Dr. Taneli Kukkonen

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Taneli Kukkonen. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Taneli Kukkonen specializes in classical Arabic philosophy, Aristotle, and the Aristotelian-Platonic traditions from antiquity to the Renaissance. His research interests include philosophy, pop culture, religious studies, Islamic culture during the classical period, and the early history of science. Taneli is also an avid reader of comic books and enjoys music and chocolate. He has authored the book 'Ibn Tufayl' (Oxford, 2014) and published thirty research articles in the field of Arabic philosophy within the Aristotelian tradition. Before joining NYU Abu Dhabi, he held academic positions in Philosophy at the University of Victoria (Canada), History at the University of Jyväskylä (Finland), and Religious Studies at the University of Otago (New Zealand).

Research Interests

Courses

Philosophy of Nature Comparative Philosophies of Religion Philosophy and Pop Culture

Requirements for New York University Abu Dhabi

Bachelor Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:125
Overall
Required:125
Prerequisites
High School Diploma or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Common Application
  • NYU Supplement
  • Official Transcripts
  • Common Application School Report
  • Counselor Recommendation
  • Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)
  • Standardized Testing (Optional for 2025-2026)
  • Teacher Recommendation
Specialization Notes

Undergraduate programs at NYU Abu Dhabi are cross-disciplinary. Departments such as Computer Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Philosophy, and Psychology fall under the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts/Science tracks.