M A S T E R ´ S P R O G R A M M E U T R E C H T U N I V E R S I T Y
History and Philosophy of
Science
G r a d u a t e S c h o o l o f N a t u r a l S c i e n c e s
Welcome Study Programme
This well-known image shows how man leaves behind the medieval worldview and discovers a new reality beyond the world of daily appearances. The picture itself is often thought to be medieval, but it is actually of nineteenth-century origin. It illustrates how people in early modernity saw the past development of science.
and logic. The programme has been so structured that, by choosing courses that lead in a particular direction, you can specialise within certain defined tracks. You are not required to follow a standard track. You can basically construct your own study programme in consultation with your tutor.
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 that scientists engage in, but extends its scope to include the interplay with cultural, social and institutional features at particular times and places. The philosophy of science is the study of general questions relating to the nature of scientific knowledge and scientific methods, but it also includes conceptual analyses of fundamental theories such as relativity, quantum mechanics, evolution and modern genetics.
The curriculum
The first year is dedicated to deepening and complementing your current knowledge. You will take the equivalent of eight courses, some of which may involve internships or limited periods of practical work. During the second year, you will have the opportunity to embark on a research project, culminating in your Master´s thesis. Several thematic approaches are possible within the programme. You can specialise in history of science, in the foundations of physics, in the philosophy of science, or in the foundations of mathematics
The Master´s programme in History and Philosophy of Science at Utrecht University offers a unique opportunity to pursue an intensive course of study of the historical and philosophical dimensions of science. Science is one of the major determinants of modern society. Students of the history and philosophy of science aim to acquire a deeper understanding of the nature of the scientific enterprise and the knowledge it produces.
Utrecht University
Is one of Europe´s most prominent institutes of research and education. It engages in an extensive range of high-quality, innovative research and collaborates with universities and research centres all over the world. Interdisciplinarity, personal teaching and the benefits of an international environment are the main principles of education and research.;
Is one of Europe´s top-rated research universities: in 2008 Utrecht was ranked the best university in the Netherlands, the 9th best in Europe and the 47th best in the world in the prestigious Shanghai ´Academic Ranking of World Universities´;
Is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, located in the historical city of Utrecht. Next to the city centre is a modern campus hosting its own sports and cultural centres; Offers an international environment: each year thousands of students from all over the world come to study at Utrecht University. • • • • City of Utrecht
Utrecht is a lively city in the geographical centre of the Netherlands. It is not only an important junction where traffic, trade, distribution and services meet and mingle, but also a true knowledge centre. In addition to Utrecht University, it is home to important research institutes and several other institutes of higher education. With a population of 300,000, Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and with no fewer than 50,000 students, Utrecht is a real university city.
More information about our city is displayed on www.uu.nl/ internationalstudents > Living in the Netherlands > Utrecht city.
Cover photo
Welcome Study Programme
This programme involves a full year of solid training in the history and philosophy of science, mostly in the form of seminars, plus another full year of research, at the end of which you will submit a substantial Master´s thesis. The programme is sufficiently broad and flexible to allow you to tailor it to your particular interests and background. Apart from two core courses, which provide a general introduction at graduate level to the history and philosophy of science, all of the courses in the programme are optional. By carefully selecting courses, you can put together a programme that emphasizes either the history or the philosophy of any branch of science, while adding interdisciplinary aspects.
Teaching
At the start of the programme your tutor will help you select courses that fit your scientific interests and meet the requirements of the various research projects. There is a clear distinction between the topics that you are taught and the research-oriented part of the programme. You should be able to work independently and we expect you to take a critical approach to the literature and be ready to express your views in open discussions.
Research thesis
At the end of the programme you will write a substantial thesis that is potentially publishable, based on your own original research. Your tutor/study advisor will help you select a suitable thesis supervisor, who will either be a member of staff at the Institute for History and Philosophy of Science, or at the Department of Philosophy. You will refine the research question in your final paper in consultation with
your thesis supervisor.
After completing your thesis you will hold a public colloquium on the topic you have selected. Research topics related to the foundations of physics include space and time, philosophy of quantum mechanics, probability and statistics, topics in the general philosophy of science such as rationality, the structure of theories and determinism. Research topics in the history of science include the general history of science, the history of physics, the history of biology, the Darwinian revolution, the philosophy of biology, and the history and philosophy of mathematics.
