At my university (TU Delft), we have to include a set of premises/statements that are open for questioning during the thesis defense. You're supposed to list ten statements and the usual breakdown is that a few will be on the specific topic that you're graduating on, a few will be about the field of research at a whole and the rest are "philosophical musings". I've started thinking about mine and I actually think it's a valuable exercise to have this as part of the culmination of a long and arduous journey. I think it's in our graduation process now as a matter of tradition, rather than an impetus to spawn true philosophical debate, which is a shame. Friends who have graduated have put down some pretty deep thoughts, which I think reflects upon the fact that a PhD done right provokes you to think about the nature of research and the world around you.

I love that tradition but the University where I did my PhD (Leiden, 25 km from Delft) very (very) strongly discouraged this, a shame in my opinion.

Can't elaborate on the thesis, but prior to enrolling for a PhD program you indeed have to pass a philosophy exam. This is usually considered the most difficult. Passed it in summer.

I remember taking this. I had to answer something about socialism or marxism or whatever (I remember having to name the prominent socialist thinkers). This was in the 2000s, by the way. I got 3 points out of 5. I passed the other exams, math and English, perfectly, and that was not enough. I only got accepted due to personal recommendation of my scientific advisor. Since then I'm of the opinion that "Ph" is complete bullshit.

I prefer to think of "Ph" as a tradition.

I would love a Doctorate of Tradition. Would never expect to be hired, though.

I did study General Philosophy / Philosophy of Science / Philosophy of Informatics during PhD fellowship. Last two courses were awesome, each course lasted for half an year. No special section in thesis though.