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This archived information is dated to the 2008-09 academic year only and may no longer be current.
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Stanford Bulletin, Archive 2008-09
Stanford Bulletin, Archive 2008-09
Philosophy
Emeriti (Professors): Fred Dretske, Solomon Feferman, Georg Kreisel, Julius Moravcsik, John Perry, David S. Nivison, Patrick Suppes, James O. Urmson; (Courtesy Professor): Denis Phillips
Chair: Helen Longino
Director of Graduate Study: Michael Bratman
Director of Undergraduate Study: Chris Bobonich
Professors: Chris Bobonich, Michael Bratman, Joshua Cohen, John Etchemendy, Dagfinn Føllesdal (Autumn), Michael Friedman, Helen Longino, Grigori Mints, Debra Satz, Brian Skyrms (Spring), Kenneth Taylor (on leave), Johan van Benthem (Spring), Thomas Wasow, Allen Wood (on leave), Rega Wood (Research, on leave)
Associate Professors: Lanier Anderson, Mark Crimmins, Graciela De Pierris, David Hills (Teaching), Nadeem Hussain, Krista Lawlor
Assistant Professors: Alexis Burgess, Tamar Schapiro
Courtesy Professors: Reviel Netz, Josiah Ober
Lecturers: Shane Duarte, Thomas Ryckman, Joel Velasco
Acting Assistant Professor: Eric Pacuit
Distinguished Visiting Professor: George Smith
Department Offices: Building 90
Mail Code: 94305-2155
Department Phone: (650) 723-2547
Email: philosophy@csli.stanford.edu
Web Site: http://www-philosophy.stanford.edu
Courses offered by the Department of Philosophy have the subject code PHIL, and are listed in the "Philosophy [PHIL] Courses" section of this bulletin.
Philosophy concerns itself with fundamental problems. Some are abstract and deal with the nature of truth, justice, value, and knowledge; others are more concrete, and their study may help guide conduct or enhance understanding of other subjects. Philosophy also examines the efforts of past thinkers to understand the world and people's experience of it.
Although it may appear to be an assortment of different disciplines, there are features common to all philosophical enquiry. These include an emphasis on methods of reasoning and the way in which judgments are formed, on criticizing and organizing beliefs, and on the nature and role of fundamental concepts.
Students of almost any discipline can find something in philosophy which is relevant to their own specialties. In the sciences, it provides a framework within which the foundations and scope of a scientific theory can be studied, and it may even suggest directions for future development. Since philosophical ideas have had an important influence on human endeavors of all kinds, including artistic, political, and economic, students of the humanities should find their understanding deepened by acquaintance with philosophy.
Philosophy is an excellent major for those planning a career in law, medicine, or business. It provides analytical skills and a breadth of perspective helpful to those called upon to make decisions about their own conduct and the welfare of others. Philosophy majors who have carefully planned their undergraduate program have an excellent record of admission to professional and graduate schools.
The Special Program in the History and Philosophy of Science enables students to combine interests in science, history, and philosophy. Students interested in this program should see the special adviser.
The joint major in Philosophy and Religious Studies combines courses from both departments into a coherent theoretical pattern.
The Tanner Memorial Library of Philosophy contains an excellent working library and ideal conditions for study.
Graduate students and undergraduate majors in philosophy have formed associations for discussion of philosophical issues and the reading of papers by students, faculty, and visitors. These associations elect student representatives to department meetings.
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