Program Overview

Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) Program

The History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) program is designed for graduate students in science, mathematics, or engineering who wish to explore the historical evolution and philosophical underpinnings of the physical and biological sciences. This program fosters the acquisition of broad knowledge about the scientific enterprise and related foundational problems, as well as more detailed analysis of the progress of and philosophical problems in particular branches of science.

Program Description

The HPS program is a valuable supplement to a technical degree, as it helps equip students to understand the nature of scientific progress and to grapple with the conceptual basis of science and its wider ramifications. Historical work in the program includes the origins of experimental practice, the social and institutional contexts of science, the origins and applications of quantitative methods, specific developments since antiquity in physics, biology, and chemistry, as well as biographical and comparative studies. Philosophical research deals with issues in causation, explanation, scientific inference, the foundations of probability and decision theory, philosophy of mind and psychology, philosophy of neuroscience, and scientific fraud and misconduct.

Requirements

Graduate students who take an HPS minor are expected to complete the following requirements:

• Hum/H/HPS 10
• HPS 102 ab
• HPS/Pl 120
• At least three units of HPS 103
• 18 units of additional work in HPS, to be completed by taking courses in HPS/H or HPS/Pl numbered 99 or higher Students need not complete the requirements for the minor within the first two years of graduate study.

Benefits

Students who successfully complete the HPS minor will be recognized with official credit for the achievement on their transcripts. This program provides a unique opportunity for graduate students to gain a deeper understanding of the scientific enterprise and its underlying philosophical principles, which can enhance their technical skills and broaden their career prospects.