Philosophy and History of Science University of Sydney

Overview

The birth of Western philosophy and the ‘scientific’ study of nature begin together in the pre-Socratic Greek world. In this course the university will take a philosophical trip from the beginnings of Western science, through the Renaissance and Modern philosophy to the present. 

We will uncover the principles behind the discoveries of figures such as Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Karl Popper, and many contemporary philosophers of science. The interrelation between science and society will be weaved together throughout the course.

What you will learn

By the end of this Philosophy and History of Science course offered by University of Sydney , you should:

• have gained insight into the relationship between the history of science and the beginnings of philosophy

• have read extracts from the key theorists both ancient, modern and contemporary on the ideas behind the exploration of the natural world

• be able to relate their ideas to some of our contemporary debates about the role of the sciences in our world

• have discussed many of the ideas on the relationship between philosophy of science and its relation to broader issues of politics and society

• be able to research further on issues relating to new ideas in biology, ecology and physics.