ESP Biography



ELISE BICKFORD, MIT Senior studying Philosophy




Major: 24-1

College/Employer: MIT

Year of Graduation: 2018

Picture of Elise Bickford

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Not Available.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

H11609: Intro to the Philosophy of Action in Splash 2017 (Nov. 18 - 19, 2017)
What is left over if I subtract the fact that my arm goes up from the fact that I raise my arm? What makes an action different from a mere bodily motion? What is the role of desire and belief in action? What is a reason for action? In this course we'll set out to understand and answer some of these fundamental questions about actions which still continue to puzzle philosophers today. No philosophy background required!


H11856: Animal Ethics in Splash 2017 (Nov. 18 - 19, 2017)
Is testing on non-human animals moral? Should we use animal products? Do non-human animals have rights? What does it mean to be an animal? In this course, we'll address some tough and important questions about non-human animals and our moral relationships with them.


H10854: Armchair Philosophy in Splash 2016 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2016)
Let's talk about philosophy! Topics include but are not limited to free will, consciousness, morality, personal identity, and Nietzsche's moustache.


H10521: Intro to Kantian Philosophy in HSSP Summer 2016 (Jul. 10, 2016)
Come learn about the brilliant and inspirational philosopher Immanuel Kant! In this course, we will broadly cover Kantian ideas in metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, and human agency. We also will examine Kant's influence on contemporary philosophy and political theory.


H10266: How to Pretend You Speak a Foreign Language in Spark 2016 (Mar. 12 - 13, 2016)
First step to looking like you know what you're doing: look like you know what you're saying. Come learn how to pull that off, whether you're traveling the world or fooling friends!


H10024: Armchair Philosophy in Splash 2015 (Nov. 21 - 22, 2015)
Let's talk about philosophy! Topics include but are not limited to free will, consciousness, morality, personal identity, and Nietzsche's moustache.


Z9259: History of Western Music in Spark 2015 (Mar. 14 - 15, 2015)
Why is music important? What can music tell us about culture and society? How and why has music changed so much over time? Come learn about the history of western music and get some answers to these questions. We will start from medieval times and forge ahead at lightning speed to present day. Lots of listening and music videos will be included!


A8864: Physics and Ballet in Splash 2014 (Nov. 22 - 23, 2014)
Have you ever wanted to know how to pirouette or pliƩ? Come learn the basics of ballet with a little bit of Newtonian mechanics thrown in for good measure. Comfortable workout clothes recommended.


S8865: The Sex Lives of Plants in Splash 2014 (Nov. 22 - 23, 2014)
When a boy plant loves a girl plant.... or a bisexual plant loves itself.... or an asexual plant .... well it's complicated. Come learn about the weird and cool intricacies of plant reproduction and botany.