Philosophy, Science, and Mathematics

In 2016, the Department of Philosophy introduced a new interdisciplinary minor and major concentration in Philosophy, Science, and Mathematics (PSM). The program is the only one of its kind in the United States, and is designed to give students the chance to ask and think about the "big questions" raised by science and mathematics. These are questions like:

• Does science tell us the truth about reality?

• Is there a conflict between contemporary science and religious belief?

• What does the theory of evolution tell us about ethics?

• What is mathematical truth?

• How is mathematics related to the empirical world?

Students in the program will have access to small classes taught by Notre Dame's world-class faculty in the philosophy of science and mathematics, including an interdisciplinary team-taught gateway seminar offered every fall. They will also have access to majors-level offerings in the Department of Philosophy and the College of Science.

Who is this program for?

The new program is especially targeted at two groups of students.

The first group is students who are already pursuing science, engineering, or mathematics, and would like more opportunities to ask big foundational or conceptual questions about their scientific and mathematical studies.

The second group is students outside the sciences, who would like to combine some serious scientific work with intensive discussions of the big questions raised by contemporary science and mathematics.

The program can be pursued either as a major or as a minor. Students interested in the program are invited to apply. If you have questions, please contact the Director of the Program in Philosophy, Science, and Mathematics, Professor Tim Bays.