Joseph Pitt honored with emeritus status

Joseph Pitt, professor of philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech faculty since 1971, Pitt made significant contributions to the discipline of philosophy through his work in the history and philosophy of science and technology. He authored or edited 17 books, authored or coauthored more than 85 peer-reviewed journal articles or book chapters, and authored 39 reviews or popular pieces.

Pitt has held leadership positions in several professional organizations. He has served on several editorial boards, and he has served as editor of multiple journals, including Techné: Research in Philosophy and Technology.

At Virginia Tech, Pitt was instrumental in advancing interdisciplinary scholarship as the founding director of both the Center for the Study of Science in Society and the Humanities, Science and Technology Program, in spearheading the establishment of the ASPECT (Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought) Ph.D. program, and in developing a curriculum in engineering ethics.

In the classroom, he taught hundreds of undergraduate and graduate courses in philosophy. In addition, he directed 32 master’s degree students in the Department of Philosophy; 40 master’s degree and Ph.D. students in the Department of Science, Technology, and Society; and five Ph.D. students in ASPECT. He also served on another 28 graduate student committees.

Pitt received his bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario.