning, you can develop these rewarding research experiences.

Philosophy Research Topics

Here’s a list of 200+ philosophy research topics categorized into different areas of philosophy:

Metaphysics

• The nature of existence: substance or process?
• Time: A metaphysical investigation.
• The mind-body problem: dualism vs. materialism.
• Free will and determinism: reconciling opposing views.
• Identity and individuation: What makes an object distinct?
• Causation: Understanding causal relationships.
• Realism vs. anti-realism in metaphysics.
• Essence and existence: Exploring essentialism.
• Universals vs. particulars: Are there abstract entities?
• Space: Investigating its ontological status.

Epistemology

• The nature of knowledge: Defining epistemic justification.
• Empiricism vs. rationalism: Sources of knowledge.
• Skepticism: Challenges to knowledge claims.
• Theories of truth: Correspondence, coherence, pragmatism.
• Reliabilism vs. coherentism in epistemology.
• Epistemic virtues: What makes a belief justified?
• Foundationalism: Justification through fundamental beliefs.
• Testimony and trust: The role of social epistemology.
• Epistemic norms: Standards for rational belief.
• Epistemic closure: Limits of justified belief.
• Moral realism vs. moral anti-realism.
• Ethical relativism: Is morality culturally determined?
• Virtue ethics: The role of character in morality.
• Deontological vs. consequentialist ethics.
• Utilitarianism: Maximizing utility as the basis of morality.
• Moral responsibility: Free will and accountability.
• Meta-ethics: Investigating moral language and concepts.
• Ethical egoism vs. altruism: The nature of self-interest.
• Feminist ethics: Gender, power, and moral theory.
• Animal ethics: Moral consideration for non-human beings.

Political Philosophy

• Social contract theory: Justifying political authority.
• Libertarianism vs. communitarianism in political philosophy.
• Democracy: Theory, practice, and critiques.
• Distributive justice: Fair allocation of resources.
• Global justice: Moral obligations beyond borders.
• Rights theory: The nature and scope of human rights.
• Political obligation: Duty to obey the law.
• Anarchism: Challenges to the legitimacy of the state.
• Environmental political philosophy: Ethics of sustainability.
• Multiculturalism: Balancing diversity and social cohesion.

Philosophy of Mind

• Consciousness: Exploring its nature and origins.
• Mental representation: How do minds represent the world?
• Intentionality: The aboutness of mental states.
• Personal identity: What makes a person the same over time?
• Mental causation: Mind-body interaction.
• Artificial intelligence: Philosophy of AI and machine minds.
• Embodied cognition: The role of the body in cognition.
• Phenomenal consciousness: The “hard problem” of consciousness.
• Dual-process theory: Analyzing intuitive vs. deliberative thinking.
• Explanatory gap: Bridging the gap between mind and body.

Philosophy of Language

• Meaning and reference: How words acquire meaning.
• Semantics vs. pragmatics in language understanding.
• Understanding how words acquire meaning in communication.
• Truth-conditional vs. non-truth-conditional semantics.
• Speech acts The performative nature of language.
• Language and thought: Do language structures shape thought?
• Interpretation and understanding: The hermeneutic circle.
• Contextualism vs. semantic minimalism in semantics.
• Indeterminacy of translation: Quine’s challenge to translation.
• Language acquisition: How do humans learn language?
• Private language argument: Wittgenstein’s critique of private meanings.
• The nature of beauty: Subjective vs. objective aesthetics.
• Art and Interpretation: Understanding artistic meaning.
• Aesthetic experience: The role of emotions in art appreciation.
• Artistic creativity: Exploring the creative process.
• Aesthetic judgment: Criteria for evaluating art.
• Artistic expression: The relationship between art and the artist.
• Art and morality: Can art be morally evaluated?
• Aesthetic realism vs. anti-realism.
• Philosophy of film: Analyzing the nature of cinema.
• Environmental aesthetics: The aesthetics of nature and the environment.

Philosophy of Religion

• The existence of God: Arguments for and against.
• Problem of evil: Theological responses to suffering.
• Religious pluralism: Coexistence of conflicting religious beliefs.
• Faith and reason: Compatibility or conflict?
• Religious experience: Nature and interpretation.
• The afterlife: Conceptualizing life beyond death.
• Divine attributes: Omnipotence, omniscience, omnibenevolence.
• Religious language: Can religious claims be meaningful?
• Theodicy: Justifying the ways of God to humanity.
• Mysticism: Direct experience of the divine.

Philosophy of Science

• Scientific realism vs. anti-realism.
• The demarcation problem: Distinguishing science from pseudoscience.
• Scientific explanation: Understanding the nature of scientific explanations.
• Confirmation theory: Assessing evidence and hypothesis testing.
• Theory change: How scientific theories evolve.
• Reductionism vs. holism in science.
• The scientific method: Evaluating its strengths and limitations.
• Laws of nature: Are they descriptive or prescriptive?
• Scientific progress: Criteria for evaluating scientific advancement.
• Ethics in scientific research: Balancing discovery with ethical concerns.

Philosophy of Mathematics

• Platonism vs. nominalism in the philosophy of mathematics.
• Mathematical realism vs. anti-realism.
• The nature of mathematical objects: Are they abstract entities?
• Foundations of mathematics: Exploring different foundational systems.
• Mathematical explanation: The role of mathematics in explaining natural phenomena.
• Mathematical knowledge: How do we come to know mathematical truths?
• Infinity: Philosophical implications of mathematical infinity.
• Intuitionism: A constructivist approach to mathematics.
• Mathematics and reality: Is mathematics invented or discovered?
• Gödel’s incompleteness theorems: Implications for mathematical knowledge.

Continental Philosophy

• Phenomenology: Husserl’s method of philosophical inquiry.
• Existentialism: The individual’s struggle for meaning and authenticity.
• Hermeneutics: Interpretive approaches to understanding texts and cultures.
• Critical theory: The Frankfurt School’s critique of society and culture.
• Poststructuralism: Derrida’s deconstruction of binary oppositions.
• Psychoanalysis: Freudian and post-Freudian perspectives on the psyche.
• Continental vs. analytic philosophy: Contrasting traditions and methodologies.
• Marxism: Materialist analysis of society and history.
• Postmodernism: Challenges to modernist conceptions of truth and knowledge.
• Feminist continental philosophy: Gender, power, and identity in continental thought.

Philosophy of History

• Historiography: The study of historical writing and methodology.
• Historical explanation: Understanding the causes of historical events.
• Exploring whether historical truths are relative to their context.
• Teleology in history: Is history driven by a purpose or goal?
• Historical materialism: Marxian analysis of historical development.
• Historical relativism: Are historical truths relative to context?
• Memory and history: The role of collective memory in shaping the past.
• The philosophy of historical progress: Evaluating historical optimism.
• Postcolonial philosophy of history: Decolonizing historical narratives.
• History and identity: How historical narratives shape individual and collective identities.
• History and ethics: Moral implications of historical interpretation.

Philosophy of Education

• The aims of education: What is the purpose of schooling?
• Curriculum design: Balancing breadth and depth in education.
• Pedagogical methods: Evaluating different approaches to teaching and learning.
• Investigating how different teaching methods impact student learning.
• Philosophy in education: The role of philosophy in the curriculum.
• Critical thinking: Fostering intellectual autonomy in education.
• Education and democracy: The relationship between education and citizenship.
• Multicultural education: Promoting diversity and inclusivity in schools.
• Philosophy of childhood: Understanding the nature of childhood and its implications for education.
• Educational equity: Addressing disparities in educational opportunities.
• Philosophy of higher education: The purpose and value of university education.

Philosophy of Technology

• Technological determinism vs. social construction of technology.
• Ethics of emerging technologies: AI, biotechnology, nanotechnology, etc.
• Examining ethical concerns in the development of artificial intelligence.
• Human enhancement: Ethical implications of technological augmentation.
• Technological unemployment: The impact of automation on employment.
• Information ethics: Privacy, surveillance, and digital rights.
• Technological singularity: Speculations on the future of artificial intelligence.
• Philosophy of the Internet: The implications of online communication and connectivity.
• Environmental philosophy of technology: Sustainable technology and ecological concerns.
• Philosophy of design: Ethical considerations in design processes.
• Techno-optimism vs. techno-pessimism: Attitudes toward technological progress.

Philosophy of Law

• Legal positivism vs. natural law theory.
• Legal realism: The role of judges in interpreting the law.
• Rights theory in law: The nature and scope of legal rights.
• Punishment and retribution: Justifying legal sanctions.
• Analyzing the role of judges in interpreting and applying the law.
• Jurisprudence of human rights: Philosophical foundations of human rights law.
• Legal responsibility: Moral and legal dimensions of accountability.
• Philosophy of criminal law: Justifying punishment and rehabilitation.
• Legal pluralism: Coexistence of multiple legal systems within a society.
• Feminist philosophy of law: Gender, power, and legal theory.
• Legal interpretation: The nature of legal reasoning and interpretation.

Philosophy of Emotion

• The nature of emotions: Cognitive vs. non-cognitive theories.
• Emotion and reason: Interactions between emotions and rationality.
• Emotional expression: How do we communicate emotions?
• Moral emotions: The role of emotions in moral judgment and behavior.
• Investigating the influence of culture on emotional expression.
• Emotional intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions.
• Aesthetic emotions: The emotional experience of art and beauty.
• Emotion and identity: How do emotions shape our sense of self?
• Emotional development: Theories of emotional growth and maturation.
• Emotion and culture: Cultural variations in emotional expression and understanding.
• Emotion and health: The impact of emotions on physical and mental well-being.

Philosophy of Literature

• The nature of literary interpretation: Hermeneutics and literary criticism.
• Fictional truth: How do fictional narratives convey truth?
• Literary realism vs. metafiction.
• Ethics in literature: Moral dimensions of literary works.
• Narrative identity: How do narratives shape personal identity?
• Literary genres: Exploring the boundaries and conventions of literary forms.
• Authorship and intention: The role of authorial intent in interpreting texts.
• The philosophy of the novel: Understanding the novel as a literary form.
• Literary value: Criteria for evaluating literary excellence.
• Literature and empathy: The role of literature in fostering empathy and understanding.

Philosophy of Mindfulness

• The nature of mindfulness: Definitions and conceptualizations.
• Buddhist philosophy of mindfulness: Origins and principles.
• Mindfulness and meditation: Practices and techniques.
• Mindfulness-based interventions: Applications in psychology and therapy.
• Mindfulness and well-being: The effects of mindfulness on mental health.
• Mindfulness in education: Incorporating mindfulness practices into schools.
• Mindfulness and ethics: Ethical dimensions of mindfulness practice.
• Mindfulness and neuroscience: The neurological basis of mindfulness.
• Mindfulness and self-awareness: Cultivating awareness of thoughts and emotions.
• Mindfulness in everyday life: Integrating mindfulness into daily routines.

Philosophy of Happiness

• The nature of happiness: Defining and conceptualizing happiness.
• Hedonism vs. eudaimonism: Theories of happiness and well-being.
• The pursuit of happiness: Strategies for achieving happiness.
• Happiness and virtue: The role of character in leading a happy life.
• Subjective vs. objective happiness: Is happiness a subjective experience or an objective state?
• Happiness and meaning: The connection between happiness and meaningfulness.
• Cultural variations in conceptions of happiness.
• The measurement of happiness: Challenges in assessing subjective well-being.
• Happiness and social justice: Distributive implications of happiness research.
• The philosophy of positive psychology: Philosophical foundations of the science of happiness.

Philosophy of Love

• The nature of love: Defining and understanding love.
• Theories of love: Eros, agape, philia, and other conceptions of love.
• Romantic love vs. platonic love.
• Love and attachment: The psychological and emotional dynamics of love relationships.
• Love and ethics: The moral dimensions of love and romantic relationships.
• Love and identity: How does love shape our sense of self?
• Unrequited love: Philosophical reflections on unreciprocated affection.
• Love and freedom: The tension between love and individual autonomy.
• Love and vulnerability: The risks and rewards of opening oneself to love.
• Love and mortality: The existential significance of love in the face of death.

These philosophy research topics cover a wide range of areas, offering excellent opportunities for research and exploration. Whether you’re interested in metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy, or any other branch of philosophy, there are numerous intriguing questions to investigate and discuss.

Tips for Conducting Successful Philosophy Research

Here are some tips for conducting successful philosophical research:

• Read philosophically – Don’t just read for content, but read actively. Highlight essential claims, arguments, and assumptions. Think critically about what you read.
• Understand the context – Research the historical and intellectual context around texts/topics. This background is crucial for insightful analysis.
• Take clear notes – Maintain organized notes of significant ideas, debates, author positions, arguments, and your thoughts. Cite sources.
• Engage with the literature – Let texts dialogue with each other through your analysis. Compare and contrast perspectives thoughtfully.
• Develop analytical skills – Think logically, spot fallacies, scrutinize reasoning, and identify implicit premises and weaknesses in arguments.
• Construct sound arguments – Build layered arguments with coherent logic, reasonable premises, and persuasive writing. Support claims thoroughly.
• Consider objections – Anticipate critiques or counterarguments to your position and develop your responses.
• Apply philosophical concepts – Use philosophical frameworks and questions to illuminate your topic and write insightfully. Tie ideas to ethical systems, epistemology, metaphysics, etc.
• Craft a unique thesis – Stake out your own position within existing debates. Offer a novel argument or approach using evidence.
• Explain complex ideas clearly – Use concise, precise, and plain language when appropriate without oversimplifying concepts. Define terms.
• Connect ideas across texts – Synthesize different theories and perspectives into broader commentary. Show philosophical links.

You can produce impactful philosophical research with close reading, context, concise notes, analytical rigor, clear writing, and creative connections.

Final Remarks

Exploring philosophy research topics opens doors to understanding life’s big mysteries. Through these inquiries, we engage with core questions about life, right and wrong, society, and the human experience.

Philosophy research improves intellectual pursuits and sharpens critical thinking skills for complex issues. By exploring diverse areas of philosophy, we widen our perspectives and add to ongoing philosophical discussions.

Remember, philosophy is for everyone, no matter your background or expertise. It’s about curiosity, open-mindedness, and willingness to ponder life’s big questions. So, let’s keep thinking deeply, exploring fascinating topics, and welcome the adventure of philosophical inquiry together.

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130 Powerful Philosophy Research Topics to Get Started

Table of Contents

If you are a philosophy student who needs a good topic to prepare your research paper, then have a look at this blog post. Here, to make your topic selection process easier, we have presented a list of the best 100+ philosophy research topics and ideas. In addition to that, we have also shared some key tips on how to identify one ideal philosophy research topic out of many. Just explore and get interesting ideas for your philosophy research paper writing.

What is a Philosophy?

Philosophy is an interesting subject that deals with the study of fundamental and general questions about knowledge, existence, reason, language, values, and the mind. It is a vast discipline that revolves around reality, truth, and goodness. Some popular areas of philosophy include Metaphysics, Logic, Epistemology, and Political Philosophy .

Philosophy Research Paper Topic Selection Tips

In order to write a powerful philosophy research paper, instead of just focusing on the facts, you need to critically analyze, identify hidden arguments, build logical arguments, and should also persuade your readers that your argument is reliable. Most importantly, for writing a good philosophy research paper, you must have an impressive philosophy research topic.

If you have no idea how to identify the right topic for your philosophy research paper, then simply follow the below-mentioned tips.

• Select a topic that pleases you.
• Pick a topic that allows you to identify and fill the areas that are lacking.
• Always go with a topic that has ample references or resources to make your thesis writing process easier.
• The ultimate goal of your research paper should be to attract the readers and hence choose a philosophy research topic that is impressive and informative to your readers.
• Select a topic that has a wide scope of presenting your ideas and arguments with relevant examples or a piece of evidence.

List of Philosophy Research Paper Topics

Till now, we saw the tips for selecting the best philosophy research topics. Next, let us move on to the philosophy research paper topic ideas.

