Empowering the next generation of philosophers through diversity and inclusion

Held annually at MIT, the PIKSI-Boston program brings together students from groups underrepresented in the field of philosophy. As a rising senior studying philosophy and neuroscience at Boston University, Dee Everett saw attending the Philosophy in an Inclusive Key Summer Institute in Boston ( PIKSI-Boston ) at MIT as an opportunity to connect with philosophy students who, like her, are members of underrepresented groups. "Philosophy, and academia as a whole, still remains predominantly white and upper class, which means finding literature and Sally Haslanger, the MIT Ford Professor of Philosophy and Women's and Gender Studies, spearheaded the creation of PIKSI-Boston, working with a group of MIT philosophy graduate students. She says that while much of professional philosophy is intellectually stimulating, it can be socially alienating for members of underrepresented groups. "No one does their best in an environment they find alienating, and this results in a sense of inadequacy. Who would plan to pursue an advanced degree in a discipline that makes them feel inadequate? PIKSI-Boston provides a space where fellows can experience the joy of doing philosophy in a supportive environment and gain the confidence to persist, even under more difficult conditions," she says. "We also teach skills for combating alienation and changing the environment. And the relationships formed at PIKSI are a resource in times of doubt." "Mentoring happens for everyone"