Mathematics and Philosophy
Directors of undergraduate studies: Sebastian Hurtado-Salazar (Mathematics), Miki Havlickova (Mathematics), Math DUS; Keith DeRose (Philosophy)
The Mathematics and Philosophy major allows students to explore those areas where philosophy and mathematics meet, in particular, mathematical and philosophical logic and the philosophy of mathematics.
Prerequisite
The prerequisite for the major is MATH 1200. With prior written permission from the Mathematics DUS, students who completed multivariable calculus during high school may substitute a higher level mathematics course in the same area.
Requirements of the Major
The major requires twelve term courses including the prerequisite and the senior seminar. Of the remaining courses, at least four must be in mathematics level 2220-4690, and five must be in philosophy. The remaining course may be either a mathematics or philosophy course. All philosophy courses are eligible for credit toward the major, except First-Order Logic (PHIL 1115). Required courses include Set Theory (MATH 2700), Mathematical Logic (PHIL 2267), Computability and Logic (PHIL 4427), an additional advanced philosophy course with a substantive logical component, (other than PHIL 4427) that fulfills the senior requirement (see below). Set Theory (MATH 2700) and Mathematical Logic (PHIL 2267) must be taken before the end of the junior year; it is strongly recommended that they be taken earlier.
A course must be listed with a MATH number to count toward the mathematics requirements—substitutions from other departments are not permitted. Graduate mathematics courses level 5000-5999 may be counted as electives; graduate mathematics courses level 6000 or above may not be counted.
Senior Requirement
Each year certain seminars offered by the Mathematics and Philosophy departments are designated as fulfilling the senior requirement of the combined major. If such a seminar is taken to fulfill the senior requirement, majors must consult with the instructor and agree upon additional work required. Typically, additional work includes a substantial class presentation and/or preparation of a series of drafts prior to submission of the final paper.
The mathematics seminars, numbered MATH 4800 through 4890, fulfill the senior requirement. For philosophy seminars that fulfill the senior requirement, consult the director of undergraduate studies (DUS) in Philosophy.
Credit/D/Fail No more than one course taken Credit/D/Fail may be applied toward the requirements of the major (including the prerequisite), with permission of the DUSs. The following courses must be taken for letter grades: MATH 2700, PHIL 2267, PHIL 4427; the required mathematics courses level 2220 or higher; the additional philosophy course with an advanced logic component; and the senior seminar.
Outside credit Courses taken after matriculation at Yale at another institution or during an approved summer or term-time study abroad program may count toward the major requirements with DUS approval.
Advising
A typical program satisfying the major might consist of MATH 1200, MATH 2250 or MATH 2260, MATH 2700, MATH 2550, two math electives level 2220 or higher; PHIL 1126, PHIL 2267, 4427, two philosophy electives; a senior seminar in Mathematics or Philosophy.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisite MATH 1200
Number of courses 12 term courses (incl prereq and senior sem)
Specific courses required MATH 2700, PHIL 2267, 4427
Distribution of courses 3 additional courses in MATH at 2220 level or higher; 3 additional courses in PHIL, incl 1 PHIL course with adv logic component; 1 math or philosophy elective
Senior requirement Senior seminar in philosophy or MATH 4800 through 4890