We invite applications from undergraduate students at institutions located in North America who are highly motivated and show strong academic promise and interest in the philosophy of science, including but not limited to: women, LGBTQIA+, underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds, students with disabilities, first-generation undergraduates, and undergraduates from groups underrepresented in philosophy of science.
While one of the main aims of this program is to attract students traditionally underrepresented in philosophy of science, all qualified undergraduate applicants will be considered. Past coursework in philosophy of science is not a prerequisite for application to the Summer Program. The University of Pittsburgh, as an educational institution and as an employer, does not discriminate on basis of disability, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sex, age, sexual orientation, veteran status or gender identity and expression in its programs and activities.
The Summer Program will feature two daily graduate seminars about core issues and cutting-edge topics in general philosophy of science and philosophy of the special sciences (e.g., physics, biology, cognitive science and neuroscience, social sciences). The seminars and lectures will be given by internationally recognized faculty in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science and the Department of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh as well as in the Department of Philosophy at Carnegie Mellon University. Housing, meals, and transportation (US travel only—the University will not provide transportation costs for travel into or outside of the US) costs will be covered, and all course materials provided. Applications are due March 15, 2025 and participants will be notified by mid April.
∙ Cover letter describing your plans after graduation, and your interests in philosophy of science (including the philosophy of physics, biology, cognitive science, neuroscience, social sciences, etc.). Please briefly indicate relevant demographic information (racial/ethnic heritage, gender, etc.).
∙ CV (including College/University affiliation, major, GPA, high school, awards & recognition, any philosophy courses taken).
∙ Brief writing sample (2,000 words maximum) that will help the selection committee assess your academic and philosophical skills. Typically, but not necessarily, this will be a paper that was written for a college course. Philosophy of science papers are preferable, but a paper on a topic from any discipline will work if no suitable philosophy paper is available. The most effective paper to submit will be the one which best exhibits your academic and philosophical skills. The writing sample can be a selection from a larger paper.
∙ One letter of recommendation from a faculty member who is familiar with your work and can speak to your philosophical skills and suitability for this program.
A faculty member should separately send the letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant to Samuel Wessell at:
sjw...@pitt.edu.
For further questions, please contact Edouard Machery (
mac...@pitt.edu), the Center’s Director, or our assistant director Samuel Wessell (
sjw...@pitt.edu).