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FAQ

Can I apply to the Program before completing the required foundational courses?

Students may apply to the Program before completing the foundational courses, but must complete the courses by the start of their senior year. 

Do I have to be a Philosophy major or take a lot of Philosophy courses to write a good thesis in the Program?

No. Doing well in the required foundational courses is sufficient for our students to complete a well-written thesis in Ethics in Society.

Will the Program provide a faculty thesis advisor for each student?

Students are in charge of their thesis advisor search, with the direction and support of the honors program faculty director and staff. There are many Center-affiliated faculty members across the university who have previously served as thesis advisors for past honors students. 

Students with thesis advisors who are not familiar with ethics will additionally be paired with one of the Center's Postdoctoral Fellows to support students with the normative side of their research/project. 

Second readers or co-advisors from disciplines throughout the university relevant to the student's topic are also encouraged.

What distinguishes the Program in Ethics in Society from other honors programs?

Our program is one of eight interdisciplinary honors programs at Stanford (designed for nonmajors) and our students write on a wide range of topics, sometimes completely unrelated to their majors. In addition to Honors Program Advisors, students often work closely with other Stanford faculty and the Center's Postdoctoral Fellows, who serve as second readers so that our students have significant support and guidance.

I’m interested in a thesis listed in the "Past Theses” page, do you have a copy that I can access?

Yes. Email the gmaung [at] stanford.edu (Events & Student Programming Administrator )with your request (author, title, and year). You may look at hard copies of past theses at the Center for Ethics in Society offices.

I have more specific questions, who can I talk to?

Email the gmaung [at] stanford.edu (Events & Student Programming Administrator, Gillyn Maung.)