Monash Philosophy PhD Graduates in Academic Careers
Monash has long been one of the world's centres of philosophical excellence. And that's because it's long been true that Monash has philosophers who are at the cutting edge of an astonishing range of fields. At Monash, a student can learn as much, and be part of as much, first-rate philosophy being done as at practically anywhere in the world.
Brian Weatherson (1999), Associate Professor, Rutgers.
During my time as a PhD student, I found the faculty in the School of Philosophy and Bioethics at Monash to be outstanding. My supervisors were both experts in their fields, and were very supportive, encouraging, and extremely helpful during my PhD study and beyond. The faculty at Monash encourage a rigorous and innovative approach to philosophy that greatly enhanced my research, and helped me to find exciting work in my research area after my graduation.
Jessica Wolfendale (2005), Assistant Professor, West Virginia University. Jess’s recent book, Torture and the Military Profession (Palgrave-Macmillan, 2007) is based on her PhD thesis.
The School of Philosophy and Bioethics at Monash is a fantastic place for graduate studies. The academics are outstanding: they publish in the top journals, and regularly receive invitations to speak and teach at top international philosophy departments. Importantly, however, they are also diligent and enthusiastic thesis advisors. The atmosphere is highly collegial, and there are ample opportunities to present ideas for discussion amongst staff and graduate students. Graduate students looking to an academic career are encouraged to publish and are groomed for teaching, as well as prepared for interviews.Fiona Leigh (2007), Lecturer, University College London. Material drawn from Fiona’s thesis has recently been published in Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy, the flagship journal in her research area.
The Monash School of Philosophy and Bioethics has maintained an admirable diversity of expertise and is home to philosophers who are at the forefront of philosophical debate. Because of their combination of depth and diversity, the School has been able to foster an atmosphere that is never too confining. It’s a place in which a postgraduate can do broad-ranging, ‘interdisciplinary’ work and I think that for many of us, that’s essential. My PhD supervisors were Dirk Baltzly and Toby Handfield. As philosophers they’re quite different: both broad-ranging and highly esteemed but each with his own approach, style, and humour. ‘Good Cop Dirk’ was always full of laughter, energy and encouragement while ‘Bad Cop Toby’ was tough-minded and hard to please but incredibly sharp and always fair. It was an excellent combination. The postgraduate community at Monash is also very strong, both within philosophy and beyond.Simon Burgess (2006), Lecturer, Nulloo Yumbah Indigenous Learning, Spirituality, and Research Centre, CQ University.