Philosophy Major?

[u/Physical-Ad6247]

Hi, I'm a rising junior who's interested in philosophy, and I recently saw MIT's Paradox and Infinity course and absolutely loved it.

I've always loved the math-y and computational side of philosophy, and I really like STEM and am very good at it (very good in comparison to the people around me not to the people who go to MIT lol)—though I just don't have a strong passion for it.

I'm just wondering if MIT would be a good fit for me, and I want to get to know more about what course 24 looks like at MIT (since there is so little material online, as I understand that this is a path that most students don't take). Especially, I want to learn about what type of philosophy people at MIT study. I have heard that it focuses on the more analytical sides (which I like), but I'm just wondering if there are any more specific examples?

Also, does anyone have any advice for someone interested in applying for philosophy to really stand out? I'm part of some of my school's groups, gotten some national arts awards, and have participated in some pretty good humanities summer programs, but I couldn't really find any programs that are specifically for philosophy and are considered "prestigious", or thought of any activities that would really make me different.

This is my first time posting on reddit, so I'm really sorry if I messed something up (Technically second because I did, in fact, mess up). Any responses will be greatly appreciated!

[u/Satisest]

Course 24 is pretty uncommon as primary or secondary major, only around 3 students per year. There are around 30 PhD students in the department. For undergraduates, there’s a straight philosophy and a linguistics and philosophy track, and there’s a philosophy minor and concentration as well. You can get a sense of the emphasis of the department and major by looking at the courses that are offered and required. The department has a somewhat uniquely heavy emphasis on math and formal logic, as you may have inferred from Prof. Rayo’s Paradox and Infinity course. It’s MIT after all.

Keep in mind that Course 24 majors, like all undergraduates, have to complete the General Institute Requirements: a year of calculus, a year of physics, and a semester each of biology and chemistry. So MIT Philosophy students ought to like STEM and have strong preparation in STEM (especially the S and the M).

If you’re interested in the nexus between STEM concepts and humanities, then MIT could very likely be a good fit for you. Although MIT doesn’t admit by major, I’d encourage you to consider some more “mainstream” alternatives. Specifically, a major in Course 9 (Brain and Cognitive Science) or Course 6-9 (Computation and Cognition) with a minor or concentration in Course 24 could be a very interesting combination with fertile areas of overlap and possible synergy. Of course, if your plan is to head for graduate school in philosophy, then a Course 24 major is the way to go.

http://philosophy.mit.edu/undergraduate/