The Philosophical Gourmet Rankings: Insights into Philosophy Departments in the USA

When it comes to studying philosophy in the United States, many students often refer to The Philosophical Gourmet Report (PGR) for guidance. This platform has been recognized for its rankings of various university philosophy departments. In December of this year, PGR released its latest rankings for the philosophy departments in the U.S., and there have been some surprising changes that caught my attention.

🐾 Analyzing the Changes in Analytical Philosophy Rankings

In the field of analytical philosophy, there haven’t been significant changes at the top of the rankings. New York University remains at the forefront, followed closely by prestigious institutions such as Rutgers University, Princeton University, the University of Michigan, Yale University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Southern California, University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – all of which continue to hold their positions in the top 10.

A notable newcomer to the top 10 is the University of Texas at Austin. While I have no doubts about Austin’s academic caliber, the minimal funding for doctoral students there raises some eyebrows. This could suggest that the ranking does not weigh such support heavily.

😮 Surprising Drops and Climbs in Rankings

Interestingly, some previously strong contenders have experienced declines. I’m quite shocked to see Columbia University’s philosophy department dropping out of the top 20, which seems unusual. Additionally, the City University of New York (CUNY) has fallen to the 16th position. I overheard a conversation among faculty members indicating that Columbia’s department has encountered some recent challenges, possibly linked to this decline.

On a more positive note, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) has impressively jumped into the top 20, whereas it was previously outside the top 30. This upward trend may be attributed to a significant donation that JHU received recently, boosting its ranking.

🌍 Exploring Continental Philosophy Rankings

Turning our attention to continental philosophy, the new PGR rankings reveal that the top schools are as follows: Columbia University, Harvard University, and the University of Oxford have been classified as Tier 1 institutions, while Boston University, Georgetown University, and Northwestern University fall into Tier 2. It’s worth noting that the absence of the University of Chicago and Yale University from this list is a bit surprising, given their strong reputations.

🧩 Understanding the Subjective Nature of Rankings

While the PGR rankings are widely referenced, it is essential to recognize that they are not entirely “objective” or “authoritative.” Many choices are subjective, and the compatibility of PhD programs plays a vital role in a candidate’s success. However, this compatibility often varies from person to person based on individual preferences. Thus, while these rankings hold some level of reference, it’s crucial not to take them too seriously, a sentiment echoed by several of my professors.

🌈 Conclusion

The PGR rankings provide a valuable overview of the philosophy landscape in the United States, showcasing the evolving nature of academic powerhouses. Whether you are an aspiring graduate student or simply curious about philosophical academia, these rankings offer insights worth considering, albeit with a discerning eye. The world of philosophy is vibrant and ever-changing, reflecting not only the universities’ reputations but also the dynamic discourse within the field itself.