MA in Philosophy
Candidates for the MA must successfully complete the logic requirements, as well as a master’s thesis. A foreign language is not required unless needed for, or essential to, the thesis or research. Coursework consists of eight courses, at least five of which must be in philosophy. Considerable flexibility in the program of study is permitted so that the MA can serve as a vehicle for combining various interests (for example, aesthetics with training in a fine art; political philosophy with training in law). Further details concerning the terminal MA may be obtained from the department.
Concentration in the Philosophy of Science
Within its master’s degree program, the Philosophy Department offers a concentration in the philosophy of science. This curriculum is designed for those who are seeking to understand the conceptual foundations of the natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences), cognitive sciences, mathematics, medicine, psychology, economics, and other social sciences. Students must fulfill the general Master of Arts degree requirements of the Department of Philosophy as well as the following core curriculum:
- a two-semester graduate-level course in philosophy of science, the first being devoted to general principles and the second pertaining to current debates in philosophy of science, such as those about realism and anti-realism, explanation, constructivism, and causation;
- a graduate seminar in a particular area of philosophy of science, e.g., philosophy of physics, philosophy of cognitive science, philosophy of biology, general epistemology, philosophy of logic and mathematics, or philosophy of the social sciences;
- a course in the history of science that may be offered either by the Department of Philosophy, or any one of various courses in the Department of History, Department of Mathematics, or the Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience;
- a specific science course is not required, but students are urged to enroll either in the science literacy course offered through the Science, Philosophy & Religion Program of the School of Theology, or alternatively a graduate-level course in the natural or social sciences, mathematics, or logic.
For more information, please visit www.bu.edu/philo/academics/philofsci.html.
