Applying to two different disciplines - what to do for LOR?

[SaladDays]

Allo everyone, I am a citizen of Canada applying to both math and philosophy programs in Canada. I already have 3-4 letter writers picked out, I've talked to all of them about the programmes I'm interested in. I'm asking 1-2 Math profs, 1 physics prof and 1 philosophy prof. I feel kind of weird about applying to two sets of programmes. At this point I'm more interested in Math programmes, as that's where the bulk of my course work/research has been. I don't want to do anything that will hinder my chances. I have a few questions:

1) Do science programmes care about what humanities profs say about me (and vice versa)? "SaladDays has a firm grasp of 20th century German thought". I don't think that's of much relevance. Would this give me an advantage over everyone else or is it a waste of a letter? 

2) Do I ask them to put in their letters, "I know SaladDays will be a success in either a Math or Philosophy programme", I feel that could possibly hurt me. Or do I ask each prof for two letters, one tailored to each type of programme. Or, are LORs in general, vague enough so that they can be used for both types of programmes? 

3) Each programme says something different about the LORs they want. 2, at least 2, 3, at least 3. Do I pick and choose which letter will be best for each programme, or just send every letter to every department? 

Merci

[bhr]

You want letters specific to the school/department. A good LOR writer understands what is needed, but you can help by having an honest talk about why you are applying in each field and to each school (providing your CV helps as well). I would definitely suggest that you don't have them put both, as it shows that you are indecisive and not committed to a specific field.

Can I ask why you are looking at two very different disciplines? I'm also going to be applying to phd programs in different departments, but that's because my work straddles the two and I'm hoping to do the same sort of work in both. I think you will be happier (and more successful as an applicant) if you can choose one type of program to apply for at this point, as I can't reconcile how those two departments overlap.

[SaladDays]

I studied broadly during undergrad and I want to keep studying both subjects. I'm interested in the philosophy of science, so the two disciples have some overlap. Some of the programmes I'm going to apply to are outside of philosophy proper, things like "science and technology studies" or "the history and philosophy of science and technology". 

That is good advice you gave, I knew that I would get an answer like that. I think I'd be better off in a math programme and I don't want to jeopardize my chances of getting into one. 

[rising_star]

If you really want to study both subjects, you might want to look into a master's program, rather than a PhD program. At the doctoral level, you really do need to specialize. It's about what you want to study and work on for 4-8 years of your life. If that's math, then apply to math programs. If it's not, then don't apply to math programs.