Master
of Arts
Concentration in Philosophy of Science
This curriculum is designed for those who are
seeking to understand the conceptual foundations
of the natural sciences (physics, chemistry,
biology, earth sciences), cognitive sciences,
mathematics, medicine, psychology, economics,
and other social sciences. While philosophy of
science usually focuses on contemporary science,
in this program students are also afforded the
opportunity to study the history of science,
as well as issues at the interface of science
and religion.
Students must fulfill the general Master
of Arts Degree requirements of the Department
of Philosophy. Students should consult
with their advisors when selecting courses
to fulfill the additional following requirements:
- a
two semester graduate level course in philosophy
of science, the first being devoted to general
principles ("Seminar in Philosophy of
Science," PH
870), and the second pertaining to current
debate in philosophy of science, such as those
about realism and anti-realism, explanation,
constructivism, and causation ("Contemporary
Issues in Philosophy of Science," PH 871).
- a
graduate seminar in a particular area of philosophy
of science, e.g. philosophy of physics (PH 670), philosophy of cognitive science
(PH 665), philosophy of biology (PH 672), general epistemology (PH 860, PH
861), philosophy of logic and mathematics (PH 667, PH 674, PH 678), or philosophy
of the social sciences (PH 677).
- a course
in the history of science that may be offered
either by the Department of Philosophy ("Topics in Philosophy of Science" PH
687) or any one of various courses in the Department
of History, Department of Mathematics, or the
Program in Neuroscience (located in the Psychology
Department).
- a specific
science course is not required, but students
are urged to enroll either in the science literacy course offered through the "Science,
Philosophy, and Religion Program" of the School of
Theology or alternatively, a graduate level
course in the natural or social sciences, mathematics,
or logic.
The student specializing in the philosophy of science
will take the same total number of courses as will
any other philosophy MA student.
Back to Top |
