PhD/MPhil Philosophy in Liverpool United Kingdom | University of Liverpool

The Department of Philosophy is committed to upholding exceptional research standards while fostering meaningful community involvement, cooperative partnerships, and avenues for intellectual exchange and scholarly influence. Our research spans diverse philosophical subjects and traditions, organized into three key focus areas:

The Metaphysics, Language and Mind research cluster explores fundamental questions in metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and philosophical logic. Current investigations address consciousness, spacetime, modality, nominalism, personal identity, agency, linguistic idealism, and propositional theory.

Continuing Liverpool's distinguished legacy, the Religion, Ethics and Practical Philosophy group produces groundbreaking research that bridges multiple philosophical traditions. Their work covers ethical theory, philosophy of religion, environmental philosophy, political thought, feminist philosophy, Indian philosophy, and historical studies - all with practical applications.

The Aesthetics, Art and Literature group capitalizes on Liverpool's rich cultural landscape, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between philosophy and the arts. Beyond traditional aesthetic inquiry, this group facilitates cross-disciplinary dialogue, institutional partnerships, and community engagement. Research themes include art theory, philosophy of literature, art history, creative processes, museum studies, archival theory, and speculative fiction.

Department faculty hold prominent editorial positions in prestigious journals, such as Professor Thomas Schramme's co-editorship of Ethical Theory and Moral Practice and Professor Simon Hailwood's role as Managing Editor of Environmental Values.

We actively collaborate with academic institutions worldwide, including joint initiatives like our alienation concept study with German universities. Our partnerships extend to faith communities, legal professionals, and religious scholars through projects like the Philosophy and Religious Practices network and Religious Symbols research.

Current collaborations involve leading institutions such as NYU's Global Institute for Advanced Studies, EU Creative Research projects, Tate Liverpool, Bluecoat Gallery, and universities across Europe and North America.

Our vibrant postgraduate community both benefits from and enriches this dynamic research culture, exemplified by their recent organization of the British Postgraduate Philosophy Association's Alain Badiou masterclass.