History and Philosophy of Science – (M.Sc.)

The history and philosophy of science is a research area that cuts across the sciences and humanities. The History and Philosophy of Science Master Program provides a framework in which students can examine the significance of natural sciences and the impact of science on society. The courses offered treat science and technology as: historically significant in themselves, integral components of the general development of knowledge, culture, and society and conceptually and theoretically rich domains for philosophical analysis. The courses explore these various features, and, in so doing, provide a wider context for the understanding of science and its applications. Many courses have a substantial historical component, others deal with philosophical or social issues and some combine these elements. The topics examined include the relationships between science and society; the rise of ethical issues in biotechnology; the development of evolutionary biology and its social applications; the relationships between technology and society; the ontology of science; the nature of scientific theories; the relationship between different scientific theories; the relationships between science and nature; methodological aspects concerning demonstration and explanation in science. Students taking the courses offered by this Master Program will explore the concepts, theoretical underpinnings and methodology of the sciences - an exploration that will enrich their understanding of the nature of science and its current dominance as a means of gaining knowledge.