The Hamilton College Summer Program in Philosophy (HCSPiP) is designed for twenty excellent undergraduate students looking for a creative, exciting, collegial, and engaging two-week experience studying philosophy with other ambitious students. Three concurrent courses, chosen for their innovative pedagogies, will be offered, June 26 through July 9, 2022:

• Philosophy and Comedy, taught by Prof. Ashley Pryor (University of Toledo)
• Philosophers Reimagine the World: A Conceptual Toolkit for 21st Century Possibilists, taught by Prof. Anthony Weston (Elon University)
• Disagreement in the Digital Age: Philosophical Reflection About/With New Technology, taught by Prof. Michael Barnes (University of Western Ontario)

The HCSPiP will be an exciting and intense philosophical experience. In addition to attending all three classes every day, Monday through Friday, students are expected to prepare for those classes, both before the summer school and during the two weeks they are on campus. In addition to the three courses, the HCSPiP is arranging for at least one visiting speaker, a day trip to the Adirondacks, and a July 4 celebration. To participate actively and take advantage of the opportunity, students must have exceptional intrinsic motivation for philosophical work. No college credit is awarded.

We have room for ten Hamilton College students and ten students from other colleges or universities. There is no tuition for the HCSPiP. Room and board will be provided. In addition, students who attend the summer school will receive a $750 stipend, as well as money for travel.

Unlike other philosophy summer programs, the HCSPiP is designed not mainly to prepare students for graduate work, but to explore new ways to teach and learn philosophy.  Instructors are all committed to active, student-centered learning.  The classes may not feel like philosophy classes to which you may have become accustomed! 

Student Applications

To apply for the HCSPiP, complete the application by March 15, 2022. The form requests information about your study of philosophy and asks you to reflect on why you study philosophy and what role you see philosophy playing in your life.  Since we hope to attract a wide range of perspectives to the program, you will be asked about how you would contribute to the diversity of the program.

In addition to the form, by the same date, please also send to hcspip@hamilton.edu one letter of recommendation from a philosophy teacher with whom you have worked and an undergraduate transcript (an unofficial copy suffices).

Participants in the program will be selected according to the following criteria:

• Being a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in an undergraduate college;
• Demonstrated ability to participate actively in the program
• Expressed interest in the specific classes we offer
• Strength of undergraduate record
• Ability to diversify our student population