From the Dean 

Spring | 2010


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Greetings to all as we prepare to celebrate 2010 Commencement—and the pleasures of summer. 

In this issue of Soundings magazine, you’ll find illuminating stories from several areas of the School's research portfolio. 



In State of the Art we visit the musical frontier, where three young innovators in the School’s renowned Music section are creating new tools and sounds influenced by global culture, computer science, classical scholarship.

A Philosopher's Dozen is a feast
 from Stephen Yablo, one of the world's most creative—and humorous—philosophers. A profile and thirteen selections from his writings show why Yablo is considered one of the leading philosophers of his generation.  

Medieval Tech presents ideas from Anne McCants, head of History, MacVicar Faculty Fellow, visionary educator—and road trip adventurer. In famously engaging classes, McCants gives MIT students broad cultural perspectives that help prepare them for compassionate leadership.

You'll also find a profile of Kenneth Wang ’71, who provides invaluable support for several crucial areas of the School's mission, and a tribute to Dr. Bette Davis, longtime director of the HASS Education Office, whose profound contributions as “the HASSologist” we honor this season. 

As ever, the magazine comes with my warmest thanks to the School community—in 02139 and around the globe—for the goodwill and creativity with which you bring your great ideas into the world. 

 

Soundings, Spring 2010