The Philosophers' Cocoon

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  • What is philosophical methodology, and how do you convey it to others?

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

    What is methodology?

    I've been in the field as a student or professional for almost two decades, I've taught 1,000+ students, I've published articles, and yet I realized this week after referee comments with a revise-and-resubmit verdict that I have thus far never clarified for myself what is meant in our field by talk of "methodology." (I suspect, or at least hope, I'm not the only person with this blindspot) Will our wonderful blog readership demistify that concept for me? How do you explain your choice of methodology in your work to colleagues, to readers, to students?

    Good question. If you check out p. 33 of Bourget and Chalmers, "Philosophers on Philosophy: The 2020 PhilPapers Survey, you'll find that beyond a clear majority of philosophers supporting conceptual analysis and "empirical philosophy" as methodologies, there is wide disagreement–as there is, obviously, on most philosophical issues. 

    I have my own views on philosophical methodology, which I defended here in my first book. In a nutshell, I contend that to make philosophy more truth-apt, we should (when possible) evaluate philosophical arguments and theories using seven principles of theory selection adapted from the sciences. Alas, that doesn't seem to have much caught on–and I'm not entirely opposed to more speculative philosophical methods (so long as we recognize that they are just that). So, when I teach (I only teach undergraduate courses), I normally just teach basic methods: logic, critical thinking, and basing arguments on premises that seem well-supported by our evidence, broadly construed. But, like the OP, I'm curious to hear from others! 

    What is philosophical methodology to you, and how do you convey it to others?

    10

  • When your institution fails to follow through on spousal accommodation?

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

    I received and accepted a TT offer in the last job cycle, which was great. During negotiations, I asked what they could do for my spouse (also an academic). They offered them an adjunct position, saying they would teach 2 courses per semester for up to three years, pending positive reviews. We accepted this (both moving to the area) because it was financially feasible (though very tight) and it would give my spouse the chance to stay on the market with affiliation.

    Since then, however, the university has been incredibly difficult about my spouse's employment. They're not providing a contract, and I've had to pull teeth (send multiple emails to a variety of administrators) to even get a list of courses my spouse *might* teach in the fall. We still don't have any guarantee that my spouse will teach in the fall or the spring.

    I feel crazy. This offer for my spouse was in writing, and now they're acting like it never existed. If my spouse doesn't get this position nailed down, we'll be financially in a precarious position, and my spouse will be on the market with no position and no affiliation.

    I know spousal positions are notoriously a challenge, and I'm not expecting the moon. But we made serious life choices based on that offer, and it feels now I have no power to hold them to it. I'm nervous to do anything too aggressive for fear of jeopardizing my own relationships with admin in the university, a place where I was hoping to get tenure. Does anyone have any advice?

    Yikes, I'm so sorry the OP and their spouse are dealing with this. I get why the OP doesn't want to do anything "too aggressive", but yeah, this seems really messed up on the university's part.

    Do any readers have any helpful advice to share?

    5

  • Office-decorating tips?

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

    I recently accepted my first post-grad school job. The department is giving me an office for solo use. Any advice on how to decorate, and make it a functional space that will be welcoming to students and other faculty? Any advice that might not be obvious to someone who has never had an office before?

    I have to confess that I've never really decorated my office: it's just filled with books and other functional work stuff. But if other readers have tips, do share! 🙂

    15

  • Pursuing a philosophy grad degree years after undergrad?

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

    Been out of academia since 2018 but avid reader. BS in philosophy and want to return for graduate school. Any guidance on how to get back in? Goal is not to earn money, I already have a career. I want to be happy and learn again instead of being stagnant.

    My spouse did something like this in another field. Her path involved first taking some grad classes as a non-degree-seeking student. This enabled her to get up to speed with the discipline, demonstrate the ability to do good work, and obtain letters of recommendation. Then, along with that, she spent time studying for the GRE. The strategy worked: even though she didn't have an undergrad degree in the field, she was able to get into a top program. But this is obviously just one case, and in a different field than philosophy.

    Do any readers have any helpful tips or experiences to share?

    7