Ethos, Diversity, & Outreach

The Philosophy Section aims to create a vibrant and tolerant intellectual community with heterogeneity in backgrounds and opinions, and where the overriding norms are those of civilized rational argument.

In collaboration with UMass Boston the Philosophy Section organizes PIKSI-Boston, an annual week-long summer institute for undergraduates from under-represented groups in philosophy. Both MIT faculty and graduates students take part, with graduate students providing mentoring support as well as holding seminars. The institute takes approximately 20 undergraduates each year, with the goal of helping them to develop the tools they need to succeed in philosophy. This year’s PIKSI-Boston was held at MIT from July 9-17, 2023.

Useful resource: MIT’s Institute Community and Equity Office.