To make your search process easier, here we have shared a list of top philosophy research topics for you to consider.

Simple Philosophy Research Topics

• What is loneliness?
• Dog and cat: Which is superior?
• What are utopia and anti-utopia?
• Should abortion be legalized?
• What are the pros and cons of capital punishment?
• Why is cloning banned in many countries?
• Can belief in God change human nature?
• What is eternity?
• What is harmony?
• What is power?
• How achieving harmony helps to increase empathy?
• Inner harmony and peace are the key factors of psychological well-being: Explain
• Impact of good and evil on the society
• How do virtue and integrity play a pivotal role in the formation of good character?
• Is happiness a chemical flowing through the brain or something else?
• What in life is not subjective but instead truly objective and why?
• Analyze the civilizational approach in understanding the development of human society
• Critically analyze the African traditional philosophies
• Comparative analysis between epistemology and psychology
• Describe the opportunities and challenges for understanding phenomenology
• Analyze the philosophy of phenomenology
• Discuss the direct and indirect realism in philosophy
• Analyze the philosophy of transcendentalism in New England in the early 1830s
• Critically analyze the  political philosophy behind transcendentalism in Britain

Interesting Philosophy Research Paper Topics

• Can a person be happy without a family?
• What is the Supernatural? Is there any proof of its existence?
• Is it possible to be rich without having a lot of money?
• Should people always obey the rules?
• What is the value of truth?
• What makes people kill in the name of religion?
• Can we connect traditions supported by science and force people to follow them as customs?
• Is it possible to change the main characters that define a person?
• Discuss crucial modern-life values.
• What is your definition of happiness?
• Monistic, pluralistic, and dualistic understanding of the substance of thinking
• Discuss French philosophy of the XIX-XX centuries
• Discuss the philosophical anthropology about the essence of man and how it was reflected in ancient philosophy
• Compare and contrast the philosophical ideas of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
• African philosophy echoes the deep-seated subjectivity of the African as an African: Explain
• Analyze the philosophy of Anselm’s ontological argument for God’s existence

Philosophy Research Topics on Human Life

• Why is it complicated to live a happy life?
• What things make human life senseless?
• Is there life after death?
• What is the perfect life?
• What makes human life meaningful?
• Should death be treated as the final point in human life or as the beginning of something new?
• Would you like to live your life more than once?
• Evaluating life’s existence: Are humans the only living organisms?
• Human life and culture
• How to lead a happy life?

Read more: Best Humanities Research Topics To Explore and Write About

Impressive Philosophy Research Ideas

• What makes people commit crimes even when they know that they will face capital punishment?
• What makes women physically less strong as compared to men?
• To love or to be loved: Which is more important?
• Is it possible to always think positively?
• Can torture be justified?
• A vacation or well-paid job: What would you take?
• Why is religion important above anything else for a lot of people around the globe?
• Can we declare humanity as a supreme religion?
• How can the custom of dowry be eliminated from people’s minds?
• Is it possible for parents to be the best friends of their children in a real sense?
• How is the age of maturity and the age of marriage defined by society?
• What is the best way to boost a person’s creativity?
• Why can’t social behavior and ethics be separated?
• Are animals different from people?
• Why do some people live without feeling alive?

Captivating Philosophy Research Topics

• Is it possible to create an ideal society?
• What are the best ways to reach peace in the world?
• Should the church be involved in politics?
• What are the pros and cons of genetically modified objects?
• Is euthanasia ethical?
• Evaluate the relationship between war and peace.
• How has social media affected people’s moral behavior?
• Analyze the impact of beauty on human development.
• Should parents be held responsible for the actions of their children?
• Can animal experiments be justified?
• What are the pros and cons of committing suicide?
• Can we justify the experiments on human beings?
• What is the ethics behind Bitcoin or other cyber-currency applications?
• How to increase the level of IQ?
• What are the pros and cons of utilitarianism?

Excellent Philosophy Research Questions

• Is there a moral obligation to be honest?
• Should we allow incarcerated criminals to have children?
• What are the pros and cons of marriage?
• Should human beings claim a stake in other planets such as the moon and Mars?
• What are the pros and cons of childless families?
• Is it ethical to use steroids to enhance results in athletics?
• What are the pros and cons of communism?
• Positive and Negative features of Machiavelli’s ideas
• Are humans really the kings of the universe?
• What are the pros and cons of total control?
• Is it really true that early to bed, early to rise can make a person stay healthy forever?
• Should modern celebrities be considered positive models for contemporary youth?
• Does genetics contribute to human behavior?
• Evaluate the pros and cons of artificial intelligence.
• What does the term ‘to cross the border of ethical conduct’ mean?
• Ethical ideas concerning abortions.
• Video games and their effects on the moral behavior of people.
• Is morality objective or subjective?
• What are the roles of Good and Evil?
• What is the effect of binary opposition on the development of humankind?

Read also: Leadership Research Topics and Ideas To Deal With

Amazing Philosophy Research Topics

• What is your attitude to “artificially designed babies”?
• What is the future of humankind and humans?
• Is 1 + 1 really equal to 2?
• What is the sense of your existence?
• Is there a possibility of working out a universal language?
• The postmodernism ideas in philosophy.
• What ideas or principles should an ideal family possess?
• Should patriotism be regarded as a virtue?
• What are the pros and cons of organ transplantation?
• Is it ethical to have circuses?
• Is it reasonable to tell a white lie?
• Can murder be justified?
• How to solve an issue between parents and children?
• Why are humans cruel and evil?
• Should religion be banned by law?
• Are morals related to culture?
• Do human beings deserve to have children?
• Reasons and solutions for mass panic and hysteria
• Is it worth sacrificing health in order to become more beautiful?
• Is science compatible with religion in the contemporary world?

Informative Philosophy Research Topics

• A critical analysis of the phenomenon of values through Axiology.
• Write about Contextualism in Epistemology.
• Conduct a detailed analysis of idealism and realism.
• Explain the theory of modern liberalism.
• Examine the influence of Greek philosophers on human sciences.
• Conduct a critical analysis of the literary movements of transcendentalism.
• A theoretical framework for the teacher’s philosophy of education
• Philosophy and religion in Buddhism.
• Conduct a comparative analysis of feminism and pragmatism.
• Discuss the philosophy of stoicism.

Philosophy Research Paper Writing Tips

Choosing a perfect topic for philosophy research is a difficult task. Once you have selected a topic for your philosophy research, follow the below-mentioned writing tips to make your philosophy research paper stand unique in the crowd.

• Structure the essay or research paper by including the following elements- Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
• Write a strong thesis statement in the introduction paragraph suitable to the philosophy research paper topic that you have selected.
• Explain your points or arguments on the topic with supporting evidence and other credible information in the body section of the research paper.
• Present your ideas in a logical order to avoid confusion.
• The sentence flow should be natural throughout the essay or research paper.
• Present your arguments or points in a way to persuade your readers.
• Do a complete revision so as to make your final draft free from grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Out of the different ideas recommended in this blog post, choose any topic of your choice and craft an excellent philosophy research paper as per your university guidelines. In case, you need an expert to offer you help with philosophy research paper topic selection, writing, and editing, feel free to approach us.

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I am an Academic Writer and have affection to share my knowledge through posts’. I do not feel tiredness while research and analyzing the things. Sometime, I write down hundred of research topics as per the students requirements. I want to share solution oriented content to the students.

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170 great philosophy research paper topics you will love.

If you’re reading our blog post, it means you are on the prowl for some awesome philosophy research paper topics. We know, it can be very difficult to find quality topics these days. The problem is that most of the topics that are on the Internet are already used by your classmates. You want something new. You want something original and interesting. And the good news is that you have arrived at just the right place.

This is the page that will change your life. We guarantee that you will find a topic for philosophy paper in the next 5 minutes. We have a long list of 170 topics that are not only interesting or captivating, but also unique. These topics were created by our experienced academic writers and each and every one of them is original at the time of writing.

Your Philosophy Topics Really Matter

Not sure whether to choose one of these topics or not? You probably don’t know the importance of finding some great philosophy topics. Here is a short list that will show you why finding a unique topic is so important:

• Your professor will appreciate all the effort you’ve dedicated to finding a captivating topic
• You will most likely get some bonus points simply because the topic is interesting and original
• Your paper will stand out from all the rest because of the topic you’ve chosen
• A good topic makes writing the paper easier because you can find plenty of information on the Internet

Yes, finding some exceptional philosophical paper topics really makes a difference. Don’t worry, you can find all sorts of topics on this page, and all of them are provided to you for free.

The Best Topics in Philosophy for 2023

We have the absolute best topics in philosophy right here. And the best part is that our writers are adding new topics periodically, so there is a big chance you can find an idea that nobody else thought of. So, what are you waiting for? Pick one of these ideas and start writing the paper right away:

Easy Philosophy Paper Topics

We are your best option if you are looking for some easy philosophy paper topics that can help you write the paper faster which at the same time doing a great job:

• Does being rich mean one has a lot of money?
• Discuss living without feeling alive.
• Describe loneliness and talk about its effects
• How much does love last?
• Talk about the emotions that are helpful
• Discuss the role of society in your life
• Talk about the best ways to boost creativity
• Discuss the role of education in your life
• Good traits and bad traits
• What would you choose: a well-paid job or your dream job?
• Discuss the determinist theory
• The principles of democracy

Good Philosophy Paper Topics

In this list, we will post all of the topics that stand out from the rest. Pick one of these good philosophy paper topics and start writing your research paper right away:

• Discuss the differences between humans and animals
• A philosophical discussion about superstitions
• What would you prefer: to be loved or to love?
• Talk about the essence of time in philosophy
• Why are you staying up late every night?
• Talk about age and wisdom
• The truth behind myths
• A philosophical discussion about science
• Talk about the differences between modern life and ancient life
• Honor in Medieval Europe
• The most prominent philosophers of the 20th century
• Talk about the relation between power and reason
• Talk about the rights of robots in the near future
• How important is science in our life?

Philosophical Thesis Topics

Do you want to start on your thesis? Our exceptional writers have put together a list of great philosophical thesis topics that you can use for free right now:

• A philosophical discussion about robots
• Can you accept a fact without questioning it?
• A philosophical discussion about artificial intelligence
• Discuss the American dream and its implications
• An in-depth analysis of the Socratic method
• A philosophical discussion about your pet
• Research the life and death of Plato
• Discuss the concept of honor in ancient Rome
• What is the life of reason?
• The importance of education in the 21st century
• What does it mean to have good judgement?
• An in-depth analysis of the power of slogans
• Things that cause you to be attracted by a person
• The main causes of corruption at high levels

Fun Philosophy Paper Topics

Who said writing about a topic in philosophy can’t be fun? To the contrary, we have a list of fun philosophy paper topics right here for you:

• Talk about the concept of moral virtue
• A philosophical discussion about the exploration of space
• What does your cat think about you?
• A philosophical discussion about religion
• The effects of weather on our mood
• Talk about a controversial aspect of modern life
• A philosophical discussion about poverty
• What does your dog think about you?
• A philosophical discussion about life
• The effect of video games on our perception
• An in-depth look at polygamous marriage
• Humanity vs. divinity: an analysis
• The perception of death in 3 different communities
• The effects of music on human development

Philosophy Research Topics

Are you looking for some of the best research topics you can find? Check out our list of philosophy research topics and select the one you like the most:

• A philosophical discussion about death
• Is sorcery a real thing?
• Are people really the loving beings they think they are?
• What does self-development mean for you?
• A philosophical discussion about divinity
• The effects of Autism on cognitive behavior
• A philosophical discussion about good and bad
• An in-depth look at witchcraft in ancient times
• Where does our conscience go after we die?
• A philosophical discussion about the concept of power
• Uncovering evidence to support the existence of magic
• The link between a person’s name and his traits.
• Who decides what is good and what is bad?

Philosophy Paper Topics For College

If you are a college student looking to impress his teacher, you have arrived at the right place. Here are some of the best possible philosophy paper topics for college:

• Discuss the concept of the beauty of the heart
• Talk about law and ethics (balancing the two)
• A philosophical discussion about reincarnation
• Is the truth really an effective way to win an argument?
• A philosophical discussion about popular legends
• Talk about what it means to be proud of something
• The impact of art on children in the United States
• Can too much knowledge be dangerous?
• Why do women love their hair so much?
• A philosophical discussion about lies
• Do we owe anything to robots?
• A philosophical discussion about life and death
• Talk about the bottom line in large corporations
• An in-depth look at the concept of capitalism

Philosophy Paper Ideas For High School

We know many high school students are looking for topic for their next philosophy paper, so we have a whole list of philosophy paper ideas for high school:

• A philosophical discussion about the voting age
• Talk about the subconscious
• Discuss abortion in modern society
• A philosophical discussion about money
• Can we justify torture?
• A philosophical discussion about forgiveness

Philosophical Argument Topics

Do you want to write about a philosophical argument? Or perhaps you’ve been assigned an argumentative essay. Here are some of the best philosophical argument topics possible:

• How objective is morality?
• A philosophical discussion about homework
• Talk about the future of the human race
• A philosophical discussion about society
• Problems with artificial intelligence
• A philosophical discussion about ancient Rome gods

The Best Philosophical Questions

Our experienced writers managed to come up with the best philosophical questions for our readers, and you can now use them to write a paper for free:

• The pros and cons of socialism
• A philosophical discussion about biblical parables
• Talk about the concept of an utopia
• A philosophical discussion about the Covid-19 pandemic
• Ethical dilemmas related to cloning
• Discuss the implications of heavy smoking

Moral Philosophy Topics For Essays

Are you looking for some topics that are related to moral dilemmas in philosophy? Take a look at the list of moral philosophy topics for essays and pick one:

• Talk about alcohol consumption
• A philosophical discussion about tall people
• An in-depth look at the colonization of America
• A philosophical discussion about planet Earth
• Colonizing other planets
• A philosophical discussion about greed

Controversial Philosophy Paper Ideas

Students are encouraged to write on controversial ideas if they want to get top grades. In fact, we can help you with some interesting controversial philosophy paper ideas right now:

• A philosophical discussion about abortion
• Controversial philosophers in ancient Greece
• A philosophical discussion about euthanasia
• The moral implications of genetic engineering
• The rich and the poor of America
• A philosophical discussion about free will

Topics Related To Ethics In Philosophy

Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch that discusses concepts such as right and wrong. Check out our list of topics related to ethics in philosophy:

• A philosophical discussion about standardized testing
• Are people evil by nature?
• Talk about the concept of ethical egoism
• A philosophical discussion about nuclear weapons
• Talk about metaethics in philosophy
• A philosophical discussion about same sex marriage

Ancient Philosophy Ideas

You’ve surely heard about ancient philosophers and their immense contribution to our society. Here are some ancient philosophy ideas for your next research paper:

• A philosophical discussion about eating disorders
• An in-depth look at Immanuel Kant
• Talk about philosophy in ancient Greece
• A philosophical discussion about the concept of reality
• The life and death of Socrates
• Peculiarities about the Roman philosophy
• A philosophical discussion about mythology

Philosophy Topics for an A+

Over the years, we’ve come to know which topics have the potential to get an A+. Here is an entire list of philosophy topics for an A+, just for you:

• A philosophical discussion about Platonic realism
• Caring for the environment is our duty
• A philosophical discussion about the concept of universalism
• What are designer babies?
• A philosophical discussion about the human soul
• Talk about steroids in sports

Political Philosophy Topics

Yes, there is such a thing as political philosophy. It’s not an easy subject to write about, but it can get you a top grade if you pull it off. Here are some relatively easy political philosophy topics:

• A philosophical discussion about intellectuals
• Race and justice in the United States
• A philosophical discussion about magic in ancient times
• What is Classical Liberalism?
• A philosophical discussion about the spiritual aspects of life
• Talk about the concept of social justice

The Best Philosophy Topics for 2023

Want to know which topics will work great in 2023? No problem, here is a well-researched list of the best philosophy topics for 2023:

• A philosophical discussion about the concept of free will
• Define low moral standards
• A philosophical discussion about the concept of irony
• Do you have a moral obligation to be honest?
• A philosophical discussion about beauty standards
• An in-depth look at Aristotle’s life

Practical Philosophy Ideas

Of course, you can write about putting philosophy concepts and principles in practice. We have some interesting practical philosophy ideas right here if you want to give it a try:

• A philosophical discussion about our IQ
• Discuss war and peace in the modern world
• Philosophical implications of suicide
• A philosophical discussion about state borders
• Define love and explain why it’s important for happiness
• The role of globalization
• The relativity of truth
• A philosophical discussion about
• The moral implications of the death penalty

Our Most Interesting Topics

Of all the topics and ideas we’ve come up with, some were better than others. This is why we have created a separate list with our most interesting topics:

• A philosophical discussion about a happy life
• The concept of power in modern society
• What is harmony?
• What do you understand by eternity?
• Does love last more than 3 years?
• How can you boost your creativity?
• The concept of law and order in our society
• A philosophical discussion about zoos

The Best Philosophy Essay Questions

Perhaps you just need a good question to figure out the best topic for your next essay. These are the best philosophy essay questions we can think of:

• What is an ideal world?
• What does money mean to you?
• What are the pros and cons of suicide?
• What is a meaningful life?
• How can we achieve world peace in the 21st century?
• What is a meritocratic society?
• How can one justify murder?
• Are your parents responsible for your actions?
• What is the role of society today?

Our Affordable Writing Service

Do you need to write a comprehensive and informative philosophy research paper, but don’t know if you can pull it off? Don’t worry about it too much because our writing service is here to help you do a wonderful job on your next essay. Our great paper writers are all native English speakers from English-speaking countries, so you never have to worry about editing and proofreading our work.

Each expert who works for us is highly educated (most have at least one PhD degree), so we can write a custom paper for any class you can think of – not just philosophy. It’s worth mentioning the fact that we can write college-level and university level papers, as well as theses and even dissertations. Rely on our trustworthy ENL writers and take advantage of our discounts right now. Order your philosophy research paper today!

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Welcome to PhilPapers

Results of 2020 PhilPapers Survey posted 2021-11-01 by David Bourget We've now released the results of the 2020 PhilPapers Survey, which surveyed 1785 professional philosophers on their views on 100 philosophical issues.  Results are available on the 2020 PhilPapers Survey  website and in draft article form in " Philosophers on Philosophy: The 2020 PhilPapers Survey " . Discussion is welcome in the PhilPapers Survey 2020 discussion group .

Philosophy Research Topics: 400+ Captivating Ideas

As a Ph.D. student, writing a top-notch research paper will demonstrate your understanding of a subject. Students pursuing philosophy courses tend to be perpetually engaged in studying philosophical questions and framing a philosophy research paper around those answers. The goal of a research paper in philosophy isn’t limited to stating facts; instead, it includes asking the student to think through those facts. It includes students’ ability to analyse, discern, and construct logical arguments in their papers. Thus, to conduct enticing research, one must select a strong philosophical research topic that will keep them inspired and assist them in constructing a strong research paper .

In this post, we will demonstrate some significant areas of philosophy from which you can select some excellent philosophy research paper topics for your upcoming research.

Table of Contents

Significant Areas to Consider In Philosophy

As discussed earlier, philosophy is the study of truth about the hidden realities of humankind. Before moving forward with your topic selection, students need to acknowledge different areas of philosophy. It will assist you in narrowing down your research into significant research areas as per your interest. Thus, continue to read this section to understand different branches of philosophy.

• Metaphysics : At its core, the study of metaphysics deals with the principle of existence and the nature of what truly exists in the real world, what it is like, and how it is formed. In metaphysics, you learn about ontology, nature, space and time, change, identity, objects, modality, laws of nature, etc.
• Epistemology  is the study of belief and knowledge. Epistemology is primarily concerned with seeking the answer to what we know about the universe and how we can know it. Additionally, epistemology studies the difference between believing something and knowing something, determining whether what we know is factual.
• Logic:  This is yet another important area of studying philosophy. Logic is generally the study of inference patterns. Logic in philosophy studies the scope and nature of logic. Philosophers employ logic to explore the nature and structure of arguments. Additionally, they study how other claims support any particular claim. Logic investigates related concepts, such as if, and, or, not, and some.
• Political Philosophy:  This branch of philosophy involves concepts, values, and arguments concerned with political matters.
• History of philosophy:  The study of knowing the philosophical positions, principles, and concepts that are highlighted, analysed, and explained in history.
• Ethics:  The term “ethics” concerns the philosophical study of the principles of moral rights and wrongs and moral good or bad for any philosophical concept.

400+ Philosophy Research Paper Topics

Now that we have studied the central branches of philosophy on which you can base your research paper, it is time to get onto the list of philosophy topics below that you can consider.

Axiology Research Paper Topics

Axiology, also known as the “theory of value,” is the branch of philosophy that studies value. It explores the nature and classification of values. Additionally, axiology studies what kinds of things have values and even logic. Below you can find some excellent axiology research paper topics in philosophy to get you started on your research:

• Axiology and aesthetics
• Comparative analysis between Axiology and aesthetics
• Understanding the theories and science of values through Axiology
• Epistemology, Axiology, and ideology in sociology
• The Roles of Values and Axiology
• Understanding the relationship between ethics and aesthetics with the help of Axiology
• A critical analysis of the phenomenon of values through Axiology
• Axiology in teacher education: challenges and opportunities
• Transdisciplinary Axiology: to be or not to be

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Epistemology: Philosophical Topics to Write About

As discussed above, epistemology is the study of belief and knowledge. It employs questions such as, “what is knowledge”? or “how can we justify our beliefs”? Are you one of those students who are intrigued to research more on epistemology topics? If so, then you can have a look at the following philosophy paper ideas on epistemology topics:

• Epistemology: An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge
• A critical analysis of the structure of knowledge and justification
• Leibniz’s contribution to epistemology
• Moderate modal skepticism
• The significance of epistemology for the growth of philosophical literature
• Self-blindness and self-knowledge: a conceptualized study
• Philosophical Skepticism: A Critical Analysis
• Internalism and externalism in epistemology
• Contextualism in Epistemology
• Contextualism and epistemic rationality
• Contextualism as a Theory of Knowledge
• Epistemological Problems of Perception
• Fundamental flaws in epistemology
• A detailed study on epistemic reactive attitudes
• Shoemaker’s concept of “self-blindness.”
• Epistemic closure principles: an overview
• Exploring knowledge as a mental state
• Epistemology and educational research in the 21st century
• The impact of facts and beliefs on human beings
• Language, epistemology, and mysticism
• Arguments and positions in epistemology in the 21st century
• A comparative analysis between epistemology and psychology

Phenomenology and Philosophy Topic List

Phenomenology is the branch of philosophy that explores the structures of consciousness that a person experiences. It is the study of phenomena, i.e., it studies things and events literally as they appear from the first-person point of view. Consider the following ideas for a phenomenology philosophy paper:

• A brief history of existential phenomenology
• The European roots of existential phenomenology
• Edmund Husserl’s contribution to phenomenology
• An introduction to phenomenology
• How phenomenology can help us learn from the experiences of others
• The phenomenology of Dvali–Gabadadze–portrait cosmologies
• Understanding the challenges and opportunities for understanding phenomenology
• An introduction to perception phenomenology
• Understanding the relationship between phenomenology and general science
• Husserl’s (descriptive) versus Heidegger’s (interpretive) phenomenological research approaches
• Understanding the role of phenomenology in nursing research
• Philosophy of phenomenology: an overview
• The role of phenomenology in research on mental health patients
• A Phenomenological Research Study on Writer’s Block
• Understanding the power of multi-perspective through phenomenological research
• Phenomenological approaches and techniques in psychology and health science
• An introduction to phenomenological approaches to studying anthropology
• Edmund Husserl’s Transcendental Phenomenology

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Ideas for a Philosophy Paper on Ontology

Ontology is one of the oldest branches of philosophy that explores the nature of existence or reality. In this field, philosophers seek the answers to questions like whether God exists and nature’s existence. If this research area piques your interest, these topics are specifically compiled to help you out. Take a look and choose what topic suits you the best:

• A detailed analysis of the different conceptions of ontology
• The philosophy of science: paradigm, ontology, and epistemology
• A comparative analysis of ontology modeling with other data-based models
• Ontology of research philosophies
• Understanding the theories of ontology in business studies
• The language of gene ontology
• The study of ontology based on Plato, Aristotle, and Avicenna’s opinions
• Historical ontology: a critical analysis
• Anselm’s ontological argument for God’s existence
• Anselm’s Ontological Proof of God
• Ontological and epistemological perspectives
• Ontology in Deleuze’s “The Fold”
• Ontological and Pascal’s wager arguments about God
• Evaluating the importance of epistemology and ontology in leadership research
• An ontological and epistemological perspective on the quality of life
• the ontological, cosmological, or teleological arguments
• Constructing ontology-based exclusive environmental certification systems
• Ontology-driven data mediation in Web services
• Visualizing information science knowledge by modeling domain Ontologies
• Ontology-enhanced concepts Hierarchies for text identification

Realism and Philosophy Research Topics

In philosophy, the reality is considered independent of human perceptions. This way of thinking is based on the belief that information is developed through a scientific method. This section of our blog is dedicated to philosophy research paper topics based on realism. Let’s have a look at these interesting philosophical topics about realism:

• Realism, poetry, and naturalism
• Thomas Reid’s direct realism
• Exploring the significance of realism and liberalism in international relations
• Idealism and realism: a detailed analysis
• Theories, realism, and liberalism
• An introduction to the philosophy of mind by Thomas Reid
• Maze’s direct realism and the character of cognition
• The seduction of realism: a critical analysis
• The significance of semantic realism
• A comparative analysis of realism and anti-realism
• Speculative realism: understanding the thoughts and realities
• A critical analysis of the threefold cord
• Understanding the theory of modern liberalism
• Realism, Naturalism, and Modernism
• Confusions and Criticisms of Classical Realism and Neorealism
• Exploring the importance of naturalism and realism in American literature
• A guide to romanticism, realism, and expressionism in art
• Concept of direct realism in philosophy
• Magical realism in literature
• Realist and constructivist approaches to China-Japan relations

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Philosophy Research Paper Topics in Human Science

Philosophy has always been an important part of human culture. Students who are eager to research topics in philosophy related to humankind can consider the following research topics:

• Introduction to the practices of philosophy and their impact on human science
• A critique of global human behavior practices and assumptions
• A meticulous and methodical approach to human nature
• Development of the human sciences in the 18th century
• The origins of existential phenomenology in Europe
• The biological and cultural aspects of human science research initiatives
• The importance of qualitative research techniques in all areas of the human sciences
• A review of the institutions devoted to the humanistic/human science philosophy
• Talk about how American culture has influenced other countries’ cultures and systems.
• Western civilization’s core values in developing nations
• Human interactions have a long history.
• Acceptable political and cultural norms for all human interactions
• Choosing optimism in a society that is constantly bombarded with doom and gloom
• A methodical approach to understanding human nature
• A critical analysis of philosophy as a model of human science
• Philosophical presuppositions and the human sciences
• The influence of Greek philosophers on human sciences
• The effects of American infusionism on global civilizations

Transcendentalism Topics in Philosophy

Transcendental philosophy is another name for transcendentalism. This school of thought holds that humans are born good but become corrupted due to social obligations, peer pressure, and societal wrongdoing. It is one of the most interesting branches of philosophy that most students prefer to research.

• Transcendentalism, a major philosophical movement in the eighteenth century
• Beliefs and characteristics associated with transcendentalism
• Exploring the history of transcendentalism in 19th-century America
• The Transcendentalist Ideas in the Writings of Henry David Thoreau and Emily Dickinson
• History of British Transcendentalism
• Role of Transcendentalism and Romanticism in the Development of Nineteenth-Century Literature
• Transcendentalism in American history
• Transcendentalist battle between Ralph Emerson and Henry David Thoreau
• Lois Lowry’s The Giver: Individualism and Transcendentalism
• A Quantitative Essay on Transcendentalism and Self-Love
• The Literary Movement of Transcendentalism
• Romantic and transcendental movements in the 1830s
• Philosophical Aspects of the Transcendentalist-BTS Relationship
• The Development of Transcendentalism in Early American Society
• A critical analysis of the literary movements of transcendentalism
• Transcendentalism and Nature’s Worth
• The Religious movement Of Transcendentalism in Modern England
• The Spirit of Individualism and Transcendentalism
• Romanticism and transcendentalism in Dead Poets’ Society
• Transcendentalism: A Critical Analysis of Walden by Henry David Thoreau
• The philosophy of transcendentalism in New England in the early 1830s
• Transcendentalism through the eyes of Emerson, Thoreau, and Fuller
• The political philosophy behind transcendentalism in Britain
• Transcendentalism as the Antidote to Brainwashed Youth
• Transcendentalism versus Anti-Transcendentalism
• The impact of transcendentalism in the works of Emily Dickenson
• Great utopian thinkers and transcendentalism in 19th-century America
• Transcendentalism in Western Individualism and Spirituality

Philosophy Research Paper Topics in Education

The philosophy of education is the branch of applied philosophy that entails the nature and aim of education and the philosophical issues revolving around it. This practice is ubiquitous in human societies, has so many different manifestations in society, and has such a profound impact that it encompasses a wide range of philosophical issues, including ethics, social/political philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind and language, among others.

Below is a list of some of the best philosophy research topics on education. For the best results, consider reading every philosophy topic in the below-given list:

• An examination of education through the lens of the cave allegory
• Taliban policies and philosophies toward the education of women
• Educational philosophy: a detailed analysis of pragmatism in education
• Educational philosophy in the K–12 classrooms
• How has educational philosophy transformed over time?
• How has the significance of education evolved?
• A detailed study on the educational philosophies of training and developing an adult
• How can educational philosophy train the mind of an individual?
• How does proper schooling evolve an individual’s personality?
• The significance of formal education
• A detailed study of the philosophy of education in ancient Greece
• Immanuel Kant: International Bureau of Education
• How is morality concerned with the education of an individual?
• A theoretical framework for the teacher’s philosophy of education
• The idea of educational philosophy
• Al-Ghazali’s philosophy and principles of education
• Significance of Philosophy
• Radical adult education philosophy: a detailed study
• Philosophy of multicultural education
• Educational Essentialism: An Untold Story in American Educational History
• American philosophies toward education
• A notion of change and advancements in education
• Philosophy of Nigerian Education: A Detailed Handbook
• An analysis of educational philosophy and curriculum
• Rousseau’s concept of education
• Exploring the evolving philosophy of women’s education
• The history and growth of philosophical education in America
• A detailed study on constructivism as a theory of learning
• Applying constructivism to constructivist learning cultures

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Religion-Related Philosophical Topics

Students who find the philosophy of religion an intriguing subject can have a look at the following philosophy research topics on religion:

• An introduction to the phenomenology of religion
• Heidegger’s phenomenology of religion
• Can the fallen angel become a saint again?
• A critical analysis of education and religion in Thomas More’s Utopia
• Origin, Movement, and Religion of the Enlightenment
• Philosophy and religion in Buddhism
• Religion in the modern, contemporary world
• Influence of religion on the behavior of an individual
• Declaration of humanity as a supreme religion
• Compatibility of science with religion
• Can we practice religion while abandoning humanity?
• Morality and religion: a comparative analysis
• Will COVID-19 lead to a decline in religion?
• Religion and Democracy in Taiwan
• Does the devil deserve a second chance?
• A philosophical discussion on religion
• Exploring the contradictions between religion and philosophy
• Does religion restrict our ability to contemplate life’s meaning?
• Would COVID-19 undermine the foundations of established religions?

