Said and Done for October 2014
Digest of the MIT humanities, arts, and social sciences features a Nobel Prize, a new professorship in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, three new SHASS websites, and more.
Why sign rights treaties?
Study: Autocratic leaders who sign human-rights treaties seek political gain, not material benefits.
Creating user-friendlier environments
Federico Casalegno designs technology environments that keep human experience at the center of user experience.
Martial arts and medical outreach
Senior Christina Lalani applies lessons she learned from karate to global health disparities.
3 Questions: Jonathan Gruber on the cost of smoking
Leading health care economist weighs in on a proposed cost-benefit analysis of smoking.
Alumnus Jean Tirole wins Nobel Prize in economic sciences
Former faculty member lauded for framework for regulating dominant firms in imperfect markets.
MIT linguist Danny Fox named Anshen-Chomsky Professor of Language and Thought
Research illuminates both language and the mind itself.
Study: Workplace diversity can help the bottom line
MIT economist scrutinizes firm data suggesting diverse offices function more effectively.
The overlooked history of African technology
New book explores the confluence of innovation, hunting, and nature in Zimbabwe.
Caught in the social safety net
Andrea Campbell gives a firsthand perspective on the effects of means-tested social insurance programs.
Studying time makes this philosopher tick
Newly tenured Brad Skow studies the philosophy of science and the intricacies of time.