Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in the History of Ideas

The History of Ideas is a diachronic study of key ideas as they interact with each other in their journey through time. A classic in this field is The Great Chain of Being: A Study of the History of an Idea, by A.O. Lovejoy (Harvard University Press, 1936), which examines the evolutionary development and ramifications of this fascinating concept, according to which, in the simplest terms, the universe is an ascending scale consisting of an infinite number of links ranging from the lowest forms of life to the ens perfectissimum. While its origins can be traced back to Ancient Greek philosophy, it was widely accepted until the late eighteenth century.

The themes in the modules listed below include important milestones in the history of ideas. Thus, the impact of Darwin’s theories on biology has been compared to that of Newton on physics. Although Darwinism affected many different fields and disciplines, it should also be remembered that, when extrapolated to human society, it unfortunately gave us Social Darwinism, which, naturally, raises a whole host of moral and ethical issues. Darwin himself, for example, had a very low opinion of women’s intellectual abilities. Fortunately, one of the most positive developments of the last century has been the belated recognition of women’s rights and, in recent times, of their intellectual excellence.

Whether the Genesis account of creation should be interpreted literally or symbolically is a controversial question which still seems to generate more heat than light. Historically, a symbolic interpretation helped to remove the Catholic Church’s objections to accepting the concept of biological evolution.

However, evolution was not, originally, a biological concept and one wonders whether it can be applied to human history. Is the latter characterized by cyclical patterns and/or a linear progression (even if punctuated by temporary regressions)? Are myths and fables simply attempts by pre-industrial societies to explain cosmic reality or do they have a deeper significance?

These are some of the themes in the series of research papers in this modular program. Students can propose other topics, subject to mentor and University approval.

Entry into the PhD program requires a recognised Master’s degree in the Humanities. Beyond the general requirements of Warnborough College, no other general pre-requisites are required.

This program is offered via distance learning. Individual programs can be structured in modular formats; can be project/research directed, or can combine both options. At the graduate level, students are expected to be highly self-motivated and capable of independent work.

Students may be exempt from certain modules in the curriculum, based on prior courses taken, and/or demonstrated knowledge of philosophy and related disciplines. Modules taken at any time during the student’s career may be counted, if they fulfil appropriate requirements.

Because of the enormous flexibility of the program, students may work with their mentor to structure their program in the context of their individual interests, and professional and academic goals.

Students can work with their mentor to create new modules and expand current modules into customised programs, suited to their interests and capabilities. Read the complete module descriptions for information as well as ideas – think of them as a set of guidelines, rather than rules. They will also give you ideas on areas you may wish to pursue most aggressively, in your graduate program.

120 credits, including a Doctoral Thesis, will be required for the PhD degree. In accordance with Warnborough College regulations, PhD candidates in the History of Ideas will need to fulfil the following requirements:

PART ONE: NINE CORE MODULES (10 credits each)
PHI700: Science-Faith Issues
PHI705: A Symbolic Interpretation of Genesis
PHI710: Darwinism
PHI711: Social Darwinism
PHI715: Women's Rights
PHI720: Political Concepts
PHI825: Historical (Cyclical) Patterns
PHI830: Myths and Fables
PHI835: The History of Ideas in a Literary Context

PART TWO: RESEARCH PROJECT
PHI960: Dissertation (30 credits)

Total : 120 credits

For the first nine modules (10 credits each), students should submit nine papers (of between 7,000 to 8,000 words each) --- one from each section. Students do have the option of suggesting other acceptable topics, subject to the approval of the mentor and the College.

For the tenth module, students are required to submit a dissertation (of between 20,000 to 25,000 words, worth 30 credits), on any topic, subject to the mentor’s approval

The PhD in the History of Ideas is a comprehensive doctoral program. Students can complete the program in six terms or less. (A term is four months.) Depending upon exemptions, performance and the workload, it may take more or less time. Students should regard six terms as the average length of the program. Students may shorten that timetable by arranging for high-intensity customised research projects.

Upon satisfactory completion of all requirements, students will receive the Doctor of Philosophy in the History of Ideas degree. There are no other exit points in the program. Students will receive credit for modules they have successfully completed.

Students pursue the PhD in the History of Ideas via distance learning under the guidance of a mentor. Graduate students are expected to be resourceful, show initiative, and be able to work independently.

Students are required to obtain texts needed for successful completion of program projects, through libraries, on-line resources and/or bookstores.

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Note: All fees listed here refer to tuition only. It does not include ancillary expenses such as required materials (see above), textbooks, internet connections, postage, telephone calls, insurance and printing.

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Program Director: Dr Noor Giovanni Mazhar
Dr. Mazhar’s degree in Italian (B.A., London) was followed by an M.Phil.(London) on Giacomo Zanella: his poetica, poetry and historical significance. Dr. Mazhar’s Ph.D. (Liverpool) on the “Catholic Attitudes to Evolution in Nineteenth-Century Italian Literature” was published, in Venice, by the Veneto Institute of Sciences, Letters and Arts.

His research interests include: literary criticism, Science-Faith issues, the History of Ideas in a literary context and the role of literature in relation to society, science, philosophy and theology.

He has also prepared the modular research programs for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in the Sociology of Literature and the Master of Arts Degree in Bioethics: “A Historical Perspective”.

Please contact Dr Mazhar at eugenia.misitano@fastwebnet.it or admissions@warnborough.edu