Fada Mahmoudi (MSc Philosophy of Science)

Why did you choose LSE and the programme?

My interest in the philosophy of science began with a reference my father made to the observer effect during a talk I heard as a teenager. I carried that interest through my early academic and professional life — from studying computer science, literature, and linguistics to working as an AI engineer. By the time I began looking for a high-calibre university to pursue this interest academically, I knew I was drawn not only to the philosophy of science in general but also to formal epistemology. The Philosophical Gourmet Report led me to LSE as one of the very best departments in both areas, and among the strongest in Europe. The chance to learn from faculty like Roman Frigg, Richard Bradley, Jason Alexander, Bryan Roberts, and Liam Bright was one I felt very fortunate to have.

Which aspects of your studies were the most beneficial for your professional as well as personal development?

Having worked as an AI engineer for several years, I especially valued the chance to study the ethics of data and AI — a course taught by Dr Alessandra Basso, whose research in the philosophy of measurement brought a perspective I found valuable for my work. I had also come to LSE hoping to learn formal methods and the philosophy of economics, and it went beyond my expectations to find myself, within the first five weeks of classes and seminars with Professor Bradley, beginning to form my own research questions. I loved the Choice Group, which my academic adviser, professor Liam Bright, introduced me to; it offered me timely exposure to formal philosophy through talks by LSE faculty and students, as well as researchers from other universities. I also came to appreciate LSE’s strength in the philosophy of physics. I have always been drawn to physics but was never able to pursue it academically, for reasons beyond my control; here, at least for a few weeks, I was able to enjoy its beauty through the dissertation seminar with Professor Frigg.

What is your fondest memory of your time here?

So many memories bring a smile to my face: Professor Frigg giving me a copy of his book as a gift around my birthday; the course fair in the first week, where I sat down at a table to find Professor Roberts and a PhD fellow talking about time; choir practice on Tuesday evenings at the Shaw Library; the events and research organised by my friends and me in the AI Law and Governance (AILG) student society and the favours of Professor Zoltán Szabó; and the relaxed department dinner after our final exams, once everything was finally behind us. But perhaps the one memory I would single out is the weekend at Cumberland Lodge. I had looked forward to it ever since the taster session with Professor Miklós Rédei before I arrived, and it more than lived up to my hopes. Beyond the talks we attended there, it gave my cohort space to think together — under Professor Birch’s guidance — about animal sentience, and to design a poster on animal policy, for which my team received souvenirs. But it also gave us space simply to get to know one another, through games, walks in nature, and karaoke, all while staying in a former royal residence.

Why would you recommend studying at LSE and the Philosophy department in particular?

If someone’s interests lie in the philosophy of science or formal epistemology, I would recommend LSE as one of the best options. In my experience the department is particularly strong in these areas, and you find yourself among people who take the questions seriously.

And at a very general level, what I found especially valuable was the space it gives you to develop your analytical formal skills — among the most useful things you can take away, whether you go on to start your own business, work in a team, or pursue research.

As an international student, I would also encourage people not to overlook London itself — the city, and the community one becomes part of here, are a real part of what makes the experience worthwhile.

Your LSE experience in your own words.

For me, more than anything, my time here was a chance to get to know my professors — not only through their research, but as people. What has stayed with me is what it can look like to know a great deal and still remain humble, and to give so generously of one’s time to students. If there is one thing I hope to carry forward, it is that example. Similarly, I made friendships I believe will be among the deepest, most enduring in my life.

I arrived to study epistemology and the philosophy of science, and I am leaving with more than I expected: a desire to make academia my profession, and a new pull toward AI policy, where I had come in thinking mainly about AI epistemology. I feel I am walking away with a richer professional life ahead of me.