A reader writes in:
I have some opportunities to be a co-author on a couple of different empirical papers (both in political psychology). I'm interested in doing them and probably will pursue them no matter what, but it got me wondering today how that might be perceived by university philosophy departments. I'm pretty happy where I am (at a primarily teaching-focused institution), but for several reasons might have to consider moving in the future and would like to be able to get another academic job. So, I am somewhat concerned. Does a co-authored pub in an empirical field "count" for less in the philosophy profession? Would a university view that research as "less" than a straightforward phil journal pub?
I'm very curious to hear how readers answer. Here's my off-the-cuff reaction. I suspect co-authored empirical papers might be looked upon favorably by philosophy departments at teaching-focused liberal arts schools. At least, I'm pretty confident it would be at my university (which is now sort of an in-between school with an up-and-coming research profile). In brief, this is because at places like my university, interdisciplinary work is generally looked upon very favorably by everyone (faculty, administrators, etc.). Alas, judging by their query (they note they are already at a teaching-focused institution), it seems like this reader may be looking for a more research-y job. So, how philosophy departments at research institutions regard such work? Here, my totally vague and anecdotal impression is that interdisciplinary work and co-authored work may both tend to be looked upon less favorably. Why? Here, my sense is that there can be a real bias against things that "aren't real philosophy", and in favor of solo-authored work--and that such things very much are counted less than straightforward solo-authored philosophy publications.
But this is just my sense, and may not be accurate. It would be good to hear from a good variety of readers. What kind of department are you in, and how do you think the kind of work this reader describes would be regarded by your department, particularly when it comes to hiring?
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