Classic German Philosophy Research Paper Topics

Students are always excited to read and research classic German research topics. Thus, to help students, we have gathered some of the most appropriate topics for a classic German research paper. If you’re interested in this subject, consider reading each topic and selecting the topic that closely matches your interests:

• 17th and 18th-century German philosophy
• Kant’s Works in Theoretical Philosophy
• Leibniz: Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic
• Kant: Metaphysics and Epistemology,
• Kant: Synthesis
• Social, political, and religious thought in the ancient German world
• Kant: Transcendental Idealism
• Aristotle’s Scientific Demonstrations as Expositions of Essence
• Philosophy of Gender, Race, and Sexuality
• Kant: Philosophy of Mind
• Leibniz’s Philosophy of Science
• Leibniz: Aesthetics
• Leibniz: Metaphysics
• Leibniz: Epistemology
• Leibniz: Philosophy of Mind
• Lambert on Morality and Moral Illusion
• Leibniz: Philosophy of Action
• The Birth of Ontology
• Leibniz: Philosophy of Language
• Leibniz’s Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic

Buddhist Philosophy Topics for Research Papers

Buddhist philosophy is based on the beliefs and principles developed among different Buddhist schools in India following the Parinirvana of Gautama Buddha and later spread throughout Asia. In Buddhist philosophy, meditation and philosophical reasoning are inextricably linked. This section compiles a list of Buddhist philosophy paper ideas and topics that summarize everything you need to know about Buddhist philosophies.

• Buddhism: religion and philosophy
• A comparative study between Buddhism and Stoicism
• Buddhism and western philosophy
• A comparative study of Buddhism versus Hinduism
• An in-depth study on the convergence of Buddhism and Hinduism in India
• Buddhism-associated theories in China
• Indo-Buddhist and Taoist-Confucian types of culture
• The philosophy of Buddhism and Hinduism: a historical sketch
• The view of sin and punishment in Buddhism versus other religions
• Japanese Zen Buddhist philosophy
• A handbook on Zen Buddhism and Enlightenment
• The philosophy of Schopenhauer: an in-depth research analysis
• A detailed study of the misconceptions concerning sexuality in the Buddhist religion
• Philosophical impact of Buddhism and Shinto practices
• Exploring the relationship between Shintoism and Buddhism in China
• The philosophical reasoning behind the noble truths in Buddhism
• Elements of Buddhism’s religion that make it scary
• Influence of Buddhism on Schopenhauer’s idea
• An in-depth study of the components of Buddhism that make it sacred
• An introduction to Buddhism as philosophy: why does it matter to philosophy?

Pragmatism and Philosophy Paper Topics

Pragmatism is a philosophical movement that consists of individuals who believe that an ideology or concept can only be true if it works satisfactorily. This movement originated during the latter quarter of the 19th century. Throughout the years, this philosophy field has constantly motivated individuals from the fields of law, sociology, education, etc. Thus, if you are a student of any such field, you can use the below-given research topics according to your interests and needs.

• An introduction to pragmatism
• Pragmatism as a philosophy of the social sciences
• Philosophical ideas of pragmatism
• The role of classic pragmatism in the development of feminist theories
• Feminism and pragmatism: a comparative analysis
• A detailed study for understanding the evolution of pragmatics
• Implementation of Pragmatism in Education
• Pragmatism and Feminism as Qualified Relativism
• Bridging Pragmatism and Feminism Through Education
• A methodological interpretation of contemporary feminist pragmatism
• American pragmatism and analytic philosophy
• A detailed study on the principles of pragmatism
• American pragmatism in the 20th century
• Pragmatism and education: a detailed study
• Pragmatic liberal education
• The necessity of pragmatism for studying philosophy
• Consequences of positivism: A pragmatist assessment
• Pragmatism and positivism
• Pragmatism: A Learning Theory for the Future
• Pragmatism in the field of communication theory

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Interesting Ancient Philosophy Topics

Ancient philosophy is one of the most interesting branches of philosophy. A huge number of philosophical issues were discussed in this era. Thus, you can find some excellent and interesting philosophy topics for your research paper in this section:

• Philosophy was considered a branch of theory in classical times.
• Immanuel Kant’s philosophy
• The truth as perceived by the ancient thinkers
• The philosophy of stoicism
• How did the prehistoric philosophical system change?
• A study of classical philosophy
• Roman Stoic beliefs and philosophers
• A detailed study of philosophical anthropology
• Greek philosophy and its impact on medicine
• How does ancient philosophy elaborate on creationism?
• Philosophers and medicine in ancient times
• Philosophy, its various issues, and its place in prehistoric civilization
• “Know thyself,” the philosophy of self-knowledge
• Ancient philosophy’s conception of the world
• Ancient philosophy and science
• The history of philosophy and medicine
• Ancient Greek Philosophy
• The early Greek philosophers’ cosmology
• Understanding mythology from a philosophical point of view
• The demise of Democritus
• Platon’s political philosophy: history and myth
• The development of philosophy and ancient mythology
• Creationism: The Origin of Human History and the First Man
• The Rise of Christianity and Roman Stoicism
• Democritus and his atomic theory of the universe
• The ancient origins of medieval culture
• Cosmology in ancient philosophy: a detailed study
• What was the role of Seneca Stoicism in shaping ancient society?
• Ancient philosophy, mystery, and magic: Empedocles and Pythagorean tradition

Enlightenment-Related Philosophical Topics to Write About

Are you thinking of choosing enlightenment-related topics for your academic paper/project? If yes, then take a quick peek at the following philosophical topics regarding Enlightenment:

• The Enlightenment Movement’s Principal Contributors
• Age of Enlightenment: A Detailed Handbook
• Enlightenment’s Positive and Negative Aspects
• A detailed study of the political theory of Enlightenment
• The seventeenth-century Rosicrucian Enlightenment
• The French Enlightenment’s naturalistic view of human nature and civilization
• the ideas of falsifiability, illumination, and Judith Thunberg
• In what ways is the Enlightenment the culmination of earlier revolutions?
• The extent to which the Enlightenment changed English society
• Zen, Enlightenment, and Buddhism
• The Enlightenment Tradition and its Critics
• The sexual Enlightenment of children
• A Critique of Freudian Psychosexual Child Enlightenment
• The Essence of Political Thought in the Enlightenment: Arguments for and Against the Radicality of the Enlightenment
• American Enlightenment thought: a detailed analysis
• Enlightenment and the era of modernity
• The age of revolution, Renaissance, and Enlightenment
• Movements of Enlightenment and Romanticism: An Analysis

Renaissance Philosophy Research Paper Topics

Students interested in studying Renaissance philosophy can have a look at the below-listed research topics and choose one:

• A comparative analysis of the High Renaissance in Rome and that of Northern Europe
• William Shakespeare and the Renaissance: an overview
• The Art, Architecture, and Artists of the High Italian Renaissance
• How the Renaissance changed the way individuals saw the world
• The impact of the Great Migration and economic developments on literature and art
• The importance of the Carolingian Renaissance on the Bible
• How the discoveries of the Renaissance period influenced people’s perspectives toward life
• The Renaissance art patronage system in Italy
• Renaissance Drama in England and Spain
• Scottish Literature before the Enlightenment
• Italian Renaissance: Paintings
• The effects of the early Renaissance on medical breakthroughs
• What have been the advancements in Renaissance culture and arts over the years?
• Contributions of some of the Renaissance’s greatest forefathers
• The ideal fusion of musical and artistic endeavors
• The psychology of Renaissance art
• Renaissance art and the motives of philosophy about the world
• Early responses to Renaissance drama
• The Renaissance’s humanist intellectual, cultural, and creative revolution
• The representation of erotica and sexuality in works of 16th-century Renaissance art
• 15th-century Northern Renaissance
• The Timeline of the French Renaissance
• The life of Leonardo da Vinci: the genius
• How discoveries made during the Renaissance influenced people’s outlook on life
• The aspirations of global philosophy and Renaissance art
• New patterns of Renaissance thought
• Individualism and Humanism in the Renaissance
• The myth of Renaissance individualism
• Artists of the High Renaissance
• Why did Renaissance art incorporate all essential worldviews into one cohesive whole?
• Individualism is a trait of Renaissance humanism.
• Philosophy in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
• Psychology’s Renaissance
• Influential English poetry in the sixteenth century
• The woman in question in Renaissance texts
• How the Reformation grew from the Renaissance
• Family of the Medici and Florentine Renaissance

Modern Philosophy Research Paper Topics

Modern philosophy can be an excellent branch of philosophy to use in your research. The important aspect is bringing new perspectives to these existing research topics. Here are some interesting modern philosophy research paper topics.

• An introduction to modern philosophy
• Essential modern life values: an overview
• Why do morality and religion, which address the same issues, differ?
• Why do people slaughter animals for their religion?
• A comparative analysis of modern and ancient philosophies
• The postmodernist ideas in philosophy
• Monistic modern science vs. pluralistic modern science
• The existence of fate in the modern world
• A controversial aspect of modern life
• Abortion in modern society: a critical analysis
• War and peace in the modern era
• Modern ideas of language and its relation to reality
• Capital punishment in the modern era: is it justified?
• The mental demands of modern life
• The impact of covid-19 on religious freedom
• Essential life lessons that modern philosophy teaches us
• The concept of power in the modern age
• Understanding evil as a collective phenomenon in the modern world
• Will covid-19 lead to a decline in religion?
• An introduction to postmodern philosophy
• Exploring happiness through the prism of modern youth
• Postmodernism ideas in philosophy
• The dignity of human life: an ethical analysis
• Understanding Friendship Through the Eyes of Aristotle
• Hans Georg Gadamer on prejudice and the trans-modern project
• What are we learning from the nature of language?
• The existence of American dreams
• Humanity and philosophy

Basic Philosophy Research Topics on Capital Punishment

Some research paper topics revolve around some basic yet interesting facts. These basic philosophy research topic ideas are one of them:

• Drawbacks and benefits of capital punishment in the modern world
• Should capital punishment be justified in modern society?
• Abolishment of capital punishment for resolving the root causes of the problems
• Capital punishment: a global perspective
• An introduction to capital punishment in America
• Capital punishment as a legal system
• Adaptation of a permanent solution over capital punishment: an overview
• The role of criminal justice in debating the legality of capital punishment
• Relationship between capital punishment and reformative punishment
• Abolition of capital punishment
• Legalization of capital punishment: a philosophical investigation
• Understanding capital punishment as a global system
• The political and personal issues related to capital punishment
• Arguments for life and death regarding capital punishment
• The pros and cons of capital punishment
• A detailed introspection on the controversies related to capital punishment
• History and present status of capital punishment from a global perspective
• The psychological differences between criminals when they commit crimes and when they are punished

Argumentative Philosophy Research Paper Topics

Our experienced expert writers have managed to compile this list of excellent argumentative philosophy research topics for you. Read each one of these topics and choose the best for your research:

• Do most people feel they are living to the fullest extent possible?
• If being married for money meant you’d never be content, would you do it?
• Do you want to experience life more than once?
• A critical analysis of whether abiding by all regulations is morally right or not
• Religion-related philosophical debates
• Does life continue after death?
• Reconstructing the meaning of loneliness
• Multiculturalism and Autonomy in a liberal society
• Machiavelli’s concepts: examining the drawbacks and advantages
• Arguments against claiming that humanity is the only true religion
• Assessing the presence of life: Are people the only living things?

Argumentative Philosophy Research Paper Topics on Feminism

Feminism has been a source of contention for several decades. Feminism has come a long way, but much more must be done. This section is thoroughly concerned with students interested in knowing more about the philosophical aspects of feminism.

• Mary Baker Eddy’s pragmatic transcendental feminism
• A detailed analysis of feminism and transcendentalism in 19th-century America
• Feminism as a cultural renaissance
• Multiculturalism and Feminism
• Philosophical approaches to feminism
• The ruling of the spirit over the mind
• Feminism: Marriage and Civil Unions
• Feminist beliefs and feminist movements
• Normative and descriptive components
• Feminism and the Diversity of Women
• Feminist perspectives on rape
• Feminist perspectives on reproduction and the family
• Feminist perspectives on science
• Implications for feminist thought as well as teaching and learning
• Feminist perspectives on sex and gender
• Feminist perspectives on sex markets
• Feminist perspectives on the body
• Feminist standpoint theory
• Feminist perspectives on the self
• Feminist perspectives on trans issues

Political Philosophy Topics to Write About

Political philosophy is the branch of philosophy concerned with the philosophical study of government at the most abstract level, with the nature, concepts, scope, and arguments of political opinion.

• An introduction to political philosophy
• Platon’s political philosophy
• Difference between “positive” and “negative” liberty
• Understanding liberalism and feminism through political philosophy
• Classical and contemporary readings of political philosophy
• Appropriate limits on individual liberty and government authority
• The ethics of immigration
• Anatomy in political theories
• Cultural relativism: a detailed analysis
• The Leveling-Down Objection
• Philosophy of sexual orientation
• Retrieving Rawls for Racial Justice
• Rational Choice and Democratic Deliberation
• Apply philosophical thinking to real-world problems in politics;
• Libertarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know
• A detailed study on the origins of inequality
• Political and philosophical rights against discrimination
• A Concise Introduction to the World’s Greatest Political Philosophers and Their Ideas
• Epistemological commitments involved in social movements, civic, and political action interpretation of historical and contemporary texts in political philosophy
• A theory of government and freedom

The Bottom Line

These were some of the best 400+ philosophy research topics for your upcoming paper. Go ahead and choose the best philosophy topic idea that intrigues you the most.

The above topics are meant to serve and inspire you in your upcoming research work. After selecting the right topic for yourself, you can complete the research and, later on, the writing part. Remember that this will only be the initial phase of your research work. It is indeed going to be a long and challenging journey ahead. But know that hard work always keeps the wrinkles out of the mind and spirit. No matter how hard the journey will be, you will always find a light at the end of the tunnel.

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101 powerful philosophy research topics to get started.

• Research Topic

Embarking on the journey of writing a philosophy research paper invites scholars into the realm of timeless questions, profound inquiries, and intellectual exploration. Philosophy, the love of wisdom, provides a unique canvas for individuals to grapple with fundamental aspects of existence, knowledge, morality, and the nature of reality. In this introductory guide, we will navigate the essential elements and considerations that define the process of crafting a compelling philosophy research paper.

The Essence of Philosophy Research:

Philosophy, as an academic discipline, delves into the core fabric of human thought, seeking to unravel the complexities of existence and meaning. A philosophy research paper offers scholars an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing dialogue within this discipline, exploring theories, engaging with classical and contemporary philosophies, and presenting original insights.

