The American Philosophical Association (APA) and the Philosophy Documentation Center (PDC) are pleased to announce that the 2017 APA/PDC Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Philosophy Programs has been awarded to the Society of Philosophers in America (SOPHIA).
The Society of Philosophers in America (SOPHIA) is an educational nonprofit membership and chapter organization dedicated to building communities of philosophical conversation. SOPHIA is made up of people who are interested in deep, meaningful dialogue, who aim to enrich public discourse and civility, and who are from within and beyond the academy.
The chair of the selection committee said, “SOPHIA’s general mission is to bring philosophy to the general educated public by sponsoring programs and events that apply philosophy to difficult issues of concern to all. Many of the events have been local and topical, but recently SOPHIA has offered online conferences featuring philosophers, but open to anyone who wants to log in and offer live comments. It has also expanded its radio show-cum-podcast, ‘Philosophy Bakes Bread,’ that addresses such matters as the abortion debate, the ethics of dentistry, the role of anger in morality and politics, and the nature of happiness; the show has garnered many appreciative comments. Most recently, SOPHIA has started up a digital peer-reviewed journal, Civil American (subtitle, ‘Philosophy for Everyone’). All these are important and excellent contributions to public discourse.”
The Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Philosophy Programs has been jointly sponsored by the APA and the PDC since 1999. It recognizes philosophy departments, research centers, institutes, societies, publishers, and other organizations for creating programs that risk undertaking new initiatives in philosophy and do so with excellence and success. The prize award, provided by the PDC, includes campus-wide electronic access to a bundle of philosophy resources for one year and an award plaque. It gives professional recognition to the winning program and also benefits its host institution.
About the PDC
The Philosophy Documentation Center has been serving scholars on a non-profit basis since 1966, earning a reputation for excellence with the publication of essential reference materials, scholarly journals, book series, conference proceedings, and other materials. Our goal is to expand the reach of philosophical work outside the classroom and increase cooperation among philosophers everywhere.
Congratulations!
On behalf of SOPHIA, Thank you!