outlaw

I think it might defeat your purpose of going to Germany and studying German Idealism, if you simply aim to follow an American professor. For that matter, the continental philosophy concentrations within the philosophy departments in the US (New School, Chicago) might remain a better option. Apart from that, there is a Hegel Archiv in Ruhr Universitaet Bochum as well; you may want to give that a look as well.

Converge them on a single plane! I have structured the answer so that pretty much of your questions are responded to.

Lol

Well I had an idea that it was more of a philosophical summer school (more so for the 'well established' philosophers) but considered that it might be a good place to develop contacts and to show your work to your supervisors. Did not that it might be that bad!

Or you could also enrol yourself in such PhD programs that does not require a complete engagement. And, one school that might be a suitable avenue in this regard is European Graduate School in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, in which classes are conducted only during Summers, although one remains a full time student. Given your interests in metaphysics and phenomenology, and the fact that you already have a PhD, it will not be difficult to secure admission into EGS as long as you can pay the fee. In your situation (as far as I would recommend) you can pursue your (academic) career in your primary field at the moment, so that you are both pursuing your career and your academic interests. EGS (although it has of course substantial drawbacks as well) hosts some of the leading thinkers, such as Jean Luc Nancy, Agamben, Negri, Hardt, Zizek, Badiou, Ranciere. This is what probably I would have done in your situation. But, at the end of the day, you are not me, and I am not you!

It depends mostly (as far as I know) on specific individuals within the academia, and where they are concentrated at the moment. Given Gadamer's legacy, Heidelberg might be a good place. I have heard that there are individuals within Freiburg as well that are quite renowned within the phenomenological circles, given the Husserl Archives there. But you have to keep in mind as well that both Freiburg and Heidelberg require not only English expertise but also Deutschkenntnisse, along with the working and sound knowledge of either Greek or Latin. It is usual within Germany's philosophy department to locate at least one professor of philosophy specialising in either Kant, Hegel, or Schelling (Deutsche Idealismus). Perhaps, the Berlin universities (especially Humboldt) might also be another place to look at. Moreover, it also depends upon the specific research interests you have (for instance Heidegger's influence on Foucault, or perhaps Deleuze's reaction to phenomenology) and then to locate the appropriate professors within specific universities.

Yeah, I had an idea that due to a very high number of enrolled students in a PhD program in Germany, securing a place after a doctorate within academia is not very easy (and it here that the academic contacts of the supervisor become really important).

Yes, that seems to me the main problem. One can of course raise finances within Germany but the work done should ideally correspond either to your dissertation or your career plans. I would not say that your words are not optimisitc, they sound perhaps more realistic. Anyhow, in a foreign country, one should do best to prepare for the worst. I was in touch with an associate professor at Zurich for the individual program, but I had an idea that perhaps securing a place on individual basis with the supervisor does not mean that one would be able to secure a position as teaching assistant later (even during the final year as a doctoral student). And, yes Zurich pays well, way beyond the other two, but the living and related costs are massive in there!

I have tried to contact a few noted academics from my field, but I have an idea that it might not be possible to work with them since they are already too much engaged in their work, are booked with students, and do not know me already as a master's student. Anyhow, I have in mind the fact that at least the supervisor should be sufficiently well known within the German academia (for contacts, fundings, etc) and with an easy going personality (easing rather than creating obstacles during my study time). Well Germany has several advantages for me. I can pursue my studies autonomously through the individual supervision program, rather than the structured doctorate. Second, I can develop and expand my German language skills, which at present stand at the level B2 of the Common European Framework. Third, I want to explore the debates in the Continental political philosphy, and am repulsed (wirklich) by the arguements going on within the positivist political theory of the Anglo American world. Fourth, due to relatively low living costs and almost no tuition fees, I can survive for at least 2 years on my own saving even without any support from the university or a funding agency. Well, of course, studying there also has its negative points, but these are largely the positive points that are motivating me to apply for a PhD in Germany. And, yes, thank you for your helpful answer!

I had an idea that the structured programs within the German universities are more secure financially and academically (the probability of securing a doctoral degree within 3 years is very high). However, they are too structured, ordered, applied - more depedent upon the objectives of the funding bodies rather than the academic need of the student body. Anyhow, thanks for your input. In the end, you mentioned "if you want to do that" - by "that" you mean applying for the doctorate or applying for the teaching or research assistant position after being accepted as a doctoral student?

I am planning to pursue my doctoral studies in political philosophy in Germany. I have a few questions, and would be pleased if anyone (within Germany or having a firsthand experience of German academic world) might be able to answer: 1) I am looking forward to work with my doctoral supervisor in an individual capacity rather than going for a structured doctorate. Someone informed me that such an arrangement would ensure that I would be heavily dependent upon the supervisor (who within the German academia has more of authority than his British counterpart), to the point where the award of final degree may rest firmly at the latter's discretion. 2) The possibilities of funding: With such an arrangement, how easy or difficult is it to get a position (teaching or research assistant) within the university? Regards, P.S. I am at present looking for Heidelberg, Bremen, and Zurich (not German, but within the linguistic area). A German friend told me that within Germany, for social and political philosophy, Heidelberg is not well known as international students suppose it to be and although it depends upon the connections and academic worth of the expert, Frankfurt and Berlin (HU and FU) might be the places to look at. Is this view sound?

I am planning to pursue my doctoral studies in political philosophy in Germany. I have a few questions, and would be pleased if anyone (within Germany or having a firsthand experience of German academic world) might be able to answer: 1) I am looking forward to work with my doctoral supervisor in an individual capacity rather than going for a structured doctorate. Someone informed me that such an arrangement would ensure that I would be heavily dependent upon the supervisor (who within the German academia has more of authority than his British counterpart), to the point where the award of final degree may rest firmly at the latter's discretion. 2) The possibilities of funding: With such an arrangement, how easy or difficult is it to get a position (teaching or research assistant) within the university? Regards, P.S. I am at present looking for Heidelberg, Bremen, and Zurich (not German, but within the linguistic area). A German friend told me that within Germany, for social and political philosophy, Heidelberg is not well known as international students suppose it to be and although it depends upon the connections and academic worth of the expert, Frankfurt and Berlin (HU and FU) might be the places to look at. Is this view sound?