Concentration in Philosophy
Philosophy is wide-ranging. It includes ethics and logic, but also the philosophy of religion, the philosophy of mind, the philosophy of science, the philosophy of language, and the philosophy of history. The philosophy concentration gives students an opportunity to explore both the questions that occupy philosophers and the tools used to solve them.
1. The Requirement
Concentration in the field of philosophy requires a total of three (9 or 12 unit) course 24 subjects in philosophy. Of these three subjects, one may be an introductory subject numbered 24.00 -24.09. No more than one introductory subject can count for concentration purposes, and all three concentration subjects may be non introductory subjects. The selection of three subjects must be “well-distributed”, as determined by the concentration advisor, Professor Jack Spencer, 32-D929, 617-253-5744, jackspen@mit.edu.
Course 24 subjects that are cross-listed in another department can be used for the concentration in philosophy even if the student registers for them using the other department’s subject number.
Philosophy subjects taught at MIT’s Concourse Program are allowed to count as introductory course 24 subjects for concentration purposes. Because Concourse subjects count as introductory subjects, they cannot be used in conjunction with subjects numbered 24.00 – 24.09, or with other Concourse subjects, as part of a philosophy concentration.
Besides subjects offered at MIT, subjects originating through transfer credit from another university will be counted toward the concentration requirement if MIT transfer credit has been given for a specific MIT philosophy subject. Other subjects originating through transfer credit from philosophy departments elsewhere may also be used, but only if approved by the philosophy transfer credit examiner, Justin Khoo (32-D962, 617-715-4298, jkhoo@mit.edu).
2. Application Forms
Concentration credit in philosophy is obtained by submitting an on-line proposal form and afterwards submitting a certificate of completion form. Proposal and completion forms can be found at http://studentformsandpetitions.mit.edu/. Both forms are reviewed and approved by the philosophy concentration advisor.
3. Consultation
Professor Jack Spencer is available for consultation. Please contact him at 32-D929, 617-253-5744 or jackspen@mit.edu for an appointment.
Ms. Jennifer Purdy in 32-D812 (x3-9372; purdy@mit.edu) will also be glad to be of help, both in giving general information and in directing students to the faculty advisors.