Dr. Peter Godfrey Smith

Professor

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Biography

Peter Godfrey-Smith is a professor at the University of Sydney, specializing in the philosophy of biology and the philosophy of mind, with a particular focus on their intersection. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney and earned his PhD in philosophy from the University of California, San Diego. Godfrey-Smith has taught at Stanford University from 1991 to 2003 and has held a half-time post at the Australian National University along with a visiting position at Harvard. In 2006, he moved to Harvard full-time and subsequently transitioned to the CUNY Graduate Center before returning to the University of Sydney in a half-time role within the HPS Unit. His research interests include pragmatism, especially the works of John Dewey, and issues surrounding evidence and the philosophy of science. His ongoing collaboration with biologists includes projects on evolutionary theory and octopus behavior, reflecting his active engagement with both philosophical and empirical inquiries. He has authored several notable books, including "Darwinian Populations and Natural Selection," which won the Lakatos Award in 2010.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Sydney

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:85
PTE
Listening
Required:54
Reading
Required:54
Writing
Required:54
Speaking
Required:54
Overall
Required:61
Prerequisites
A master's degree with a research component or a bachelor's degree with first or second-class honours. Demonstrated research experience and capability.
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research proposal (1000+ words)
  • Two academic referee reports
  • Evidence of residency status
  • Written statement of support from potential supervisor
Specialization Notes

This entry applies to Faculty of Science PhD programs including Departments such as Life and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics.