Best Grad Programs in Philosophy?

Graduate School
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<p>Does anybody know excellent grad programs in philosophy? Is the Philosophical Gourmet accurate in its assessment of graduate programs?</p>

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<p>Finally, an interesting post!</p>

<p>The philosophical gourmet has its strengths and weaknesses. The site has many links to criticisms which about it (so philosophy right there). Anyway, you should familiarize yourself with the list, the specialty areas, and the criticisms of the report as a good starter for grad schools. Like US News, people love to hate it, but it is a worthy tool which will point out many things most people beginning to look for grad phil programs obviously wouldn't know.</p>

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<p>Thanks, DRab.</p>

<p>I have heard criticisms of the site, mainly that the subjective assessments only measure the popularity of the faculty, and not the quality of the program. I don't understand how that's a valid criticism, when a philososphy program is practically MADE by the faculty, IMO.</p>

<p>But maybe there is something to that argument that I am missing...</p>

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<p>let me see what i can do . . .</p>

<p>here, read all of these. I have before, but it's been a while.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/%7Eheck/aboutpgr/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~heck/aboutpgr/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>Thanks for the link.</p>

<p>I think the most valid criticism may be that faculty that are popular and prolific with their writing and research may not be too focused on being good teachers and may neglect the needs of the students.</p>

<p>I still think, though, that the PGR is a valuable resource...now, at least I know its limitations.</p>

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<p>"I have heard criticisms of the site, mainly that the subjective assessments only measure the popularity of the faculty, and not the quality of the program. I don't understand how that's a valid criticism, when a philososphy program is practically MADE by the faculty, IMO."</p>

<p>Right, it measures their popularity (or something of the sort) with other profs at other universities... but that doesn't necessarilly tell you much about the experience you'll have as a grad student. If you go to one of the highest-ranked schools, your profs will probably have published lots of reputable books, but they might not give a **** about teaching/advising you.</p>

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<p>It's kinda like US News and World Report, eh? But it gives a larger focus to "peer assesment," yet is still is a valubel tool for many reasons.</p>