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Department of Philosophy

Awards and Scholarships

The Department is pleased to recognize the achievements of its students with the following awards.

Josiah Morse Award in Philosophy

Josiah Morse was the first Jewish Professor at USC, and for most of the time of his tenure at the Department of Philosophy (1911-46) its sole member. Most memorable are is attempts to improve racial relations in the South through education and communication. The Josiah Morse Award in Philosophy is awarded in his memory each year to seniors who have demonstrated a superb academic achievement in the study of philosophy. The student(s) must major in philosophy.

 

Edna W. and Foster E. Tait Scholarship Award

The Tait Scholarship is awarded annually to a senior majoring in philosophy in his or her last semesters of study at USC to help defray the cost of tuition. The student must show excellence in her/his achievement in philosophy and demonstrate financial need.

Each year, we ask for applications for the award – make sure that you are included on our philosophy majors mailing list once you declare your major!

For your application, we ask for the following:

1. a statement (2 pages, standard font in 12 pt, double-spaced with 1-inch margins), in which you outline your achievements in Philosophy (GPA, best courses, best paper, etc.), and in which you explain how the fellowship would help you meet your financial need as regards tuition

2. your best philosophy paper to date

3. one short letter of recommendation from a faculty member (preferably from Philosophy)

 

James W. Oliver Award in Logic

The James Willard Oliver Award in Logic is awarded each year to a graduate student in philosophy or to an undergraduate student majoring, minoring or doing cognate work in philosophy who best exemplifies excellence in symbolic logic and the application of symbolic logic to other areas of philosophy. Overall academic excellence will be considered, but primary emphasis will be placed upon a mastery of symbolic logic and its applications.

The university offers many awards for undergraduate students as well. Of particular interest for you might be the Rhude M. Patterson Fellowship established through a bequest from the late Mrs. Patterson for women in the humanities and social sciences and the Elsie Taber Scholarship awarded to a worthy student.


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