Established fourteen years ago, the Graduate Program in Philosophy at the University of Caxias do Sul has distinguished itself through its significant role in both national and regional academic landscapes. It has become a recognized center of excellence for the study and research of Practical Philosophy. With an approach that integrates conceptual analysis, critical diagnostics of the present, juridical-institutional evaluation, moral reasoning, and processes of philosophical self-reflection, the program is committed to interpreting and evaluating the moral, social, legal, and political challenges of contemporary life. In doing so, it offers valuable contributions not only to academic discourse but also to broader societal debates.
A hallmark of our Graduate Program in Philosophy is its interdisciplinary orientation, which fosters dialogue across diverse fields of knowledge and enables a broad-based education for scholars and professionals interested in engaging critically with classical and contemporary issues in Practical Philosophy. Through its coursework, academic events, research groups, and collaborative projects, the program promotes high-level scholarly engagement and responsiveness to regional, national, and international concerns.
Offering both Master's and Doctoral (PhD) degrees, the Graduate Program is structured around a central field of study in Practical Philosophy. This area focuses on normative and descriptive questions in ethics, politics, law, and contemporary social problems. The program's academic activities are organized into two research areas:
The Master's program welcomes graduates from various academic backgrounds, provided that their research proposals align with the program's lines of inquiry. The PhD program is open to candidates holding both undergraduate and Master's degrees, and it encourages dissertation projects that engage with the key concepts and issues of Practical Philosophy.
With a steadily growing academic output and a faculty recognized for its excellence, the Graduate Program in Philosophy at UCS stands out for its strong network of collaboration with both Brazilian and international scholars. Its commitment to philosophical education positions the program as a key reference point for critical engagement with philosophical works developed within Brazil. In this regard, the Graduate Program in Philosophy serves as a privileged space for the discussion and reception of philosophical contributions authored by faculty from departments across the country. The program also maintains a notable presence in the international philosophical community through events featuring visiting scholars, courses offered in foreign languages, and faculty members affiliated with philosophy departments abroad. Additionally, it hosts research groups with international members. These features have shaped the identity of the Graduate Program in Philosophy at UCS since its establishment in 2011.
Practical Philosophy
Dedicated to the critical analysis of moral foundations and the evaluative concepts that guide both individual and collective actions and norms. The area emphasizes the study of classical authors such as Plato and Aristotle, as well as modern thinkers like Kant and Mill, while maintaining a strong engagement with contemporary debates'from Anscombe to current metaethical theories, including approaches such as the ethics of care and the ethics of hospitality.
Focused on the philosophical investigation of the normative foundations and practical dimensions of social, political, and legal institutions, with particular attention to contemporary sociopolitical dilemmas and demands. This area highlights the study of authors and traditions in Contract Theory, Theories of Justice and Democracy, Critical Theory, and Biopolitics, while also engaging with ongoing debates in Natural Law Theory, the controversies surrounding Legal Positivism, and the intersections between social, political, and legal issues.
Director of Graduate Studies and Academic Program Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Evaldo Antônio Kuiava - eakuiava@ucs.br
Director of Academic Administration: Daniela Bortoncello - ppgfil@ucs.br
Phone: (54) 3218-2765 - Room 302 - Building E - Main Campus