101 Philosophy Research Topics

• The Nature of Consciousness: Dualism vs. Monism
• The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
• The Problem of Free Will and Determinism
• Existentialism and the Meaning of Life
• The Concept of Justice in Political Philosophy
• The Epistemology of Belief: Can Beliefs be Justified?
• Feminist Philosophy: Addressing Gender Inequality
• The Ethics of Animal Rights and Welfare
• The Relationship between Language and Thought
• Phenomenology and the Study of Conscious Experience
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering and Human Enhancement
• Metaethics: Understanding the Nature of Moral Judgments
• Eastern vs. Western Philosophy: A Comparative Analysis
• The Philosophy of Mind-Body Problem: Materialism vs. Idealism
• The Ethics of Environmental Conservation
• Pragmatism: Philosophy as a Tool for Solving Problems
• The Philosophy of Language: Analytic vs. Continental Approaches
• Virtue Ethics: Aristotle’s Contribution to Moral Philosophy
• The Existence of God: Arguments for and Against
• Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art
• The Relationship between Knowledge and Belief
• Utilitarianism and the Greatest Happiness Principle
• The Philosophy of Science: Realism vs. Anti-realism
• Sartrean Existentialism and Freedom
• The Ethics of War and Just War Theory
• The Nature of Reality: Idealism, Realism, and Nominalism
• The Concept of Time in Metaphysics
• The Ethics of Capital Punishment
• Social Contract Theory: Rousseau vs. Hobbes
• Nietzsche’s Philosophy: Beyond Good and Evil
• Epistemic Injustice: Understanding Unfairness in Knowledge
• The Problem of Evil in Philosophy of Religion
• Personal Identity and the Ship of Theseus Paradox
• The Ethics of Euthanasia: Right to Die vs. Sanctity of Life
• Hegel’s Dialectical Method in Philosophy
• The Philosophy of Mathematics: Platonism vs. Nominalism
• Nihilism: The Absence of Meaning and Value
• The Ethics of Lying and Deception
• The Concept of Beauty: Subjective vs. Objective Perspectives
• Rawlsian Justice and the Veil of Ignorance
• The Ontological Argument for the Existence of God
• The Philosophy of Technology and its Impact on Society
• Humean Empiricism and Skepticism
• The Ethics of Cloning and Reproductive Technologies
• The Philosophy of Education: Aims and Methods
• Kierkegaard’s Existential Christianity
• Socialism vs. Capitalism: Philosophical Underpinnings
• The Problem of Induction in Philosophy of Science
• The Ethics of Privacy in the Digital Age
• Phenomenology of Embodiment: Merleau-Ponty’s Contributions
• The Nature of Morality: Objective vs. Subjective Morality
• Wittgenstein’s Language Games and Meaning
• The Philosophy of Law: Natural Law vs. Legal Positivism
• The Ethics of Biomedical Research and Human Experimentation
• The Concept of Freedom in Existentialist Philosophy
• The Philosophy of Film and Narrative
• Anti-foundationalism and Postmodern Philosophy
• The Ethics of Corporate Social Responsibility
• Epistemology of Testimony: Trust and Justification
• Logical Positivism and the Verification Principle
• The Ethics of Immigration and Global Justice
• The Philosophy of Comedy and Humor
• Realism and Anti-realism in Philosophy of Mind
• The Concept of Alienation in Marxist Philosophy
• Epistemic Virtue and Intellectual Character
• The Ethics of Consumerism and Materialism
• The Problem of Universals in Metaphysics
• Axiology: The Philosophy of Value
• Cultural Relativism vs. Ethical Objectivism
• Philosophy of Psychiatry: Mental Illness and its Definitions
• The Relationship between Reason and Emotion in Moral Decision-Making
• The Ethics of Neuroenhancement: Cognitive Enhancement and Responsibility
• The Philosophy of Disability: Social Model vs. Medical Model
• The Nature of Beauty: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
• Pragmatic Realism and the Philosophy of William James
• The Ethics of Surveillance in Modern Society
• The Epistemology of Conspiracy Theories
• The Philosophy of Forgiveness: Morality and Healing
• The Problem of Other Minds in Philosophy of Mind
• Postcolonial Philosophy: Decolonizing Knowledge
• Environmental Ethics and Deep Ecology
• Feminist Epistemology and Standpoint Theory
• The Philosophy of Nonviolence: Gandhi’s Ahimsa
• The Ethics of Globalization and Economic Inequality
• Process Philosophy: Whitehead’s Metaphysical Vision
• The Relationship between Reason and Faith in Religious Philosophy
• The Philosophy of Disability: Autonomy, Identity, and Inclusion
• The Ethics of Autonomous Vehicles and Artificial Intelligence
• Analyzing Nietzsche’s Eternal Recurrence Concept
• The Philosophy of Risk: Decision-Making and Uncertainty
• The Ethics of Technological Surveillance and Privacy Invasion
• The Relationship between Beauty and Goodness: Aesthetic Ethics
• The Concept of Alienation in Contemporary Society
• The Philosophy of Nihilism in Literature and Culture
• The Ethics of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
• The Nature of Political Power: Foucault’s Discourse Analysis
• The Philosophy of Memory: Constructivism vs. Realism
• Analyzing Levinas’ Philosophy of Otherness and Ethics
• The Ethics of Human Enhancement Technologies
• The Relationship between Liberty and Equality in Political Philosophy
• The Philosophy of Punishment: Retribution vs. Rehabilitation

These philosophy research topics cover a wide range of areas within the field, allowing researchers to explore foundational questions, ethical dilemmas, and metaphysical inquiries. Researchers can tailor these topics to align with their specific interests and philosophical perspectives.

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You have been asked to write or present about a research topic, but how do you come up with a topic? Here is a process to help.

• Think about what has been discussed in class. What are some broad topics that immediately come to mind?
• Skim your textbook, course readings, and notes for these topics. What do you already know about these topics?
• What would you like to know more about each topic? Phrase it as a question.

Now that you have a few broad topics, you need to select one that is appropriate for the assignment, has enough information available, and will hold your interest. For each of the topics you have generated, search a few keywords in Google , Library Search , and Google Scholar .

• Is there a lot of information available or only a few sources?
• What words are being used in titles and abstracts (article summaries) to describe the topic?
• Are there names, dates, places, things, etc. that are repeatedly mentioned?
• Is there anything more specific about a topic that sounds interesting?

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Are you searching for ideas for a philosophical paper? Then you are in luck to have found our page. Our compilations of standardized research themes are sure to inspire you to write a grade A+ essay. You ought to know that the contents of your research must meet academic standards set for sciences, and our suggestions are meant to steer you in the right trajectory. The first step of the writing process begins by looking for research topics in philosophy. This post helps in providing you with lists of philosophy research topics for your paper. Check title ideas prepared by our papers writing service and get ready to write your own paper. 

What Are Philosophy Research Topics?

Most philosophy paper topics require a good amount of devotion to writing. Philosophy involves the study of axiology, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, philosophy of science, philosophy of the mind, and aesthetics, to name just a few. Each of these branches can seem broad and complex, which is why most students find selecting a handful of philosophical research topics to be hectic.  In fact, some people make the mistake of picking very intricate social science research topics of discussion in an attempt to impress their professors. The best approach, however, requires one to choose a simple but researchable subject matter. Identifying appropriate philosophy topics for a research paper is crucial in writing. Doing so narrows down your search significantly.

Characteristics of Good Philosophy Research Topics

Writers who earn high grades begin their research journey by choosing good research topics for philosophy. Doing so carries benefits, such as being able to write on a theme you like and understand well, which makes the process enjoyable. These merits later reflect in your final score on your philosophy paper. Looking out for these traits given below will allow you to find a unique subject matter for your essay easily. You should:

• Select a fascinating topic because it activates your imagination.
• If your theme is original, then you stand a higher chance of earning extra points compared to students who recycled from a list of overused philosophy research topics.
• Your preferred research issue ought to have plenty of information available in published resources, including books and the Internet.

Read more: What Is a Research Paper & How to Write It?

How to Choose a Philosophy Research Paper Topic?

Successful formulation of your research topic, to a great extent, determines your final grade. You want to avoid the mistake of picking a philosophy paper topic that exceeds your grasp of knowledge. For example, if you are in your first year of college, you cannot tackle a philosophy research paper topic in the Ph.D. category. When picking your preferred theme, you should:

• Consider the relevance of philosophy paper ideas to your specific area of study.
• Refer to your class assignments as a source of inspiration for developing your interests.
• Pick a topic that interests you, as this will allow you to research quickly in a fun and rewarding process.
• Ensure that your preferred research issue aligns with your professor's instructions.
• You need to discuss your selection with your instructor.

Top List of Philosophy Research Topics

In your search for writing ideas, you may consider top-tier philosophy topics to write a paper on. These themes, at times, prove to be a challenge. However, they are relatively popular, allowing you the chance to work with a vast amount of already existing resources. A wide variety of materials that are available and published make it easy to defend one's thesis with peer-reviewed findings. Here is a top-tier philosophy topics list.

• Free will from a philosophical perspective.
• An exploration of low moral standards.
• Irony through a philosophical lens.
• Are people morally obligated to be honest?
• Beauty standards from a philosophical stance.
• Aristotle's life and his influence on society.
• Philosophical role in the globalization process.
• The truth's relativity.
• Philosophical implications of the love-happiness dynamic.
• Race and justice in America.

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Interesting Philosophy Research Topics

There are numerous options within the interesting philosophy paper topics category. You need to have a good eye when picking from this collection because what you may consider attention-grabbing at times seems mundane to some people. Remember that your choice of essay topic should impress your professor. We have narrowed down the most thought-provoking themes and prepared a list of excellent philosophical paper topics that will captivate your instructor.

• Supernatural claims: real or myth?
• Can an individual find happiness despite them not having a family?
• Truth as a virtue and its value in society.
• Can one be rich without owning monetary wealth?
• Why do people kill for religious reasons?
• The psychology surrounding rules and obedience.
• Can the main characteristics that make a person be changed?
• Is it ethical to force people to observe science-backed traditions?
• Notable modern life values.
• Personal definition of happiness.
• Three approaches to the substance of thinking: monistic, dualistic, and populistic.
• French philosophies of the XIX-XX centuries.
• The essence of man is reflected in ancient philosophy.
• Comparing Plato's, Socrates', and Aristotle's philosophies.
• Common notion regarding life after death.

Easy Philosophy Research Topics

If you want to write your paper faster, it makes sense to look for easy research topics in philosophy. Such themes are not hard to come by as they address commonly encountered philosophical questions in people's daily lives. You may decide to note down two or three philosophy topics to talk about from the list below and discuss them with your instructor.

• What makes love last?
• Society's role in your personal life.
• The benefits of human emotions.
• What constitutes an ideal world?
• Good versus bad traits.
• The role education plays in your personal life.
• What are the principles of democracy?
• What would you choose between pursuing your passions and landing a well-paying job?
• Living without feeling alive.
• Strengths associated with the Determinist theory.
• In what ways does fear influence your everyday life?
• Does faith change human nature?
• Should abortion be made legal?
• Why do most countries not allow human cloning?
• What is harmony?

Fun Philosophy Paper Topics

Philosophical research topics can be fun and enjoyable, depending on the subject of discussion. Writing such themes is very engaging. Philosophy research paper topics in this category can be academic, informative, or for entertainment purposes.

• Morality as a virtue.
• Philosophical views in relation to space exploration.
• What your cat thinks of you.
• Why do people get irritated?
• The irony in poverty and its philosophical perspectives.
• Philosophical thoughts on what determines people's moods.
• Humor and mental health : Is laughter the best medicine?
• The irony of dying to live versus living to die.
• Video games and how they affect our perception of the comedy of tragedy.
• Machiavelli's ideas: Negatives and positives.
• Analyzing humanity in contrast to divinity.
• False beliefs about causes of death.
• Have you ever felt like a minority in any aspect of your life?
• Controversial aspect of modern life.
• Is joy the same as happiness?

Good Philosophy Research Topics

To assist you in succeeding in writing philosophical essays, we have availed a list of good philosophy research paper ideas to inspire your writing. Also, if you are a teacher in need of topics for a philosophy paper for each student, you can pick from the following list.

• Distinctions between humans and animals.
• Would you prefer to love or be loved?
• What does feminism mean to the world?
• The essence of time as it relates to philosophy.
• The age and wisdom.
• Have you faced any ethical dilemmas in the last decade of your life?
• Myths and the truth behind them.
• Science from a philosophical standpoint.
• Distinctions between ancient and modern life.
• Honor as a concept applied in medieval Europe.
• Top philosophers who lived in the 20th century.
• Examining the connection between power and reason.
• Possible rights of sentient robotics in the future.
• Science's significance in humanity's daily living.
• Is torture justifiable in any context?

We also have great ideas for psychology research topics and education research topics , to name a few. Browse our Blog for more title suggestions. 

Intriguing Philosophy Research Topics

If you are looking for adequately formulated philosophy paper ideas, you are in luck, as we have a collection of topics that you may find very intriguing. You can share this resource with others who might be having a hard time acquiring topics for philosophy research paper for their writing assignments.

• Is the subconscious mind physiological or abstract?
• Similarities associated with ethics and behavior.
• Maturity age and marriage age as defined by the social realm.
• Pros and cons of total control over society's behavior by totalitarian regimes.
• Beauty's effects on an individual's self-esteem.
• The two sides of suicide: For and against it.
• How are parents, in general, responsible for the actions of a child?
• Ethical Issues surrounding the topic of experimentation on animal subjects.
• Pros and cons associated with artificial intelligence.
• Do animals have souls?
• Do animals perceive human emotional states?
• The ethics associated with the cryptocurrency Bitcoin.
• What is a "necessary evil?"
• Pros and cons associated with marriage.
• Is morality objective or subjective?

Philosophy Research Paper Topics for Students

Philosophy research topics are distinctively academic in nature. When presented with the task of delivering a philosophical essay, the best option for students is to read guides and examples of essays similar to the task at hand. Then they present proposed research topics in philosophy to their professor. The search can be odious, but we have made it easy for you to quickly settle on a topic and begin writing. Here is a list of philosophy topics for a research paper in high school or college.

Philosophy Research Topics for High School

Many high school students are searching for their next philosophy project ideas. If you are in such a situation, our philosophical paper topics resource below should at least help narrow your search.

• Voting age dilemma: 16 or 18-year-olds.
• The abstract nature of the subconscious.
• Abortion as a question in life and death cycle.
• Philosophical views on the subject of taxing the super-rich.
• What lessons can younger people learn from your generation?
• The philosophical view on forgiveness.
• Positive thinking techniques.
• Egg versus hen: Which came first?
• Ethics and euthanasia.
• Are social protests a practical approach to demand change?
• Your greatest possession or treasure in life.
• Utopia as critically reviewed through a philosopher's lens.
• Missing ethical values in immortality.
• What created the concept known as the " American dream ?"
• Importance associated with philosophical studies.

Philosophy Research Topics for College Students

If you have been stressing thinking about philosophy term paper topics and you are lost on where to start, you are in luck, as you have landed on the right page. Here you will get a free list containing unique philosophical paper topics that you can use for your essay and impress your professor.

• "Beauty of the Heart": is the concept probable?
• Balancing law and ethics.
• A philosophical view on reincarnation.
• Does the truth always win an argument?
• Philosophical thoughts on the epic of Gilgamesh and how it changed approaches to human conflict resolution.
• What it means to "be proud of something."
• Art's impact on children's creative thinking.
• Is excessive knowledge dangerous?
• Will technological advancements reach an end?
• Inside a lying person's mind.
• Do humans owe anything to robots?
• The cycle of life and death.
• Is "the bottom line" an American cultural phenomenon?
• Is predatory capitalism in American healthcare ethical?
• Celebrities as role models for the youth.

Extra Philosophy Research Paper Topics & Ideas

Philosophy is a broad discipline with numerous applications. It explores areas such as law, history, politics, art, ethics, and human life, among others. We have tried as much as possible to cover common philosophy research paper topics in our lists. You can navigate to any section in this post that relates to your current project and borrow philosophy paper ideas for free.

Ancient Philosophy Research Topics

Ancient philosophy research paper topics cover historical aspects. It is interesting to learn about early theories and developmental stages of philosophical notions. The advantage of selecting a theme from the category of ancient research topics in philosophy is that there are enough materials to base your paper on in numerous publications.

• An ideal world as dreamt by Plato.
• An in-depth look at Immanuel Kant.
• Beliefs in ancient Greece.
• Reality as conceptualized by Aristotle.
• The life and death of Socrates.
• Unique elements associated with Roman philosophy.
• Philosophy and mythology.
• Philosophy's role as a theoretical doctrine in ancient times.
• Philosophical aspects in anthropology that are no longer relevant today.
• Cosmological nature of early Greek philosophy .
• "Know Thyself": Socrates.
• Roman stoicism and the rise of Christianity.
• Positive social changes as a result of Seneca's stoicism.
• The concept of honor in medieval culture.
• The evolution of ancient philosophy.

Read more: History Research Paper Topics  

Political Philosophy Research Topics

This section contains a list of political and philosophical research topics and ideas. Philosophy has a keen focus on politics in all aspects, including political science. This relationship allows for a variety of research areas that you can explore. Here are 15 philosophy topics for a research paper that you should consider.

