Philosophical Gourmet Report

The Philosophical Gourmet Report (PGR) stands as one of the most prestigious and respected rankings for philosophy departments across the English-speaking world. Edited by Brian Leiter, a distinguished professor of philosophy and law, the PGR provides in-depth evaluations of graduate philosophy programs, ranking them based on various factors including faculty strength, intellectual rigor, and specialization in key areas of the discipline. For prospective graduate students, the PGR serves as a valuable guide in choosing the best institutions that align with their intellectual interests and professional goals. It helps them navigate the competitive world of philosophy graduate programs, making an informed decision about where to pursue their graduate studies.

Among the leading U.S. institutions, the University of Chicago stands out as a giant in the world of philosophy, particularly for its strength in continental philosophy. The Philosophical Gourmet Report ranked Chicago's philosophy department as the best in the field of continental philosophy, which includes the study of major philosophers such as Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Michel Foucault. These intellectual titans shaped much of the modern philosophical landscape, and for students passionate about these thinkers, the University of Chicago offers unparalleled resources and faculty expertise. The department’s commitment to this intellectual tradition, along with its broader engagement with other philosophical areas, makes it an ideal destination for those wanting to dive deeply into the study of continental philosophy.

The department's prestige in continental philosophy is part of its broader reputation for excellence. Chicago’s program is consistently ranked at the top across several subfields, including ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of mind, and metaphysics. Moreover, the department's faculty includes leading scholars in a variety of areas, ensuring that students receive rigorous training and have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge philosophical research. Students graduating from the University of Chicago’s philosophy program are well-equipped to contribute to both academic and public discussions on major philosophical issues, making it a top choice for those serious about pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy.

The University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) offers an alternative for students seeking a strong graduate philosophy program without necessarily aiming for a Ph.D. The Philosophical Gourmet Report ranked UMSL's master's degree program in philosophy 8th in the U.S., highlighting the department’s strength in providing a solid philosophical foundation for students who may wish to pursue further study or enter the workforce with a master's degree. UMSL’s reputation in this area is a testament to its commitment to high academic standards and its ability to offer a quality graduate education in philosophy. The department also places a strong emphasis on preparing students for real-world applications of philosophy, especially in professional fields where philosophical training is highly valued, such as law, education, public policy, and social services.

UMSL’s philosophy department has a diverse faculty, and students have the opportunity to explore a variety of philosophical traditions, including analytic philosophy, ethics, and logic. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests while still receiving a rigorous grounding in key philosophical concepts and debates. For students who are looking for a comprehensive yet accessible philosophy graduate program, UMSL stands out as an excellent choice.

Another noteworthy institution is the University of California, Irvine (UCI), which earned a highly respectable 23rd place ranking in the 2009 Philosophical Gourmet Report. UCI’s philosophy department is especially known for its interdisciplinary strengths and its focus on philosophy's intersection with other fields, including philosophy of science, decision theory, rational choice, and game theory. UCI’s philosophy department has been ranked 1st in the U.S. for its decision theory, rational choice, and game theory program, highlighting its strength in areas that blend philosophical analysis with mathematical and economic models. This specialization is particularly appealing to students who want to explore philosophical questions with a more empirical or scientific approach.

UCI also garnered high rankings in areas like philosophy of physics, philosophy of science, and philosophy of social science, reflecting the department’s diverse approach to philosophical inquiry. Philosophy of physics and science have become increasingly important as philosophy engages with rapidly developing fields like quantum mechanics, cosmology, and the philosophy of biology. UCI’s graduate program offers an opportunity to explore the philosophical implications of these scientific fields, making it an attractive destination for students interested in both philosophy and science.

UCI’s program also excels in historical areas such as early modern philosophy (17th century) and philosophy of mathematics, with several faculty members specializing in these areas. UCI’s commitment to providing a well-rounded and interdisciplinary approach to philosophy ensures that students are exposed to a broad range of philosophical topics, making the department an excellent choice for anyone interested in a philosophy graduate program that blends classical and contemporary issues.

The University of Colorado at Boulder is another prominent institution in the Philosophical Gourmet Report, ranked 26th for its Ph.D. program in philosophy. Boulder’s philosophy department has built a reputation for excellence across a wide range of philosophical areas. It is particularly known for its strengths in medieval philosophy, applied ethics, feminist philosophy, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of language. Boulder’s faculty includes prominent scholars in applied ethics, a field that addresses practical moral issues such as bioethics, environmental ethics, and social justice, making the department an appealing option for students interested in using philosophy to address real-world concerns.

The department also excels in feminist philosophy, which has become an increasingly influential field in contemporary philosophical discussions. Students at Boulder can engage with critical issues related to gender, identity, and power, making the program attractive to those interested in feminist theory and gender studies. Additionally, Boulder has a strong reputation in areas like philosophy of mind and metaphysics, offering students a robust training in the fundamental questions of consciousness, reality, and human existence.

One of the hallmarks of the University of Colorado at Boulder philosophy department is its emphasis on interdisciplinary work, allowing students to combine their philosophical training with insights from fields like psychology, cognitive science, and political theory. The department’s wide range of specialized areas ensures that students can develop expertise in both historical and contemporary philosophical issues.

In conclusion, the Philosophical Gourmet Report provides a comprehensive and detailed guide to some of the best philosophy departments in the U.S. and beyond. Institutions like the University of Chicago, University of Missouri–St. Louis, University of California, Irvine, and the University of Colorado at Boulder each offer unique strengths and specialized areas of focus within the discipline. Whether you are drawn to the continental tradition at Chicago, game theory and decision theory at UCI, or applied ethics and feminist philosophy at Boulder, the PGR offers prospective graduate students valuable insights into which department best matches their academic interests. By carefully considering the strengths of each program, students can make informed decisions about where to pursue graduate study in philosophy, ensuring a rich and fulfilling intellectual journey.