Understanding
PHIL 248U
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
What does it mean to understand an idea? If the idea is theoretical, is having an intuitive feel for it sufficient, or must we have a rigorous proof in mind? If it is an empirical phenomenon, does knowing the “laws” that govern it constitute understanding or must we know the reasons for the laws? What does it mean to achieve understanding on personal levels---as in the ancient Greek call Know Thyself (Gnothi seauton)? We will explore these questions from the standpoint of various subjects, including philosophy, mathematics, economics, physics, and biology.
Those who would like to take our course should send us a transcript of their grades and a brief note saying how they might think about engaging with the concept of understanding, or about specific insights that come from their own areas of interest. We will try to relate the syllabus of our course to the fields of interest of the accepted students.
Students are expected to participate fully in classroom discussions. There are no formal prerequisites except for facility with formal reasoning and high school mathematics.
Class Notes
Enrollment: The number of students will be limited to about 25. If you wish to enroll for credit, please email your Harvard (or undergraduate) transcript together with a brief cover note explaining your background and reasons for taking the course to the instructors (and their assistants) by April 9. Decisions on admission will be made by April 14.
For incoming graduate students, please email your transcript and cover note by August 14, and a decision will be made by August 19.
Instructors:
Eric Maskin: Littauer 312; Email: emaskin@fas.harvard.edu; Tel: 617-495-1746 Assistant: Becky Tshonas: Email: rtshonas@fas.harvard.edu; Tel: 617-495-4434
Barry Mazur: Science Center 512; Email: mazur@math.harvard.edu; Tel: 617-230-2732 Assistant – Pamela Brentana: Email: pbrentan@math.harvard.edu; Tel: 617-495-5334
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
