Advancing Human Understanding
Building human-centered AI: Philosophy and computing at MIT
Finding balance in Chinese calligraphy
World-class
research
Without human understanding, there is no understanding. We are home to scholars and artists doing transformative work in fields vital to addressing the world’s most important challenges. Our faculty develop the values, vision, and ethical compass of tomorrow’s leaders.
Our faculty are among the world’s leading experts in their fields. Here you’ll find a selection of recent publications from SHASS scholars.
Some democracies are struggling to ensure safe drinking water
New research co-authored by MIT political scientist Evan Lieberman shows that across nearly 100 countries with developing economies, democracies are falling behind non-democracies when it comes to having safe water on tap.
Study: Firms often use automation to control certain workers’ wages
MIT economist Daron Acemoglu co-authored research showing that firms have often used automation to replace employees who specifically receive a “wage premium,” earning higher salaries than other comparable workers. “The higher the wage of the worker in a particular industry or occupation or task, the more attractive automation becomes to firms,” he says.
MIT graduates share how their SHASS education prepared them to take on the world’s greatest challenges.
Rujul Gandhi ’22
Linguistics and Philosophy (Course 24-2)
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Course 6)
“SHASS classes, such as in theater or political science, gave me a chance to learn about human connection at levels from individual to global. My current work on communication falls into this broad theme of how people connect to each other.”
Ankita Reddy ’19
Anthropology (Course 21A)
Biology (Course 7)
“My classes, discussions, and connections fostered through SHASS taught me the value of deep listening, priming me to ask difficult questions about technological solutions (and to have the courage to do so).”
Music & Theater Arts gives students the opportunity to explore these disciplines as artistic practices and as cultural, intellectual, and personal avenues of inquiry and discovery.
Music on the brain
Graduate student Claire Southard ’25 explores new frontiers in music technology.
Students learn theater design through the power of play
MIT Theater faculty invite students to draw upon their personal experiences to create evocative set, sound, and lighting designs.
Broadening student minds
If you want to make the world a better place, you need to understand how it works. SHASS plays an essential role at MIT, ensuring our students have a deep understanding of the human implications of the world’s biggest challenges.
Latest news from SHASS
Our work has broad impact at MIT and across the globe. Read the latest about new ideas coming out of SHASS.
David Autor named head of the Department of Economics
A faculty member since 1999, Autor is a leading researcher in artificial intelligence and the work of the future.
MIT in the media: Exploring how curiosity-driven science is an essential ingredient in America’s success
“Scientific American” showcases the history and future of America’s scientific engine, highlighting promising young scientists and icons at MIT and beyond.
Summer 2026 recommended reading from MIT
Enjoy these recent titles from Institute faculty and staff.
In the media
Army general abruptly steps down as Hegseth’s Pentagon purge intensifies
Don’t say ‘thank you’: How being polite to AI may be costing you and the environment
AI won’t cull bankers, but it may eat their bonuses
The itinerant preacher who helped secure the separation of church and state
SHASS videos
Weaving economic narratives: A cross-disciplinary collaboration inspired by jamdani
