Three Policies for the Ph.D. in Philosophy [Ph.D. (Philosophy)] in the Ethics Field, Major in Philosophy and Ethics

Based on the Policy on Graduation and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy) of Keio University, the following abilities that students should acquire upon completion of the program are established, with the aim of cultivating individuals who can contribute to society as a whole as leaders. In addition, the degree of Ph.D. in Philosophy [Ph.D. (Philosophy)] will be conferred upon students who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements set forth in the curriculum.

Qualities and Abilities Objective (1): The ability to write a doctoral dissertation in the field of ethics or related fields and, through that dissertation, make an original contribution to research in that area.

Qualities and Abilities Objective (2): The ability to make a unique contribution to research in the field of ethics and related fields by being well-versed in the latest research trends and issues, possessing comprehensive and deep specialized knowledge, and disseminating findings internationally in their native language or foreign languages (e.g., English, German, French).

Qualities and Abilities Objective (3): The ability to make a unique contribution to society as a researcher, educator, or practitioner with advanced literacy and critical analysis skills, by gaining insight into diverse ethical thoughts through specialized research, identifying significant contemporary ethical problems, and conducting advanced research to address them.

Qualities and Abilities Objective (4): The ability to be aware of the significance of studying the humanities in society and to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems using appropriate methods.

The Ethics Field of the Major in Philosophy and Ethics, in order to cultivate the qualities and abilities listed in the "Policy on Graduation and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy)," systematically organizes a curriculum composed of Special Research courses, Special Research seminars, and other courses deemed appropriate within the Ethics Field.

Based on this curriculum design, education is implemented by combining the following teaching methods.

(1) To enable students to write a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to research in the field of ethics, students will primarily take courses taught by their academic advisor, who will also provide individual dissertation supervision to cultivate advanced research skills.

(2) To cultivate the advanced research skills necessary for students to be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues and to make a unique contribution in their specialized field, the Ethics Field will establish small-group seminars conducted in the students' native or foreign languages. These seminars can be taken throughout the entire period of enrollment in the Ph.D. program, and their completion is a requirement for program completion. Specific guidance will be provided with the aim of having students present their research findings at academic conferences and in scholarly journals.

(3) Students are encouraged to study abroad through the Graduate School of Letters and the Keio University International Center, among other institutions. The Graduate School of Letters also provides assistance for studying abroad through its own support systems.

(4) To allow for more flexible course registration, particularly for students considering studying abroad, all courses are offered on a semester basis.

(5) To enable more specialized research in a student's field, a limited number of credits earned through formal study abroad at a graduate school overseas may be approved for inclusion in the program completion requirements.

(6) To promote highly specialized research by students in the Ph.D. program, a prominent researcher from overseas may be requested to serve as a co-advisor, allowing students to prepare their doctoral dissertation under joint supervision with their academic advisor from the faculty of the Graduate School of Letters.

The assessment of learning outcomes for the qualities and abilities to be acquired through the curriculum of the ethics field is conducted based on direct indicators, such as the grading criteria established for each course, under the university-wide assessment plan. In addition, it is evaluated using quantitative and qualitative, direct and indirect indicators, including various questionnaires and surveys. Specifically, these include (1) student course evaluations and (2) the status of leaves of absence and withdrawals.

To obtain a doctoral degree, students must pass the qualifying examination for dissertation writing as stipulated by their major and field, and submit their doctoral dissertation to the committee of the Graduate School of Letters for acceptance. Subsequently, within one year, the dissertation must be reviewed by a primary examiner and secondary examiners approved by the Graduate School of Letters committee. Based on the review report submitted to the committee, the dissertation must then be approved by a vote of the members of the Graduate School of Letters committee.

Competency Goal (1): The ability to write a doctoral dissertation in the field of ethics or related fields and, through that dissertation, make an original contribution to research in the said area.

→ In Advanced Research in Ethics, Seminar in Advanced Ethics, and individual dissertation supervision, students will deepen their academic knowledge of the research area necessary for writing a doctoral dissertation, while also developing advanced research and writing skills.

Competency Goal (2): The ability to be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues in the field of ethics and related fields of study, possess comprehensive and deep specialized knowledge, and make a unique contribution to research in the field by disseminating findings internationally in one's native language and foreign languages (such as English, German, and French).

→ In Advanced Research in Ethics and Seminar in Advanced Ethics, students will acquire specialized knowledge and research methods at an advanced level, while also developing the language skills necessary to disseminate their research.

Competency Goal (3): The ability to make a unique contribution to society as researchers, educators, or practitioners equipped with advanced literacy and critical analysis skills. This is achieved by gaining insight into diverse ethical thoughts through specialized research, and by conducting advanced research to identify and work toward solving significant contemporary ethical problems.

→ By taking a combination of Advanced Research in Ethics and Seminar in Advanced Ethics, students will cultivate the ability to independently define their research and learning objectives and achieve them at an advanced level.

Competency Goal (4): The ability to be aware of the significance of studying the humanities in society and to use appropriate methods to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems.

→ Opportunities are provided to deepen understanding of the broader humanities field by allowing students to take courses offered by the ethics field, other majors and fields, general courses offered by the Graduate School of Letters, as well as courses offered by other graduate schools and affiliated Research Centers and Institutes, and courses at other graduate schools with which the Graduate School of Letters has partnerships.

(1) Possess advanced specialized knowledge in their own research area and related fields.

(2) Be able to independently formulate an original and concrete research plan that will lead to a doctoral dissertation, based on their specialized research in a master's program, and articulate it in their native language and a foreign language.

(3) Possess the analytical reading skills to read primary and secondary sources in various languages accurately and critically, as well as academic writing skills. Additionally, have a deep interest in and understanding of ethical issues in contemporary society.

(4) Have sufficient proficiency in a second foreign language to read research materials.

(5) Have given active and concrete thought to their future career as a researcher, educator, or practitioner after completing the Doctoral Programs.

To admit a wide range of such applicants, selection will be conducted through a general entrance examination.

(1) General Entrance Examination: Selection is based on an examination consisting of three subjects—a specialized subject, a designated language subject, and an elective language subject—as well as an oral examination. A high level of academic ability appropriate for the field of ethics is required.