Edmond J. Safra Foundation Center for Ethics

Faculty Fellowships

Since the Center began, more than 150 outstanding scholars and teachers have been awarded Faculty Fellowships in Ethics. These participants, faculty from Harvard and other leading institutions of higher education throughout the world, come to pursue a year of study designed to develop their competence to teach and write about ethical issues in the professions and other public callings.

The Faculty Fellows Seminar, in which fellows discuss problems of teaching and research in ethics, is the intellectual heart of the Center. Each week philosophers and other theorists engage in discussions with those teaching in professional schools. Through these interchanges, the theorists broaden their knowledge of practice, while the practitioners deepen their understanding of systematic moral reasoning.

"As a woman philosopher, I appreciated the fact that within the Seminar and at other Program activities I was accepted and encouraged, rather than dissuaded from doing the best I could do. This is still a somewhat rare atmosphere for women, and so one is especially grateful to have it. I especially note Dennis Thompson's encouragement. In general, his intellectual insights, generosity, and encouragement greatly facilitated the work of the Seminar."

Frances M. Kamm, from Report on the Ethics Fellowship Year 1989-90

Purpose

The Center encourages teaching and research about ethical issues in the professions and public life; helps meet the growing need for teachers and scholars who address questions of moral choice in practical ethics and in areas such as architecture, business, education, government, journalism, law, medicine, public health, public policy, and religion; brings together those with competence in philosophical thought and those with experience in professional education; and promotes a perspective on ethics informed by both theory and practice.

Activities

Fellows participate in the weekly seminar of the Center, which discusses problems of teaching and research in ethics. They enjoy access to a wide range of activities in all of the professional schools at Harvard, as well as the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, including opportunities to participate in courses, colloquia, curricular development, collaborative research, study groups, casewriting workshops, and clinical programs. A significant part of their time is devoted to conducting their own research in ethics.

Eligibility

A committee of Harvard faculty members, representing several of Harvard's professional schools and Harvard College, select the Faculty Fellows. Applicants are judged on the quality of their achievements in their field of specialization and their ability to benefit from work in the Center; the contributions they are likely to make in the future in higher education through teaching and writing about ethical issues; and the probable significance of their proposed research and its relevance to the purposes of the Center. Applicants should hold a doctorate in philosophy, political theory, theology or related disciplines; or a graduate degree in one of the professions. Preference will be given to applicants at an early stage of their careers, normally no more than ten years from their first academic appointment. Fellows must have received their terminal degrees prior to the beginning of the fellowship year. The Faculty Fellowships are open to all regardless of citizenship.

Stipends and Conditions

Fellows normally receive stipends of up to one-half their academic year salaries (not exceeding a maximum stipend set each fall) for the fellowship period. Their home institution is expected to provide at least half the salary, plus all benefits. Overseas fellows and those without regular academic appointments, or any other source of income, are eligible for stipends depending on individual circumstances. Each fellow is provided with an office, library privileges, and a research allowance. They are expected to devote full time to the activities of the Center during the period of the fellowship, September 1 through June 30.

The Center will no longer be accepting applications for Faculty Fellowships in Ethics.