Philosophical Community

The spirit of philosophy is the spirit of free inquiry, in which each person thinks for themselves about issues, rather than adopting the views of others. Philosophical questions differ in size and obviousness and felt human urgency, but they are alike in that they all lack settled answers. Our main resource in the ongoing search for better answers is the scrutiny of existing answers for as-yet unnoticed strengths and weaknesses in open-ended discussion with others — dialogue. Philosophical dialogue is often most fruitful when it produces challenges, alternative perspectives, and criticisms of favored views. It sharpens disagreements at least as often as it builds consensus. A healthy philosophical community fosters inquiry by welcoming individuals with a wide variety of interests, backgrounds, and personal aspirations. 

Our department is committed to recruiting doctoral candidates who have excellent undergraduate-level preparation and who will contribute to the range and variety of perspectives, concerns, and life experiences a healthy philosophical community needs.

We are also committed to maintaining a healthy climate for the study of philosophy. There are many challenges in maintaining a good climate. Our colleagues at Rutgers have curated a collection of information and resources on such issues in the Climate section of their web page "Climate Issues in Academic Philosophy". If you have concerns about a climate issue within the Stanford Philosophy Department, we encourage you to consult with a trusted faculty member, or with the Director of Graduate Studies, or the Chair of the Department. 

Stanford University has strong policies prohibiting discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  These policies cover hiring, promotion, employment conditions, admission, and all other benefits provided by the University.  Stanford University maintains vigorously enforced policies prohibiting all forms of discrimination, harassment, and related inappropriate behavior in the workplace, and there are numerous helpful resources on campus to assist members of the community in addressing problems in those areas. The Philosophy Department takes these policies very seriously, and we strive not only to live by their letter, but to integrate their spirit into our efforts to build an inclusive intellectual community.

Learn more about the DIVERSITY AND ACCESS OFFICE
Learn more about the SHARE TITLE IX  and TITLE VI OFFICE (formerly the Sexual Harassment Policy Office)

 Confidential assistance with fair conflict resolution is available from the STANFORD UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF THE OMBUDS.