• Enlightenment: political and philosophical ideas.
• Do political lies amount to abusing freedom of speech?
• Political revolution in Africa: Robert Mugabe.
• What drives people to engage in civil disobedience?
• Freedom and justice as political capital.
• How the synthesis of Freudianism and Marxism in Fromm's literature is reflected in the national policies of some countries.
• Political history as seen from a philosophical and ideological perspective.
• Human freedom and responsibility as reflected in the policies of certain countries.
• How politicians perceive the concept of superman in Nietzsche.
• Changes to the political foundations with respect to the challenge of unity and diversity.
• When does the truth become an epistemological and political problem?
• Pessimism and optimism as approaches to the development of society when considered political Strategies.
• Exploring the cultural and political self-determination of a human.
• National idea and its role in the formation of civil society.
• Roles of correctional institutions in punishment and criminal justice administration in America.

>> More ideas: Political Science Research Topics

Philosophy Paper Ideas on Ethics

Ethics and morality in philosophy is a branch that specializes in the idea of right and wrong. See our list of philosophy paper ideas. Checking through the compilation allows you to select a suitable philosophy research paper topic that makes you a candidate for a passing grade in your ethics essay .

• A philosophical review of standardized tests.
• Is evil naturally present in people?
• Ethical egoism: good or bad?
• Philosophical thoughts on the use of nuclear weapons.
• Philosophical metaethics in the context of experimental science.
• Same-sex marriages as seen through a philosopher's mind.
• Alcoholism in the modern age.
• Colonization in Africa and its moral implications.
• American corporate greed as the main drive for neoliberalism.
• Is venture capitalism evil?
• Neoliberalism's effects on global labor markets.
• An ethical and philosophical discussion of death sentence punishment.
• Political manipulation and its effects on social trust.
• Racism and gender discrimination's role in interstellar society.
• What is the most effective way to discipline your children?

Philosophy Research Topics on Human Life

Human life philosophy is concerned with the study of the status of human beings in the universe, and it also investigates the purpose and meaning of life. In an attempt to answer these critical questions, students may be asked to write essays that are based on research topics for philosophy. If you find yourself in need of assistance with ideas for your essay, our suggestions list for philosophical paper topics is an excellent place to start looking.

• Why happiness is such a complex life goal.
• Things that cause human life to seem senseless.
• Law and order as a recipe for peace.
• What qualifies human life as meaningful?
• What is a "perfect life" like?
• Why do Africans, especially children, have a high happiness index despite impoverished states?
• Would you desire to reincarnate?
• Role of culture in human life.
• Is there human-like life on other planets?
• Mental health and its effect on living standards.
• How AI will impact life in the next century.
• What modern life custom is likely to fade over time?
• What trajectory would life have followed without the Internet?
• Distrust in long-distance relationships.
• Do clones have souls?

Philosophy Research Topics About Art

Art is a testament to the creative human spirit, which links art to philosophy. If you are a student of art, you may be given a list of philosophy topics to talk about. Check out the art philosophy paper topics provided below.

• Philosophical Ideas in Poetry and Architecture.
• Leonardo da Vinci's painting is the true philosophy of the Renaissance.
• Is photography an art?
• Literature and philosophy as applied in political criticism.
• Ideality in creativity as a manifestation of consciousness.
• Creativity and art as a window to a person's inner spiritual world.
• Artistic value vs aesthetic value.
• Relationship between knowledge and creativity.
• Philosophical aspects and art.
• How will NFT (non-fungible tokens) usage change the future of art?
• Is art simply a human spiritual activity or ritual?
• Thoughts on art's lack of rational reproducibility and its bias towards symbolism and figurative forms of expression and cognition.
• Philosophical exploration: The intersection between art, religion, and science.
• Historical evolution involving the relationships between philosophy and history.
• Existentialism as noted by A. Camus, G. Marcel, and J.P. Sartre.

Philosophy Research Topics From Experts

If you are interested in conducting research in your area of expertise, the following are current philosophical research topics that you can consider depending on your specialty. Looking through our compilation of expert philosophy topics can help you identify a research gap in your field to gain several philosophy paper ideas for your project.

• An ideal world consisting of liberalism and fascism in political ideas.
• Philosophy and mediation, according to Rene.
• A summary: Charles Pierce's fixation on belief.
• A summary of Buddhist philosophical ideals.
• The ethics involving free will.
• Post-Colonial and feminist philosophy.
• Aristotle's friendship conditions.
• Is there evidence for God's existence?
• John McTaggart's unreality of time.
• Apology by Crito and Plato.
• A well-paid task versus a passion.
• Life after death: What is the popular African viewpoint?
• Modern life values that foster peace.
• The most prominent bother that comes with loneliness.
• How do religions die?

Philosophy Thesis Topics

Formulating proper thesis topics in philosophical subjects can prove challenging. Get started on any one of the philosophy topics for a research paper or thesis presented to you in this post. Our expert writers keenly formulated every proposition in the listing containing topics in philosophy for your thesis.

• The robotics industry as seen from a philosophical angle.
• A situation where humans have considered things as facts without evidence.
• Views on artificial intelligence in philosophy.
• The American dream's implications.
• The classical Socratic method.
• Hate crimes and how to combat them.
• The remarkable life and death of Plato .
• Honor was a social concept in ancient Rome.
• What thoughts does the term "a life based on reason" invoke in your mind?
• What is the ideal education in the 21st century?
• Intuition is a human trait.
• The power associated with slogans.
• The flaws of fixation of belief.
• Family values and how they influence personal character development.
• Implications of time's relativity.

Bottom Line on Philosophy Research Paper Topics

This post is meant to provide both students and professionals with a resource where they can look up philosophy topics for a research paper. The importance of topic selection as a critical step in the writing process is evident. It influences the process that follows after leading up to your final grade or the quality of your final essay. As long as you pick an interesting and researchable topic, you are not likely to encounter extreme difficulties in your writing process. We hope that you have found the research topics in philosophy in this post helpful.

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Philosophy: researching a topic.

• Philosophy Collections
• Philosophy eresources
• Researching a Topic
• Resources for researchers
• Referencing Guide

This guide explains how to start researching your topic.

Where to start

Encyclopedia and bibliographies give a useful starting point to find background information on your topic. The most useful ones for philosophy are:

• Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy    A broad range of articles. It is regularly revised and updated.
• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy    Excellent free resource. Some bibliographic entries link to PhilPapers so you can find articles easily.
• Oxford Bibliographies Online: Philosophy    A growing resource which provides guidance and recommendations about useful books, journal articles and websites for a range of topics in philosophy.
• Oxford Reference Online Includes reference works and dictionaries for philosophy.

Finding Journal Articles

• Searching for a known item
• Searching for an unknown item

You could also try  iDiscover . Select the 'Articles and online resources' radio button, then type a few words from the article's title into the search box. If the article is available online (and many of them are) then you should be able to get to it directly by clicking 'Full text available'. If it isn't online, then iDiscover  will tell you where copies of the print journal can be found.

You can see the whole list of journals the university subscribes to via the iDiscover Journal Search . Other useful ways to search for journal articles include Google Scholar , Project Muse and JStor (this only covers some journals).

When you find a useful article, check its list of references to find more information on that topic.

If you're looking for articles on a given topic be careful with your search terms, and try synonyms if you're not getting the results you hoped for. You can:

• Add a few keywords to the search box on iDiscover . You will need to be logged in first.

Alternatively you can search a database which just covers philosophy articles:

• PhilPapers    A directory of online philosophy articles and books by academic publishers. It has some useful bibliographies by topic which make a useful starting point.
• Web of Science Covers over 1,700 arts and humanities journals
• Scopus Covers around 2,000 arts and humanities journals

There is also:

Google Scholar is a search engine for academic resources like journal articles, peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, preprints, abstracts and technical reports.

When you use a campus-networked PC, Google Scholar will automatically link to the University of Cambridge library catalogue and display articles where we have full-text access.When off campus, you will need to select Cambridge in the Settings option (under Library Links).

However, with Google Scholar it can be very difficult to ensure that you don't find far too much irrelevant material.

Searching for information

• Planning your search
• Search techniques
• Evaluating results

Step 1: Write out the topic of your research as a sentence

This might be the whole topic of your research or just one area or argument.

Step 2: Identify the important words

Identify the keywords and phrases from your sentence or question.

Step 3: Identify alternative terms

Think of possible synonyms, variant spellings and related terms for each of your key concepts. Consider whether there are useful broader and narrower terms relating to your topic. Encyclopedia and dictionaries can be helpful to identify useful terms.

Step 4: Think about ways you could limit your search

You might find too many references on your topic, so think about ways that you could limit your search. Most databases will allow you to limit your search in these ways:

• Date - do you only want items published after a certain date?
• Language - do you only want references in English?
• Type of publication - do you only want references to journal articles, books, or theses.

Step 5: Think about where you are most likely to find relevant articles

More information on Philosophy eresources is available on our Philosophy eresources page.

You can use certain search commands that will improve the effectiveness of your search in most databases. Check the database help screens for more information.

Phrase searching

Use quotation (speech) marks to search for phrases where word need to appear next to each other (e.g. specific terminology, title of books and names). "Raven paradox"

Truncation and wildcards

Use a truncation symbol ( * ) to search for variant spellings and word endings  e.g. ethic* finds ‘ethic’, ‘ethics’, ‘ethical’...etc.

Use a wildcard symbol (?) to replace any single letter within or at the end of a word to search for variant spellings of words or plurals. e.g. Globali?ation’ finds British or American spelling

Search operators

Use search operators (also called Boolean operators) to combine your search terms. Type the operators in capitals.

AND (or + ) combines search terms so that each search result contains all of the terms.

• For example, ethics AND animals finds results that contain both terms. This makes your search narrower. Some databases automatically connect keywords with AND (not e.g. PhilPapers which you need to use a plus(+) to make sure words are included).

OR combines search terms so that each search result contains at least one of the terms. (Philpapers uses | instead)

• For example, ethics OR morals finds results that contain either term. This makes your search broader.

NOT (or - ) excludes a term, but if you're not careful you can also exclude useful items.

Combining search terms

Words representing the same concept should be bracketed and linked with OR. Groups of bracketed terms can then be linked with AND e.g. (ethics OR morals) AND animals

Once you've found some useful articles and assessed these, you may have to search again using different terms or a different database.

If the results are not on target you can:

• Check the spelling of your search terms
• Drop any unnecessary or misleading terms
• Think of other relevant search terms that you may have forgotten
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Philosophy of Education Research Paper Topics

This page presents a comprehensive list of philosophy of education research paper topics , offering students a profound dive into the intricate intersections of philosophy and educational theory. Spanning across historical viewpoints, modern debates, and ethical considerations, the topics encapsulate the vast spectrum of philosophical inquiry in the realm of education. As the academic landscape continues to evolve, such topics stand testament to the enduring influence and relevance of philosophical foundations in shaping pedagogical practices and beliefs.

100 Philosophy of Education Research Paper Topics

Philosophy of education serves as a critical lens through which we can inspect, understand, and shape the educational landscape. This discipline intertwines historical, ethical, and epistemological strands of philosophy, casting a light on the intentions, methods, and outcomes of educational practices. Choosing the right topic from the vast expanse of the philosophy of education can not only provide a solid foundation for a meaningful academic pursuit but also spark transformative debates that can reshape the future of education.

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1. Historical Evolution of Philosophical Thoughts in Education

• The Platonic model of education.
• Aristotelian perspectives on teaching and learning.
• The Renaissance and humanistic education.
• Enlightenment thinkers and their impact on education.
• The Romantic era: A shift towards individualism in education.
• Industrial Revolution: Standardization in schooling.
• Existentialism and its emphasis on individual choice in education.
• Postmodern critiques of traditional education.
• The influences of Eastern philosophies on Western educational thoughts.
• Progressive vs. traditionalist educational philosophies in the 20th century.

2. Educational Theorists and Their Philosophies

• John Dewey and experiential learning.
• Paulo Freire’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed.”
• Maria Montessori’s child-centric approach.
• Rudolf Steiner and Waldorf education.
• Jean Piaget’s stages of cognitive development.
• Lev Vygotsky and socio-cultural learning theories.
• Jerome Bruner’s spiral curriculum.
• Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences.
• John Locke’s “tabula rasa” and its implications.
• B.F. Skinner and behaviorism in education.

3. Philosophical Underpinnings of Modern Educational Systems

• The purpose of education: Socialization vs. individualization.
• The banking model of education critique.
• Standardized testing and its philosophical critiques.
• The hidden curriculum in schools.
• Holistic education: A philosophical examination.
• Home schooling: Autonomy and individualized learning.
• The philosophy behind special education.
• The rise and implications of e-learning and virtual classrooms.
• The “factory model” of education: Origins and critiques.
• Lifelong learning and its philosophical significance.

4. Ethics and Morality in Education

• Character education: Purpose and strategies.
• The role of religious education in secular schools.
• Addressing discrimination and bias in educational settings.
• The debate over sex education in schools.
• Punishment and reward systems in education.
• Educating for global citizenship.
• Academic integrity and the cultivation of moral values.
• The ethics of educational research.
• Moral dilemmas faced by educators.
• The purpose and implications of ethical education.

5. The Role of Logic and Critical Thinking in Education

• Logic in curriculum: Why and how?
• The significance of argumentative skills in schooling.
• Philosophy for children: Rationale and outcomes.
• Critical pedagogy and its implications.
• Analytic reasoning in classroom settings.
• Problem-solving skills and their development.
• The Socratic method in modern classrooms.
• Logical fallacies: Identifying and avoiding in educational discourses.
• Teaching philosophy in primary and secondary schools.
• The balance between emotional intelligence and logical reasoning.

6. Political Philosophy and Education

• Education as a tool for political socialization.
• Democratic education: Principles and practices.
• Totalitarian regimes and their educational doctrines.
• The politics of curriculum design.
• Citizenship education and its philosophical underpinnings.
• The school as a microcosm of societal structures.
• Critical theory and its implications for education.
• Neo-liberalism and its influence on educational policies.
• Radical pedagogy: Origins and implementations.
• Education as a means of social justice.

7. Aesthetics and Education: The Role of Art and Beauty in Learning

• The philosophical justification for arts in education.
• Beauty and its pedagogical implications.
• The transformative power of music in education.
• Drama as an educational tool: Benefits and challenges.
• The aesthetic experiences and their cognitive benefits.
• The role of creativity in holistic development.
• The relationship between artistic expression and emotional intelligence.
• Philosophical debates on the art curriculum.
• Aesthetic appreciation as a lifelong skill.
• The balance between arts and sciences in curriculum.

8. Social and Cultural Perspectives in Education

• Multicultural education: A philosophical exploration.
• Gender issues in education and their philosophical roots.
• The philosophical debates on bilingual education.
• Social reproduction theory in education.
• The school as a social system: Dynamics and implications.
• Cultural relativism and its impact on education.
• Indigenous knowledge systems and mainstream education.
• Education and the debate over cultural assimilation.
• Socio-economic factors and their philosophical implications in education.
• Globalization and its impact on educational philosophies.

9. Metaphysical Perspectives on Learning and Knowledge

• The nature of knowledge: A philosophical inquiry.
• Constructivism and its metaphysical roots.
• Realism, idealism, and their educational implications.
• The debate over the existence of innate ideas.
• The metaphysics of learning environments.
• Mind-body dualism and its implications for education.
• The nature of consciousness and its role in learning.
• The metaphysical debates over intelligence.
• Knowledge, belief, and truth in educational contexts.
• The metaphysical underpinnings of experiential learning.

10. Epistemology and Learning Theories

• Empiricism and its educational implications.
• Rationalism in the classroom.
• Pragmatism and its impact on educational practices.
• The epistemological foundations of constructivist teaching.
• Knowledge acquisition: Passive reception vs. active construction.
• The challenge of skepticism in education.
• The role of intuition in knowledge acquisition.
• The epistemological debates on memory and learning.
• The nature and limits of human understanding in educational contexts.
• The balance between subjective experience and objective knowledge in education.

