The Philosophers' Cocoon

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Contact: marvan@ut.edu

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Job-Market Reporting Thread (2025-26)
Job-Market Discussion Thread (2025-26)

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  • Application to PhD positions – advice?

    In our new "how can we help you?" thread, a reader asks:

    I had a strong track record until my master thesis, which got a C; and my university doesn't use GPAs. In some programs it means it is not even worth applying (criteria of B minimum to be eligible).

    Should I try to re-take the module and write a new master thesis to improve the grade or to prioritize something else? I am applying mostly in Europe as it is the system I know, but am open to other continents as long as I can find funding options (fully-funded).

    Do readers have any helpful advice to share?

    7

  • Do you read assigned readings as an instructor before every class?

    In our new "how can we help you?" thread, a reader asks:

    As we approach the next academic year, I'm wondering: do you read all of your assigned texts in advance of each class? And if so, in what level of depth?

    I'm in the habit of reading each text very closely. As a junior philosopher, I'm anxious about getting "caught out" in the classroom. But sometimes I read / hear of philosophers doing only 30-60 minutes of prep per class. And surely one can't properly digest 1-2 papers in that time…?

    I do, but for classes I've taught many times where I'm using the same readings that I have before, it's usually just a quick refresher. For courses that I'm prepping for the first time, I read everything very carefully before each class in putting lectures together–and given my course load (normally 3/3), this usually takes a full day of prep. But I also know people who do things very differently, prepping all of their lectures before the semester even begins (I don't do this in part because I set aside summer and winter breaks for rest and research).

    What does everyone else do?

    9

  • How much do search committees value public philosophy?

    In our new "how can we help you?" thread, a reader asks:

    Hiring committee members: How much do you care about a junior candidate's work in public philosophy? For example: if they have a large substack, go on podcasts, write at outlets like Quilette or Prindle Post, does that matter to you?

    My guess is that the work is a positive as long as the candidate hasn't neglected teaching and research. But I'm wondering just how much of a positive this is. Is it a big deal? Little deal?

    My two cents: I think it should count alot, for the reasons Alex Guerrero gives in this DN post: https://dailynous.com/2023/06/27/the-fourth-branch-guest-post/

    Great questions! Do readers have any relevant insights to share?

    12

  • Tips for one’s first conference talk?

    In our new "how can we help you?" thread, a reader asks:

    I’m giving my first conference talk this November (at the PPE society in NO) on a paper that I’m currently working to improve but which may, ultimately, be a dud. Any tips on giving a first talk in general or on giving a talk on a piece of work that may still have a long way to go before it’s any good?

    Do readers have any helpful tips to share? 

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