About the department
Our degree programmes cover the histories, systems of belief and thought in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. We are unique for approaching the subjects from global perspectives, rather than through a purely western-centric framework, and for our unrivalled coverage of those regions. Our innovative and progressive teaching has contributed to our recent ranking of 11th in the UK for philosophy (the Complete University Guide 2023).
Purpose of the role
The School of History, Religions and Philosophies seeks to appoint a Lecturer in Philosophy (education route), starting in September 2023. SOAS has been one of the first institutions in the world to develop a Philosophy programme that showcases the richness of philosophical and intellectual traditions in a global perspective. We seek to build on the success of the BA World Philosophies by developing a PGT programme and a research centre to establish our emerging reputation as a world-leading centre for non western philosophy.
We are looking for an exceptional candidate who will add to and complement our existing expertise and is able to contribute to the three intellectual principles upon which our approach to Philosophy is founded (decolonial critiques and reconceiving Philosophy as a global discipline; dialogic and critical-comparative analyses between global intellectual traditions; and specialism in specific non western philosophical traditions) and to help us realise an ambitious research agenda which will lead contemporary debates regarding the nature and purpose of Philosophy in the contemporary world.
The successful applicant will work closely and collegially with the core teaching team, the convenors of relevant programmes and the Head of the School of History, Religions and Philosophies to facilitate and enhance the delivery of a well-organised and well-executed curriculum at both UG and PGT levels. The selected candidate will also make a significant contribution to the development of an MA in Global Philosophy.
Applicants should hold a PhD degree in Philosophy or an adjacent discipline. They will have a broad expertise in philosophy, with an ability to teach analytic and continental philosophy and a demonstrable commitment to decolonisation and global approaches to philosophy. Familiarity with one or more non Western philosophical tradition is essential. Experience in, and dedication to, high-quality classroom teaching at both the UG and PG levels is important, as are organisational and communication skills. A track record in knowledge exchange, public-facing engagement, and/or widening participation is desirable.
Key responsibilities
- Teaching modules on philosophy.
- Contributing to the development of a PGT programme in Global Philosophy.
- Contributing to the administrative work of the School of History, Religions and Philosophies.
- Offering pastoral and academic advising to students. Person specification
Training and qualifications
- A PhD in Philosophy or an adjacent subject.