Ben Gifford ’10
Philosophy
F08-S09 D-plan: L-R-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: The things I like most about the Philosophy department are the extremely high quality of the professors and the overall level of commitment that the faculty has to its students. My Philosophy professors have always been more than happy to sit down and talk about a paper, a problem, or an idea, whether I’m taking a course with them that term or not. Also the typically small class sizes allow for a much more individualized and rewarding academic experience. Unfortunately, because the Philosophy department is so small and personalized, it is unable to offer the same volume of courses as some of the larger departments, and many interesting courses are offered very infrequently.

Important info for potential majors: Your friends might tell you that Philosophy is an obsolete subject, but in reality it is a discipline that gives you analytical tools that are crucial to any study or career path. Also, if you’re considering being a major, don’t let Phil 1 make the decision for you – it’s nearly impossible to capture the best parts of Philosophy in a survey course. Instead, take a Philosophy course on a specific topic that interests you.

Talk to me if: you’re interested in Philosophy of Mind and/or Free Will

Most valuable academic information learned: With a philosophical problem, you can be 100% certain you’ve figured out the answer on your own, and still have your view radically changed by a single class. I remember walking into both Philosophy of Science and Philosophy of Mind thinking I had constructed a set of solid opinions regarding each topic, only to have my views overthrown within weeks. Fortunately, my newly acquired beliefs were much better justified than my previous ones.

Favorite class and professor: I’ve really enjoyed them all, but Free Will with Ann Bumpus sticks out in particular (probably because it’s the one I took most recently). Bumpus set a measured, deliberate pace with what can be an overwhelming topic, and gave us a fair, well-rounded view of the many positions on the subject. Overall, the course helped me gain a comprehensive understanding of what I consider to be one of the most interesting problems of philosophy.

Major classes taken: PHIL 1, 27, 31, 35

Major journey: Coming to Dartmouth, I had no idea what I wanted to study - freshman year alone I tried out 8 different departments, waiting to see what drew me in. Ironically, the course that got me really interested in my major was a political philosophy course in the Government department. I loved the way the philosophy made me think, so I began taking classes in the Philosophy department, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Thesis status: Intended thesis, unplanned at this point, but probably pertaining to Philosophy of Mind/Action

Other activities: Dog Day Players (Improv Comedy); Bones Gate Fraternity – Scholarship Chair; WDCR (Dartmouth College Radio); DOC Trips

Off Campus Program: Spanish FSP in Buenos Aires, 08S

James Cart ’10
Philosophy major, Anthropology and Ethics minors
F08-S09 D-plan: R-R-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: I would definitely my favorite thing about the philosophy department is the size. It is large enough that there is a good offering of classes and its small enough that meeting professors is easy, classes are never packed and I’ve never heard of anyone getting blocked out like in the economics or government department. I think my least favorite part would have to be the fact that there are some areas that are underrepresented. There is only one class on the Theory of Knowledge and other perception issues. However I think it is one of the better departments overall.

Important info for potential majors: One of the beauties of the philosophy major is the relative flexibility. If you find a class that sounds more interesting than Phil 1 odds are you can take it before Phil 1. This really lets people who have specific interests address those before having to take a more general class. That being said Phil 1 is a great class to take near the start because it addresses a variety of important topics in philosophy.

Talk to me if: You want to learn more about great classes and professors in the philosophy department. Also if you have an interest in ethics as I am pursuing an ethics minor.

Most valuable academic information learned: Know how fast you can work, and then plan some extra time (you never know what might happen). If you know you write a good paper at 4 pages per day, and have a 12 page paper due give at least 5 days. Some days things just won’t happen perfectly. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen friends wait until the last second and then have to hand something in late.

Favorite class and professor: So far my favorites have been Phil 8: Intro to Moral Theory and 37: Ethical Theory with Julia Driver. Ethics and morals are areas of knowledge which apply to all facets of academia and life. Professor Driver presented the topics clearly and ended both classes with case studies on things such as punishment and abortion.

Major classes taken: Philosophy 1, 6, 8, 37, 38

Major journey: Freshman Fall I came in and had been introduced to some areas of philosophy in high school. I saw Phil 1 was offered in the fall so I signed up and after that I fell in love with the subject. I love that ideas in Philosophy can be applied in many disciplines. I plan on going to graduate school after college and getting a PhD.

Major specific activities: I attend Aporia discussion lunches.

Thesis status: Not planning on a thesis

Other activities: Student Assembly- 2010 Class Rep, Ivy Council Head Delegate, Exec Board; Dartmouth Ends Hunger- Lose the Shoes Tournament coordinator; ORL- UGA

Internship experience: For Summer 07 I was employed at SUNY Buffalo in Fred Sach’s Lab in Buffalo, NY. I did analysis on data collected in a biophysics lab. The experiments had to do with the effect of GSMTX-4, a compound found in Chilean Rosehair Tarantula venom, on various human tissues During Spring 08 I am doing a “Hanover FSP” so I am staying at Dartmouth for my off term. I am working in the Athletic Department running IM softball, squash and hockey.