Navigating through the myriad philosophy of education research paper topics showcases the boundless depth and diversity of the field. As the nexus of philosophical thought and educational practice, these topics offer rich avenues for exploration, critique, and transformation. In both academic and practical realms, the philosophy of education remains a pivotal discipline, challenging educators and learners to question, understand, and reimagine the foundations of learning and pedagogy.

The Range of Philosophy of Education Research Paper Topics

Introduction

Education, in its myriad forms, has always been at the core of human civilization, guiding societies towards enlightenment and progress. Yet, it is the philosophy of education that provides the critical compass, helping delineate the underlying principles, methods, and objectives of teaching and learning. Understanding this philosophy is not merely an academic exercise but a foundational endeavor that molds the spirit and structure of educational systems worldwide.

The Multitude of Topics Under Philosophy of Education

At its heart, the philosophy of education seeks to answer foundational questions about the nature, purpose, and methods of education. Is the primary goal of education to transfer knowledge, cultivate virtues, or foster critical thinking? How should educators balance the need for standardized curriculum with the unique needs of individual learners? Such questions span a vast array of philosophy of education research paper topics, each examining specific facets of educational thought and practice.

The Rich Historical Tapestry and Evolution of Educational Philosophies

Historically, the philosophy of education has evolved in tandem with broader philosophical movements. Classical thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle laid the groundwork with their discourses on the ideal state and the nature of knowledge. The Renaissance rejuvenated educational thought, emphasizing the potential of the individual, while the Enlightenment championed reason and empirical knowledge. In the 20th century, existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and phenomenologists like Martin Heidegger brought forth questions about freedom, existence, and the essence of learning. This historical journey is not just a chronicle of past ideas but a vibrant dialogue that continues to shape educational practices today.

Impact of Philosophy on Global Educational Systems and Practices

From the Vedic Gurukul systems of ancient India to the liberal arts colleges of modern America, educational systems worldwide have been deeply influenced by philosophy. For instance, Confucian principles emphasizing respect, discipline, and moral integrity have long informed East Asian pedagogies. Meanwhile, the Socratic method, which promotes critical inquiry through question and answer, remains a staple in Western classrooms. Moreover, contemporary global challenges, such as digitalization, globalization, and societal shifts, have given rise to new philosophical inquiries. These include debates on the role of technology in classrooms, the nature of global citizenship, and the purpose of education in an ever-changing world. Every educational system, with its unique practices and priorities, is a testament to the profound impact of philosophical thought.

Significance of Philosophy of Education in Academic Research

Academic research in the philosophy of education serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it promotes a deeper understanding of educational processes, guiding teachers, policymakers, and educators in refining pedagogies. On the other, it acts as a mirror, reflecting societal values, aspirations, and challenges. Engaging with philosophy of education research paper topics equips students and researchers with the analytical tools to dissect educational conundrums, propose innovations, and, importantly, contribute to the rich legacy of philosophical discourse. From examining the ethics of standardized testing to exploring the epistemological foundations of e-learning, these research endeavors are at the forefront of educational transformation.

As we stand at the cusp of unprecedented educational challenges and opportunities, the philosophy of education research paper topics holds more relevance than ever. They beckon scholars, educators, and students to delve deep, question established norms, and chart new frontiers in the realm of education. The exhaustive scope of these topics, spanning historical epochs to contemporary dilemmas, is a testament to the enduring and profound significance of the philosophy of education. As societies evolve, and the nature of knowledge itself transforms, these philosophical explorations will remain a lighthouse, guiding the educational odyssey towards greater horizons.

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As you stand at the crossroads of academic exploration, poised to delve deep into the intricate layers of the philosophy of education, consider not just the journey, but the allies you choose for the voyage. Philosophy, with its vast horizons and nuanced intricacies, demands not only passion but precision, not just thought but technique.

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Philosophy (General)

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Welcome to the Tisch Library research guide for Philosophy. Use the table of contents to find definitions, topic overviews, books, articles, and more that will help you with your research. 

If you don't find what you are looking for or need help navigating this guide or any of the resources it contains, don't hesitate to contact the author of this guide or  Ask a Librarian .

Specialized reference sources--like dictionaries and subject encyclopedias , provide overviews of topics and descriptions of concepts and ideas. They can also provide definitions, statistics, and other details. You can use this type of source to help narrow your research topic, find data to support your thesis, and identify keywords and main ideas to use as search terms.

The sources mentioned here normally also include bibliographies written by experts, which can provide a direct introduction to the scholarly literature in a field of study.

Online Encyclopedias and Dictionaries:

• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy organizes scholars from around the world in philosophy and related disciplines to create and maintain an up-to-date reference work. Great for bibliographies and an overview of what's known.
• Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy The Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy Online (REP Online) is the largest and most comprehensive resource available for all those involved in the study of philosophy. It is a trusted source of quality information, providing access to over 2,700 articles that have been edited for level and consistency by a team of renowned subject experts.
• Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy Covers all areas of philosophy and contains terms from the related fields of religion, science, and logic.
• New Dictionary of the History of Ideas Takes ideas such as "free will" and provides a systematic overview of the work all of the major thinkers on the subject. Includes excellent bibliographies.

Specific Topics in Philosophy:

• Oxford Reference Provides web access to more than 100 major Oxford University Press dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference works in the humanities, social sciences, foreign languages, science, technology and medicine, the performing arts, and religion. Works can be searched separately or across the entire databases. Includes over 1.5 million entries.
• Credo Reference Online reference resources from numerous publishers. This reference resource can be searched by individual title, broad subject headings, cross-references, audio and images. Use its research mapper to search for terms and topics that are interconnected and displayed in (a) visual form. Examples of titles are: Bloomsbury Guide to Art, Bridgeman Art Library Archive, Columbia Encyclopedia, Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, Harvard Dictionary of Music, and the Concise Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science. The complete list of titles is available on the CREDO Reference site.
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Research Philosophy & Paradigms

Positivism, Interpretivism & Pragmatism, Explained Simply

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | June 2023

Research philosophy is one of those things that students tend to either gloss over or become utterly confused by when undertaking formal academic research for the first time. And understandably so – it’s all rather fluffy and conceptual. However, understanding the philosophical underpinnings of your research is genuinely important as it directly impacts how you develop your research methodology.

In this post, we’ll explain what research philosophy is , what the main research paradigms  are and how these play out in the real world, using loads of practical examples . To keep this all as digestible as possible, we are admittedly going to simplify things somewhat and we’re not going to dive into the finer details such as ontology, epistemology and axiology (we’ll save those brain benders for another post!). Nevertheless, this post should set you up with a solid foundational understanding of what research philosophy and research paradigms are, and what they mean for your project.

Overview: Research Philosophy

• What is a research philosophy or paradigm ?
• Positivism 101
• Interpretivism 101
• Pragmatism 101
• Choosing your research philosophy

What is a research philosophy or paradigm?

Research philosophy and research paradigm are terms that tend to be used pretty loosely, even interchangeably. Broadly speaking, they both refer to the set of beliefs, assumptions, and principles that underlie the way you approach your study (whether that’s a dissertation, thesis or any other sort of academic research project).

For example, one philosophical assumption could be that there is an external reality that exists independent of our perceptions (i.e., an objective reality), whereas an alternative assumption could be that reality is constructed by the observer (i.e., a subjective reality). Naturally, these assumptions have quite an impact on how you approach your study (more on this later…).

The research philosophy and research paradigm also encapsulate the nature of the knowledge that you seek to obtain by undertaking your study. In other words, your philosophy reflects what sort of knowledge and insight you believe you can realistically gain by undertaking your research project. For example, you might expect to find a concrete, absolute type of answer to your research question , or you might anticipate that things will turn out to be more nuanced and less directly calculable and measurable . Put another way, it’s about whether you expect “hard”, clean answers or softer, more opaque ones.

So, what’s the difference between research philosophy and paradigm?

Well, it depends on who you ask. Different textbooks will present slightly different definitions, with some saying that philosophy is about the researcher themselves while the paradigm is about the approach to the study . Others will use the two terms interchangeably. And others will say that the research philosophy is the top-level category and paradigms are the pre-packaged combinations of philosophical assumptions and expectations.

To keep things simple in this video, we’ll avoid getting tangled up in the terminology and rather focus on the shared focus of both these terms – that is that they both describe (or at least involve) the set of beliefs, assumptions, and principles that underlie the way you approach your study .

Importantly, your research philosophy and/or paradigm form the foundation of your study . More specifically, they will have a direct influence on your research methodology , including your research design , the data collection and analysis techniques you adopt, and of course, how you interpret your results. So, it’s important to understand the philosophy that underlies your research to ensure that the rest of your methodological decisions are well-aligned .

So, what are the options?

We’ll be straight with you – research philosophy is a rabbit hole (as with anything philosophy-related) and, as a result, there are many different approaches (or paradigms) you can take, each with its own perspective on the nature of reality and knowledge . To keep things simple though, we’ll focus on the “big three”, namely positivism , interpretivism and pragmatism . Understanding these three is a solid starting point and, in many cases, will be all you need.

Paradigm 1: Positivism

When you think positivism, think hard sciences – physics, biology, astronomy, etc. Simply put, positivism is rooted in the belief that knowledge can be obtained through objective observations and measurements . In other words, the positivist philosophy assumes that answers can be found by carefully measuring and analysing data, particularly numerical data .

As a research paradigm, positivism typically manifests in methodologies that make use of quantitative data , and oftentimes (but not always) adopt experimental or quasi-experimental research designs. Quite often, the focus is on causal relationships – in other words, understanding which variables affect other variables, in what way and to what extent. As a result, studies with a positivist research philosophy typically aim for objectivity, generalisability and replicability of findings.

Let’s look at an example of positivism to make things a little more tangible.

Assume you wanted to investigate the relationship between a particular dietary supplement and weight loss. In this case, you could design a randomised controlled trial (RCT) where you assign participants to either a control group (who do not receive the supplement) or an intervention group (who do receive the supplement). With this design in place, you could measure each participant’s weight before and after the study and then use various quantitative analysis methods to assess whether there’s a statistically significant difference in weight loss between the two groups. By doing so, you could infer a causal relationship between the dietary supplement and weight loss, based on objective measurements and rigorous experimental design.

As you can see in this example, the underlying assumptions and beliefs revolve around the viewpoint that knowledge and insight can be obtained through carefully controlling the environment, manipulating variables and analysing the resulting numerical data . Therefore, this sort of study would adopt a positivistic research philosophy. This is quite common for studies within the hard sciences – so much so that research philosophy is often just assumed to be positivistic and there’s no discussion of it within the methodology section of a dissertation or thesis.

Paradigm 2: Interpretivism

 If you can imagine a spectrum of research paradigms, interpretivism would sit more or less on the opposite side of the spectrum from positivism. Essentially, interpretivism takes the position that reality is socially constructed . In other words, that reality is subjective , and is constructed by the observer through their experience of it , rather than being independent of the observer (which, if you recall, is what positivism assumes).

The interpretivist paradigm typically underlies studies where the research aims involve attempting to understand the meanings and interpretations that people assign to their experiences. An interpretivistic philosophy also typically manifests in the adoption of a qualitative methodology , relying on data collection methods such as interviews , observations , and textual analysis . These types of studies commonly explore complex social phenomena and individual perspectives, which are naturally more subjective and nuanced.

Let’s look at an example of the interpretivist approach in action:

Assume that you’re interested in understanding the experiences of individuals suffering from chronic pain. In this case, you might conduct in-depth interviews with a group of participants and ask open-ended questions about their pain, its impact on their lives, coping strategies, and their overall experience and perceptions of living with pain. You would then transcribe those interviews and analyse the transcripts, using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and patterns. Based on that analysis, you’d be able to better understand the experiences of these individuals, thereby satisfying your original research aim.

As you can see in this example, the underlying assumptions and beliefs revolve around the viewpoint that insight can be obtained through engaging in conversation with and exploring the subjective experiences of people (as opposed to collecting numerical data and trying to measure and calculate it). Therefore, this sort of study would adopt an interpretivistic research philosophy. Ultimately, if you’re looking to understand people’s lived experiences , you have to operate on the assumption that knowledge can be generated by exploring people’s viewpoints, as subjective as they may be.

Paradigm 3: Pragmatism

Now that we’ve looked at the two opposing ends of the research philosophy spectrum – positivism and interpretivism, you can probably see that both of the positions have their merits , and that they both function as tools for different jobs . More specifically, they lend themselves to different types of research aims, objectives and research questions . But what happens when your study doesn’t fall into a clear-cut category and involves exploring both “hard” and “soft” phenomena? Enter pragmatism…

As the name suggests, pragmatism takes a more practical and flexible approach, focusing on the usefulness and applicability of research findings , rather than an all-or-nothing, mutually exclusive philosophical position. This allows you, as the researcher, to explore research aims that cross philosophical boundaries, using different perspectives for different aspects of the study .

With a pragmatic research paradigm, both quantitative and qualitative methods can play a part, depending on the research questions and the context of the study. This often manifests in studies that adopt a mixed-method approach , utilising a combination of different data types and analysis methods. Ultimately, the pragmatist adopts a problem-solving mindset , seeking practical ways to achieve diverse research aims.

Let’s look at an example of pragmatism in action:

Imagine that you want to investigate the effectiveness of a new teaching method in improving student learning outcomes. In this case, you might adopt a mixed-methods approach, which makes use of both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. One part of your project could involve comparing standardised test results from an intervention group (students that received the new teaching method) and a control group (students that received the traditional teaching method). Additionally, you might conduct in-person interviews with a smaller group of students from both groups, to gather qualitative data on their perceptions and preferences regarding the respective teaching methods.

As you can see in this example, the pragmatist’s approach can incorporate both quantitative and qualitative data . This allows the researcher to develop a more holistic, comprehensive understanding of the teaching method’s efficacy and practical implications , with a synthesis of both types of data . Naturally, this type of insight is incredibly valuable in this case, as it’s essential to understand not just the impact of the teaching method on test results, but also on the students themselves!

Wrapping Up: Philosophies & Paradigms

Now that we’ve unpacked the “big three” research philosophies or paradigms – positivism, interpretivism and pragmatism, hopefully, you can see that research philosophy underlies all of the methodological decisions you’ll make in your study. In many ways, it’s less a case of you choosing your research philosophy and more a case of it choosing you (or at least, being revealed to you), based on the nature of your research aims and research questions .

• Research philosophies and paradigms encapsulate the set of beliefs, assumptions, and principles that guide the way you, as the researcher, approach your study and develop your methodology.
• Positivism is rooted in the belief that reality is independent of the observer, and consequently, that knowledge can be obtained through objective observations and measurements.
• Interpretivism takes the (opposing) position that reality is subjectively constructed by the observer through their experience of it, rather than being an independent thing.
• Pragmatism attempts to find a middle ground, focusing on the usefulness and applicability of research findings, rather than an all-or-nothing, mutually exclusive philosophical position.

If you’d like to learn more about research philosophy, research paradigms and research methodology more generally, be sure to check out the rest of the Grad Coach blog . Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help with your research, consider our private coaching service , where we guide you through each stage of the research journey, step by step.

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21 Comments

was very useful for me, I had no idea what a philosophy is, and what type of philosophy of my study. thank you

Thanks for this explanation, is so good for me

You contributed much to my master thesis development and I wish to have again your support for PhD program through research.

the way of you explanation very good keep it up/continuous just like this

Very precise stuff. It has been of great use to me. It has greatly helped me to sharpen my PhD research project!

Very clear and very helpful explanation above. I have clearly understand the explanation.

Very clear and useful. Thanks

Thanks so much for your insightful explanations of the research philosophies that confuse me

I would like to thank Grad Coach TV or Youtube organizers and presenters. Since then, I have been able to learn a lot by finding very informative posts from them.

thank you so much for this valuable and explicit explanation,cheers

Hey, at last i have gained insight on which philosophy to use as i had little understanding on their applicability to my current research. Thanks

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Explanations to the research paradigm has been easy to follow. Well understood and made my life easy.

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The explanation is very efficacy to those who were still not understanding the research philosophy. Very clear explanations on the types of research paradigms.

