Doctoral Examination With and Without the Viva: A Habermasian Analysis

• In Event: 34.078 - Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: 34.078-5 - Doctoral Education Across the Disciplines: Roundtable Session 1

Abstract

The paper refers to a recent article in the journal, Nature, where the authors’ work was cited in the context of ongoing concerns about the reputation and effectiveness of the doctorate, including issues about the added value, or not, of the Viva. The paper draws on a series of Australian Research Council (ARC) projects aimed at understanding better the process of doctoral examination both within Australia, which typically does not include a Viva, and globally with special reference to the UK and New Zealand, where the Viva is included. The paper draws partly on Habermasian analysis in appraising ways of knowing that typically emanate across all doctoral regimes and those pertaining to the inclusion of the Viva or not.

Authors

• Terence Lovat, The University of Newcastle

• Allyson Patricia Holbrook, The University of Newcastle

• Hedy Fairbairn