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How does research take place in philosophy?

I am an undergraduate student in philosophy, and am considering applying to graduate school. I am very good at philosophy, hence why I decided to take it as a major. However, I am at a loss as to how research takes place in philosophy. All the graduate schools say that one must demonstrate "potential for philosophical research" as part of the application process. I am well aware of the research methods used by scientists, but how would one research, and subsequently produce a dissertation in philosophy? Please don't answer unless you are a graduate student or a professional academic.

Public Comments

1. Philosophé saves a compfy cushion made of silk and cotton, sewed in the trimmings is real gold and the scent of it all is of rugby. .. . research ain't worthy of seeting it's butt on this compfy cushion, thou philosophé allows her to any-who.
2. good luck, I'm just an average schlep. excuse me
3. just a warning, its really hard to get a job with that major and with unemployment as it is i suggest majoring in something with a bit more job security (don't say i didn't warn you)
4. To demonstrate a "potential for philosophical research" one must demonstrate an ability for philosophical inquiry. Pick a subject, research it and produce a treatise on it, fortunately, the average length of a treatise in philosophy is only about 50-100 thousand words, unlike some subjects like sociology and economics where twice that amount would be expected. Just gather a conclusion, and set about proving it. Then you can show this too a university prior too your application for study, obviously, the higher the institution the higher the requirements you will have to meet in terms of quality and originality in your work. Usually the process of "research" takes the following course: Introduction on the subject of discussion and purpose of inquiry. Literary Review (optional) Outline of premise/s Application of premise/s to concept/s and objects. Conclusion Best of luck, but be aware of the lack of job's available in philosophy - unless you are happy to be in academia or self-employment all your life.
5. ...who said what and when - research will detail philosophically speaking... ...thanks for asking...
6. You would read and study other philosophers on the topic you are researching--and then think about it.One suggestion: google 'philpapers'. This is a kind of clearing house sponsored by David Chalmers for philosophical research. It will show you what the professional philosopher is doing these days. And to reiterate what has been said above: it is very hard to get a tenure track position in philosophy.
7. philosophy when pass through reality naturally be tested !! This affects to the base some time and naturally there is wide area for research !!
8. Well I'm not a graduate student or a professional academic, but obviously, the answer would be to do some research and think of something up. Maybe asking one of your philosophy teachers would be more helpful than going on Y!A and hoping that somebody with graduate philosophical training will just happen to be here the time you ask your question and will be able to answer you better than your professors.
9. Well, Michael, since I was an undergraduate student in philosophy once, and have been a philosopher longer than you have been alive, I feel perfectly qualified to answer your question. However, since I am not a graduate student or a professional academic, you apparently think I am NOT qualified to answer. Therefore I will respect your request and NOT give you the answer you seek. Too bad for you, pal. :(
10. Obviously philosophical research doesn't involve experiments or (except in very special circumstances) survey research; typically your research will just involve bibliographical work, reading, critical thinking and writing up a detailed argument in favour of some substantive philosophical thesis or (in the case of the history of philosophy) interpretation of some historical philosopher.
11. Assured of high quantities of time and somewhat limited space, develop your own telescope using philosophical concentration methods and write of what you see.
12. You're good at philosophy but you don't know how research is done in philosophy? Okay. Depending on the field of philosophy you either: look at other philosophical work by other authors and improve on that or make your own or critique OR you look at empirical research done by other fields such as in the sciences or sociology etc (if you're doing philosophy of science for instance).