The explanation is very efficacy to those who were still not understanding the research philosophy.

thank you for this informative page.

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See the world from a plant’s perspective: on creating an interactive multimedia sculpture implying plant optics

• Alexandra Burnusuz
• Mariia Moshchenskaia
• Dmitrii Kadyrov

What do algorithms explain? The issue of the goals and capabilities of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)

• Moritz Renftle
• Holger Trittenbach
• Reinhard Heil

News and Comment

A clarification of the conditions under which Large language Models could be conscious

With incredible speed Large Language Models (LLMs) are reshaping many aspects of society. This has been met with unease by the public, and public discourse is rife with questions about whether LLMs are or might be conscious. Because there is widespread disagreement about consciousness among scientists, any concrete answers that could be offered the public would be contentious. This paper offers the next best thing: charting the possibility of consciousness in LLMs. So, while it is too early to judge concerning the possibility of LLM consciousness, our charting of the possibility space for this may serve as a temporary guide for theorizing about it.

• Morten Overgaard
• Asger Kirkeby-Hinrup

Advanced AI assistants that act on our behalf may not be ethically or legally feasible

• Silvia Milano
• Sven Nyholm

What does it mean, what does it take, and why is it important to understand climate change?

What kind of cognitive state occupies the central stage in our interest in the phenomenon of climate change? What exactly is required to achieve this cognitive state? This paper addresses these questions from a purely conceptual footing by delving into the recent philosophical literature on the nature of understanding. As it will be argued, given the cognitive benefits associated with this state and the (mostly) practical concerns underpinning it in this context, understanding is what we are after, at a cognitive level, when we are interested in climate change. Knowing this is important because it can be used to further determine (in a purely conceptual way) what is required to achieve this cognitive state as well as who can achieve it. Much of the discussion in this paper is devoted to showing that understanding climate change is a highly demanding cognitive state that can be achieved to different degrees and that requires different things depending on what we take ‘climate’ and ‘climate change’ to mean. The most important implication of this discussion concerns the level of understanding of this phenomenon that is achievable by laypeople: even though gaining a basic degree of understanding of climate change isn’t above laypeople’s capacities, when it comes to making the connection between climate change and the kind of phenomena that can negatively impact our society (e.g., extreme weather events), laypeople cannot do better than to trust the scientists.

• Gabriel Târziu

Animal research is not always king: researchers should explore the alternatives

Technological advances can reduce the numbers of laboratory animals used in studies — but they need to be carefully validated.

Optimal conditions, experimentation and drug testing

• Hippokratis Kiaris

Codes of conduct should help scientists navigate societal expectations

Scientists are increasingly expected to incorporate socio-political considerations in their work, for instance by anticipating potential socio-political ramifications. While this is aimed at promoting pro-social values, critics argue that the desire to serve society has led to self-censorship and even to the politicization of science. Philosophers of science have developed various strategies to distinguish between influences of values that safeguard the integrity and freedom of research from those impinging on them. While there is no consensus on which strategy is the best, they all imply some trade-offs between social desirability and the aims of science. If scientists are to incorporate socio-political considerations, they should receive relevant guidance and training on how to make these trade-offs. Codes of conduct for research integrity as professional codes of ethics can help scientists navigate evolving professional expectations. Unfortunately, in their current status, these codes fail to offer guidance on how to weigh possibly conflicting values against the aims of science. The new version of the European Code of Conduct (2023) is a missed opportunity in this regard. Future codes should include guidance on the trade-offs that professional scientists face when incorporating socio-political considerations. To increase effectiveness, codes should increase the attention that scientists have for such trade-offs, make sure scientists construe them in appropriate ways, and help scientists understand the motivations behind pro-social policies. Considering the authority of these documents—especially the European one—amending codes of conduct can be a promising starting point for broader changes in education, journal publishing, and science funding.

• Jacopo Ambrosj
• Kris Dierickx
• Hugh Desmond

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Research Philosophy

Research philosophy is a vast topic and here we will not be discussing this topic in great details. Research philosophy is associated with assumption, knowledge and nature of the study. It deals with the specific way of developing knowledge. This matter needs to be addressed because researchers may have different assumptions about the nature of truth and knowledge and philosophy helps us to understand their assumptions.

In business and economics dissertations at Bachelor’s level, you are not expected to discuss research philosophy in a great level of depth, and about one page in methodology chapter devoted to research philosophy usually suffices. For a business dissertation at Master’s level, on the other hand, you may need to provide more discussion of the philosophy of your study. But even there, about two pages of discussions are usually accepted as sufficient by supervisors.

Discussion of research philosophy in your dissertation should include the following:

• You need to specify the research philosophy of your study. Your research philosophy can be pragmatism , positivism , realism or interpretivism as discussed below in more details.
• The reasons behind philosophical classifications of the study need to be provided.
• You need to discuss the implications of your research philosophy on the research strategy in general and the choice of primary data collection methods in particular.

The Essence of Research Philosophy

Research philosophy deals with the source, nature and development of knowledge [1] . In simple terms, research philosophy is belief about the ways in which data about a phenomenon should be collected, analysed and used.

Although the idea of knowledge creation may appear to be profound, you are engaged in knowledge creation as part of completing your dissertation. You will collect secondary and primary data and engage in data analysis to answer the research question and this answer marks the creation of new knowledge.

In respect to business and economics philosophy has the following important three functions [2] :

• Demystifying : Exposing, criticising and explaining the unsustainable assumptions, inconsistencies and confusions these may contain.
• Informing : Helping researchers to understand where they stand in the wider field of knowledge-producing activities, and helping to make them aware of potentialities they might explore.
• Method-facilitating : Dissecting and better understanding the methods which economists or, more generally, scientists do, or could, use, and thereby to refine the methods on offer and/or to clarify their conditions of usage.

In essence, addressing research philosophy in your dissertation involves being aware and formulating your beliefs and assumptions.  As illustrated in figure below, the identification of research philosophy is positioned at the outer layer of the ‘research onion’. Accordingly it is the first topic to be clarified in research methodology chapter of your dissertation.

Research philosophy in the ‘research onion’ [2]

Each stage of the research process is based on assumptions about the sources and the nature of knowledge. Research philosophy will reflect the author’s important assumptions and these assumptions serve as base for the research strategy. Generally, research philosophy has many branches related to a wide range of disciplines. Within the scope of business studies in particular there are four main research philosophies:

• Interpretivism (Interpretivist)

The Choice of Research Philosophy

The choice of a specific research philosophy is impacted by practical implications. There are important philosophical differences between studies that focus on facts and numbers such as an analysis of the impact of foreign direct investment on the level of GDP growth and qualitative studies such as an analysis of leadership style on employee motivation in organizations.

The choice between positivist and interpretivist research philosophies or between quantitative and qualitative research methods has traditionally represented a major point of debate. However, the latest developments in the practice of conducting studies have increased the popularity of pragmatism and realism philosophies as well.

Moreover, as it is illustrated in table below, there are popular data collection methods associated with each research philosophy.

 Research philosophies and data collection methods [3]

My e-book,  The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Dissertation in Business Studies: a step by step assistance contains discussions of theory and application of research philosophy. The e-book also explains all stages of the  research process  starting from the  selection of the research area  to writing personal reflection. Important elements of dissertations such as  research philosophy ,  research approach ,  research design ,  methods of data collection  and  data analysis  are explained in this e-book in simple words.

John Dudovskiy

[1] Bajpai, N. (2011) “Business Research Methods” Pearson Education India

[2] Tsung, E.W.K. (2016) “The Philosophy of Management Research” Routledge

[3] Table adapted from Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2012) “Research Methods for Business Students” 6 th  edition, Pearson Education Limited

What Are the New Questions of Philosophy?

2018, in trending philosophical topics.

• Link Copied

“Right now there are few or no regulations, guidelines, or ethical agreements that have addressed many of the real issues that are facing the world,” a Masthead member wrote on our forums last week. His comment stoked a thoughtful conversation about whether established thinking and entrenched institutions can effectively navigate the complexity of the contemporary world, or whether fresh approaches are required. It led my fellow Masthead editors and I to a question: What subjects are now being confronted at the frontiers of philosophical inquiry, breaking from the familiar philosophical concerns of canonical figures like Plato, Locke, and Descartes? In today’s issue, you’ll hear from two philosophers who have thought deeply about the new questions shaping their field, and explore new additions to one of the most robust online resources for budding philosophers.

—Caroline Kitchener

How often do you move?

On Friday, we’ll be looking into geographic mobility, and how you—our members—have come to choose the place you call “home.” Take a few seconds, and fill out our quick survey .

What New Philosophical Questions Can Help Clarify the Modern Day?

By Caroline Kitchener

The canon of well-known philosophers is small, and mostly limited to a demographically homogeneous group of figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hume, and Locke. “Many people just assume we know who the great thinkers are—[the traditional philosophical canon] is not really in question,” said Andrew Janiak, a professor of philosophy at Duke and the editor of Project Vox, a nonprofit devoted to diversifying the field of philosophy. But Janiak, whose work we wrote about in 2015 , told me the canon is starting to diversify, slowly, in two key ways: by broadening the range of voices (especially beyond white men) on the longstanding questions of philosophy, and by broadening the scope of philosophical inquiry to new, more current questions.

The new questions go beyond probing the existence of God and the nature of consciousness to respond directly to the concerns of today, from the lives of marginalized groups to the stresses of modern relationships, said Elizabeth Harman, a professor of philosophy and human values at Princeton. I asked Janiak and Harman, a professor of philosophy and human values at Princeton, to each share an example of an emerging philosophical question, and make a few suggestions for further reading.

1. The Lived Reality of Love

By Elizabeth Harman, Professor of Philosophy and Human Values at Princeton University and co-editor (with Alexander Guerrero) of the forthcoming book, The Norton Introduction to Ethics

While philosophers have traditionally discussed the nature of love, philosophers today are taking seriously its lived reality, and the implications of that reality. Love is not just romantic love between two people. The lived reality of love includes polyamorous love, love between siblings, love between friends, love of fetuses and children, and many other types and forms of love. Considering love as it is actually lived leads us to new questions: such as how we should recognize the loving relationships of others, and how we should treat the objects of love.

Should we privilege two-person, romantic relationships?

Elizabeth Brake, a professor of philosophy at Arizona State University, argues that the benefits of marriage should not be restricted to romantic relationships, and should not be limited to relationships between pairs: Two platonic friends, or three lovers together, should be able to marry.

Reading List :

Elizabeth Brake, Minimizing Marriage

Do we owe our loved ones the benefit of the doubt?

Sarah Stroud and Simon Keller have each compellingly argued that the answer is “yes.” Even when we have sufficient evidence for a friend’s guilt, we should refrain from believing ill of her, except perhaps in the face of overwhelming evidence.

Simon Keller, “ Friendship and Belief ,” Philosophical Papers

Sarah Stroud, “ Epistemic Partiality in Friendship ,” Ethics

How does love affect the ethics of procreation?

I have argued that we can love fetuses from the moment they are conceived, which shows that these fetuses matter morally. This might appear to imply that something bad happens in an early abortion, but I argue that this does not follow. Rather, the moral status of early fetuses depends on whether they actually have futures as persons. (Here’s the actor James Franco interviewing me about this.)

Elizabeth Harman, “ Creation Ethics : The Ethics of Abortion and the Moral Status of Early Fetuses,” Philosophy and Public Affairs

Elizabeth Harman, “‘ I’ll Be Glad I Did It ’ Reasoning and the Significance of Future Desires,” Philosophical Perspectives

2. Gender and the History of Philosophy  

By Andrew Janiak, Professor of Philosophy at Duke University

The old idea that women never produced any important works of philosophy is increasingly being revealed as a sham. The historical record is full of treatises, plays, poems, and letters written by women who contributed to philosophy over the past few centuries, from Margaret Cavendish in England—the first woman to visit the Royal Society in London—to Emilie Du Chatelet in France. Scholars throughout the world are now excavating their works and bringing them into the light. We now have a virtuous circle: The more that scholars search through history for the lost contributions of women to philosophy, the more we find. The more we find, the more we can teach our students about such contributions, thereby generating more interest in new discoveries.

What contributions have women made to modern philosophy?

Through detailed arguments and footnotes replete with citations, Eileen O’Neill has shown that women made numerous contributions to philosophy from 1600-1800, and that their work has been systematically ignored in histories of philosophy. And in the volume Women and Liberty, 1600-1800, Jacqueline Broad and Karen Detlefsen document how women wrote about liberty and gender-based oppression across several centuries, subjects on which many male “canonical” figures were silent.

Eileen O’Neill, “Disappearing ink: early modern women philosophers and their fate in history,” in Philosophy in a Feminist Voice , edited by Janet Kourany

Women and Liberty, 1600-1800 , edited by Jacqueline Broad and Karen Detlefsen

What is the state of gender relations in philosophy today?

The contributions to the collection, Women in Philosophy: What Needs to Change , tackle the dramatic underrepresentation of women in philosophy, suggesting solutions to this increasingly acknowledged problem.

Women in Philosophy: What Needs to Change , edited by Katrina Hutchison and Fiona Jenkins

2018, in Trending Philosophical Topics

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (SEP) is a collection of more than 1,600 online entries of pertinent philosophical topics. In order to decide which topics make it onto the platform, the Encyclopedia “[relies] on the judgments of our subject editors, who sometimes have to make hard decisions,” said Edward Zalta, the principal editor of SEP, and a senior research scholar at Stanford University. The Atlantic ’s Robinson Meyer wrote about the resource in 2012, when a page on the ethics of social networking platforms was added. The Encyclopedia lists their entries chronologically, so we looked into some of its most recent additions, many of which seem to respond directly to the issues of the day. Here are a few of the newer entries, along with brief excerpts from the Encyclopedia.

1. Artificial Intelligence (Added July 12)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the field devoted to building artificial animals (or at least artificial creatures that—in suitable contexts— appear to be animals) and, for many, artificial persons (or at least artificial creatures that—in suitable contexts— appear to be persons). Such goals immediately ensure that AI is a discipline of considerable interest to many philosophers, and this has been confirmed (e.g.) by the energetic attempt, on the part of numerous philosophers, to show that these goals are in fact un/attainable.

2. Sex and Sexuality (Added July 5)

Sex has received little attention in the history of western philosophy, and what it did receive was not good: Plato denigrated it, arguing that it should lead to something higher or better … Aristotle barely mentioned it, and Christian philosophers condemned it: Augustine argued that its pleasures are dangerous in mastering us, and allowed sex only for procreation, while Aquinas confined its permissibility to conjugal, procreative acts.

3. Feminist Philosophy (Added June 28)

As feminist philosophers carry out work in traditional philosophical fields, from ethics to epistemology, they have introduced new concepts and perspectives that have transformed philosophy itself. They are also rendering philosophical previously un-problematized topics, such as the body, class and work, disability, the family, reproduction, the self, sex work, human trafficking, and sexuality. And they are bringing a particularly feminist lens to issues of science, globalization, human rights, popular culture, and race and racism.

​​​​​​​ 4. The Ethics of Manipulation (Added March 30)

To say that Irving manipulated Tonya is commonly taken to be a moral criticism of Irving’s behavior. Is manipulation always immoral? Why is manipulation immoral (when it is immoral)? If manipulation is not always immoral, then what determines when it is immoral?

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​5. Disagreement (Added February 23)

You may disagree with your spouse or partner about whether to live together, whether to get married, where you should live, or how to raise your children. People with political power disagree about how to spend enormous amounts of money, or about what laws to pass, or about wars to fight. If only we were better able to resolve our disagreements, we would probably save millions of lives and prevent millions of others from living in poverty.

Today’s Wrap Up

Today’s Question : What do you think are some of the new philosophical questions worth considering? Are there any topics you think the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy should include that it doesn’t?

What’s Coming : Over on the forums , there has been much talk about the concept of home. How did you come to live where you live, and why do you stay there? On Friday, we’ll look into those questions.

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