By Amy Wuest
The philosophy program at Western University is internationally ranked, both as an overall department and within a number of specialties, namely feminist philosophy, the philosophy of science, the philosophy of physics, the history of analytic philosophy, and others. At the Rotman Institute of Philosophy students have the opportunity to pursue these topics with world class scholars, and they also have unique opportunities to collaborate with scientists and to contribute to a variety of outreach events. Together, these opportunities make Western’s Department of Philosophy and the Rotman Institute a unique, globally-competitive research environment where graduate students can begin their academic careers.
Doctoral Entrance Scholarships
The Rotman Institute awards up to four Doctoral Entrance Scholarships valued at $10,000, each academic year. This scholarship comes in addition to the usual funding packages offered to graduate students in the Department of Philosophy at Western. More information on Western’s graduate program is available here. These awards recognize outstanding scholarship and will provide students with the opportunity to advance their academic careers:
“The Rotman Doctoral Entrance Scholarship is one of the most significant prizes you can hope to obtain as you start your academic career in philosophy of science. It really made a difference for me: it immediately helped me resettle to London from abroad, and later on it covered expensive conference trips overseas (to Germany and to Taiwan, among others) that I couldn’t have afforded otherwise. It also helped me feel welcome at Western – and the Rotman Institute in particular – and encouraged me to pursue academic work that engages scientists and educators. All this contributed to a uniquely rich and stimulating academic experience, one that few PhD students are lucky enough to enjoy.” – Yann Benetreau-Dupin, Rotman Scholarship Recipient 2011
“The Rotman Scholarship instilled confidence. It made me believe in myself, and helped to cultivate my own scholarly voice. Moreover, it reminded me of my obligations to the Rotman Institute and the academe, in general: to work hard, to endlessly pursue academic excellence, and to genuinely engage scientists in philosophical problems of social importance.”– Andrew Peterson, Rotman Scholarship Recipient 2011
All applicants to the Doctoral Program in the Department of Philosophy at Western University with a stated research interest in philosophy and science (including epistemology, ethics, or the history of science) are eligible. A separate application for the award is not required. Students who are awarded the scholarships will become student members of the Rotman Institute.
Prospective students interested in joining the department, and who have an interest in philosophy of science – construed broadly to include the history, ethics or epistemology of science – may wish to think about the benefits of becoming a member of the Rotman Institute. Each year the Institute accepts new members and desk space in the innovative ‘Lab’ opens up annually. In their second year as doctoral students, when their research interests are beginning to solidify, students are eligible to become resident members of the Institute. Undergraduates interested in studying at Western University can learn more here. More information on Western’s Master’s program can be found here.
