Pittsburgh Summer Program

What is it?

The Summer Program features 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 costs (North American travel only) will be covered, and all course materials provided.

 

Who is it for?

Undergraduate Students who are highly motivated and show strong academic promise and interest in the philosophy of science.   The program is open to all qualified undergraduate applications. Past coursework in philosophy of science is not a prerequisite for application to the Summer Program.
The program is designed to promote opportunities for all students, including, but not limited to students underrepresented in philosophy of science, such as women, LGTQIA, students with disabilities, first generation undergraduates, Pell eligible students, veterans, and underrepresented minorities.     The University of Pittsburgh, as an educational institution and as an employer, does not discriminate on the 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.
*PSP8 Course Descriptions, Faculty, and Program Schedule will be finalized closer to July of 2024*

View Past Course Descriptions and Faculty

 

 

When is it?

PSP8 will be held in July 8-12, 2024.

Apply To PSP8

 

How to Apply

Before beginning the application process, you will need to collect:

  • Cover letter describing your future plans after graduation and your interests in philosophy of science (including the philosophy of physics, biology, cognitive science, neuroscience, social sciences, 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 to be mailed directly to The Center at pittcntr@pitt.edu.

 

Decisions for PSP8 have been sent out as of 4/12/2024 – Please reach out to pittcntr@pitt.edu if you did not receive a response.

 

Deadline for applications for 2025 TBD.


 

The Pittsburgh Summer Program is generously sponsored by