Master of Arts - Philosophy by Research

This Master of Arts - Philosophy by Research program is a continuation of the project established by the late Sir Roger Scruton at the University of Buckingham. It is a one-year, London-based program of ten evening seminars and individual research.

Sir Roger Scruton was very critical of the current academic approach to philosophy, where direct engagement with fundamental philosophical questions and the training of the philosophical mind have been displaced by a focus on engaging with the thoughts of philosophers through the lens of linguistic analysis and examination of minutiae. Central to Scruton’s vision in designing the program was his conviction that the best way to learn philosophy is by doing philosophy, i.e., engaging in philosophical dialogue. This lies at the heart of the seminars.

Dr. Alicja Gescinska, was chosen by Sir Roger to assist him in this task, and continues the program in the same spirit, where the exchange of ideas and a vivid dialogue are central to the course. She does this, together with Professor Raymond Tallis.

Together they have crafted a program of ten guest lectures which will not only introduce the students to key topics of philosophy, but which will also allow them to take part in real philosophical discussions. The guest lectures will be provided by internationally renowned philosophers. They will thus have the chance to exchange ideas, and enter into dialogue, with leading figures in the field. During the course of the year these seminars are supplemented by additional online lectures by the course organizers.

The range of topics covered in the program reflect the wide range of research areas that were central to the work of Sir Roger Scruton.