Science is one of the major determinants of modern society. Both the history and philosophy of science aim at a deeper understanding of the nature of the scientific enterprise and the knowledge it produces. The historical approach focuses on the development of scientific thought and practice in times past. It does not limit itself to the problems, methods and solutions assigned by scientists, but extends its scope to the interplay with cultural, social or institutional features at particular times and places.
The philosophy of science studies general questions concerning the nature of scientific knowledge and scientific methods, but also includes conceptual analysis of fundamental theories such as relativity, quantum mechanics, evolution and modern genetics.
The Master's Programme in the History and Philosophy of Science at Utrecht University offers qualified students the opportunity to pursue an intensive course of study in the historical and philosophical dimensions of science. The programme is supported by the Utrecht Institute for the History and Foundations of Science, which is the leading centre for teaching and research in the history and philosophy of science in the Netherlands. The Master's Programme also contains important contributions from the Utrecht Department of Philosophy. The latter has a research group for the history of philosophy and a chair of logic and foundations of mathematics, both unique in the Netherlands. The University, moreover, offers many opportunities for related courses in physics, astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, history and philosophy. The Master in History and Philosophy of Science Programme encompasses one full year of solid training in history and philosophy of science, mostly in the form of seminars, and another full year of research, at the end of which students submit a substantial master's thesis. The programme is sufficiently broad and flexible to allow students to tailor it to their particular interests and background. Apart from two core courses, providing a general introduction at graduate level to the history and philosophy of science, all courses in the programme are optional. By suitably choosing their courses, students can put together a programme that emphasizes either the history or the philosophy of any specific branch of science as well as interdisciplinary aspects. The philosophical part of the programme lays particular stress on fundamental issues in physics, biology, and mathematics.
Altogether, the programme prepares students for intensive research at the PhD level and qualifies them for a wide range of positions. Graduates of the Master's in History and Philosophy of Science Programme may after their graduation either enrol in Ph.D. programmes or seek employment in organisations in which insight in the nature and history of science and critical reflection on scientific claims and postures is particularly valued (e.g. science journalism, science communication, science centres and museums, science policy, science management).
Janneke van Lith, 23-06-2011 11:50 [an error occurred while processing this directive]