Philosophy

Our faculty has three departments, History of Philosophy, Theoretical Philosophy, and Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy. As my research interests fall under the latter department, I chose my electives within this department. However, you do not have to pick courses that fall within your specific department of specialization, you can also combine courses from the History department with let’s say the Theoretical department.Get familiar with research activities that go on at a universityBesides the coursework, the programme offers you the opportunity to participate in academic events such as seminars in which faculty members discuss their own research. There are also a variety of reading groups that you can participate in. I experienced all of this as a good way to get familiar with the research activities that go on at a university. Part of the programme is to spend a semester abroad (this is mandatory for Dutch students). Wouter started the Research Master in Philosophy in September 2018. He is currently a Philosophy PhD student in Groningen.

First of all, the programme is a very high level and competitive one, with a variety of subjects from almost all areas of philosophy. Secondly, it consists in high skilled, experienced, and specialized personnel. The very fact that it hosts a large group of PhD students and post-docs is a strong indication that it is a very active faculty in terms of research with a strong presence in the philosophical domain. What is more, the fact that there are regular colloquia and seminars organized, gives everyone the opportunity to present their research and discuss it with their colleagues. I think that this is very important for the prosperity and the progress of everyone individually and of the Faculty in total. I shouldn't omit to mention the extra-curricular activities, such as reading groups, which are regularly organised just for the sheer interest and engagement with a topic.Family atmosphereAs for the atmosphere among the students and the teachers, I found it more relaxed and friendly than I was used to. The very fact that it is an independent Faculty gives it the leverage of a family atmosphere. The teachers are easily accessible and cooperative, while there is a good communication among the fellow students. What makes the whole atmosphere more comfortable and pleasant is the Kantine in which everyone gathers to have their lunch, relax and talk.Language and cultural differencesNevertheless, there are quite a few difficulties that one faces by their arrival in Groningen. Even though both the University and the Faculty give a warm welcoming, and there is a general willingness to help on several levels, there are some objective difficulties that one has to face. Language and cultural differences are the most important ones. It is true that it takes time to adjust to the cultural differences and get used to speaking and talking in a foreign language. However, it is a minor obstacle that can be easily surpassed.Bureaucratic issues: do some research beforehandThe search for accommodation and the bureaucratic issues that one has to deal with before and during staying in Groningen, are quite easily resolved. However, one must take care of them quite some time before arrival. Especially accommodation must be catered for before arrival due to the fact that the demand for housing is bigger than the offer. An easy and safe solution is staying during the first period in one of the student houses which are administered by the Housing Office. As for the bureaucratic issues (enrolment at the municipality hall, health insurance, bank account etc.), it is advisable to do some research beforehand as to what is required. I shouldn't fail to mention that I had quite some help from the Faculty and some fellow students.Groningen: great chances for new experiencesGroningen is mainly characterized by its student life, since the RUG is a big university. Hence, it is the perfect place for someone to meet new people from different countries and cultural backgrounds from all over the world. Especially for someone easy-going, it is not difficult to make new friends and socialize a lot. Combined with the fact that Groningen is a city with a variety of options concerning entertainment and cultural events, I think that it offers great chances for new experiences. Even though it is considered a remote area within the Netherlands, it is a lively city with many facilities for almost every taste and an easy access to several places around Central and Northern Europe.I am following the Research Master programme with a specialization in ancient metaphysics and epistemology (Plato and Aristotle). After the end of my studies at the Faculty of Philosophy I intend to continue research in my area of interest.

I was also glad to see the freedom of thought and the genuine interest that was given to my work. The Faculty of Philosophy in Groningen is supported by a team of dedicated professionals, as they manage to make time and to properly advise each student.Variety of lecturesI would even say that the Faculty of Philosophy stands out from other faculties because of its internal dynamics and variety of lectures and seminars. I remember specifically, that in June 2011, I went to a conference given by Peter Singer. It was quite an epiphany for me. I read The Life You Can Save and Animal Liberation in the week that followed, and that is when I realized how Practical Ethics are of central importance to me.ResearchI then deepened my knowledge of the subject and was given the opportunity to express my views on Animal Ethics through my papers, a topic so dear to me. Moreover, it is during the time I spent in Groningen that I experienced the implications of long term research, especially through the elaboration and support of my Master’s thesis. I learned to appropriately use scientific data and fundamental philosophical opinions needed for researching. The Faculty's teachers and supervisors have been, and still are, of inspiration to me regarding these accomplishments. That is why today, I am more than happy to continue in the Research Master's programme in Groningen to perfect my researching skills.Ingrid graduated with her research master's thesis: Veganism Light: The Feasibility of a Moral Ideal

This programme stimulated me to become an active member of the department and eventually even opened the door for me becoming a PhD student.Since the male-female ratio in academia is still out of balance, I would hope to see more young female philosophers to join this great programme and to become part of the department, which, I think, forms a challenging and at the same time friendly community.