Visiting the Center for a term or a two-term academic year is easily done through the Visiting Fellows Program, and we encourage all interested philosophers of science to apply. We particularly welcome submissions from members of underrepresented groups. Visiting Fellows have no formal duties. They are expected to pursue their own research, give a lunchtime talk, participate in the intellectual life of the Center by attending talks and discussions, reside in Pittsburgh, and make daily use of their offices. The fellowship starts in either early January/September and ends in late April/December, depending on the term accepted. Participation throughout the whole semester is expected.
Visiting Fellows must have a doctoral degree. It is expected that the doctorate will be in philosophy, history, and philosophy of science or that the applicant has an established position in the professional community of philosophy of science.
In special cases, the Center will consider applications from doctorates in other fields, although such applicants are advised that they have a smaller chance of acceptance.
The Center expects a Visiting Fellow’s research to be supported by his or her own university or by a foundation or governmental agency. The monthly stipend is intended to defray the extra costs of dislocation.
The Center’s academic terms are Fall (September 1 – December 31) and Spring (January 1 – April 30); the two-term academic year comprises the Fall and Spring terms. The Center discourages visits for periods other than a whole term or the two-term academic year. Under prior written arrangements, Visiting Fellows may remain in residence into the summer months, although the Center will no longer be able to provide a stipend or office support. Special arrangements can be made for scholars who wish to work in the Archives of Scientific Philosophy during the summer.
Returning Fellows PolicyA Center Fellow can visit the Center for at mosttwo semesters every ten years.In other words, after your first semester-long Fellowship, you can spend another semester as a Center Fellow in the ten years following. If you have spent an academic year at the Center, you have to wait ten years to revisit the Center as a Fellow. (After ten years, the clock is reset to zero.)
Required Application Materials: -A cover letter that indicates a Visiting Fellowship is sought and describes: the period of proposed residence in the Center; any previous Fellowships at the Center; the source and amount of likely funding; and an indication of need for supplementary funds.-A description of the project to be undertaken during residence (500-1000 words). -A curriculum vitae.-A sample of (or internet link to) your written work.-Letters of reference from three knowledgeable scholars. We recommend letters whose content is blinded to the applicant. Letters should be emailed from the recommender to pittcntr@pitt.edu.