Depending on your topic and your research requirements, you may arrange to carry out your research partly at other institutions, in the Netherlands or abroad, subject to the approval of your supervisor.
Why choose Utrecht?
The courses that are available cover a wide range of topics, including the foundations of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, the history of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, and science and religion. This range of subjects is unique to the Utrecht Institute for History and Philosophy of Science and cannot be found anywhere else in this form.
ask. As a historian, I find it fascinating to see that people throughout history have answered and debated these questions in such different ways. Because this is an interdisciplinary programme with people with diverse backgrounds and interests, we have very lively discussions. Personally, I like checking my preconceptions against the historical sources and then discussing my findings with others students. It´s always interesting to see what question authors in the past were investigating, what arguments they used to make a
point, and how they presented themselves and their knowledge to readers.
There are some mandatory courses in the first year, so all students receive the same basic knowledge of the key topics. That way you also get a general idea of fellow students´ research subjects and the range of issues you can investigate yourself. If you´re interested in contributing to the history and philosophy of science, this is a great place to get started.”
“This programme focuses on knowledge and those who produce it. How do people determine what is reliable, true knowledge? Who decides what is scientific? What purpose does scientific research have? These are some of the questions we
“I like checking my preconceptions and discussing my
findings with others”
Research
Research in Foundations of Physics
The nineteenth and twentieth century have seen dramatic changes in our perception of the way physics describes the world. These developments led to the formulation of modern theories of statistical mechanics, relativity and quantum physics. The revolutionary conceptual shifts implied by those theories are so profound and far-reaching, that many questions can and have been raised about their interpretation and foundations, and their consequences for our view of the world. Moreover, the continual development of new theories in theoretical physics, such as gauge theories and quantum gravity, introduces further conceptual and fundamental problems. The main themes of our research on the foundations of physics are the interpretation of Quantum Mechanics (including quantum measurement theory), the foundations of statistical mechanics (including analysis of the concept of probability), and the philosophy of space and time.
This Research Master´s programme, which lasts two years, is supported by the Utrecht Institute for History and Foundations of Science (IHPS), which is the leading centre for teaching and research in the history and philosophy of science in the Netherlands. The programme includes important contributions from the Faculty of Science and the Utrecht Department of Philosophy. The latter has a research group specialising in the history of philosophy and a Chair in Logic and Foundations of Mathematics, both unique in the Netherlands.
Schedule
Year 1 Required course (7.5 ECTS) Primary optional course (7.5 ECTS)
Required course (7.5 ECTS) Primary optional course (7.5 ECTS)
Primary optional course (7.5 ECTS) Primary or secondary optional course (7.5 ECTS)
Primary optional course (7.5 ECTS) Primary or secondary optional course (7.5 ECTS)
Year 2 Seminar "History and philosophy of science" (7.5 ECTS) Thesis (52.5 ECTS)
Required courses
History, Role and Impact of the Natural Sciences
In this course, you will study and discuss texts on, among others, the Scientific Revolution of the seventeenth century and its historiographical traditions, as examples of the working methods of the historian of science.
Philosophy of Science
This course addresses central issues in the philosophy of science, including the relation between theory and evidence, the laws of nature, scientific explanation, and the controversy about empiricism and scientific realism.
Research in History of Mathematics and the Natural Sciences
Science is not just a framework of theories. It is an ensemble of practices as well as ideas, institutions and concepts, which cannot be isolated from the context in which it is practised. Insight into these aspects requires an historical approach. History offers a view of science which is quite distinct from the philosophical approach. At the Institute for History and Foundations of Science, we are interested in the development of concepts, ideas and theories in the natural sciences from about 1500 onwards. We pay special attention to the development of the natural sciences in the culture of the Netherlands. Specific projects include the history of mathematics in antiquity and in the Middle Ages (within its astronomical and cultural context), mathematics in the Netherlands between 1500 and 1700, the interaction between modern genetics and practices of stock-breeding in the Netherlands, the emergence of images of science as a way for scientists to conceptualise their work, and the way social and religious ideas interact with the development of scientific concepts such as energy.
Research in History of Natural Philosophy
Whereas developments in twentieth-century physics were nothing short of revolutionary, the seventeenth century perhaps witnessed even greater upheavals in the then held view of reality. Research at the Department of Philosophy focuses on the mechanical philosophy of this period, which has it roots in, but also reacts to, Aristotelian scholasticism and Renaissance philosophy. Alongside studies on mechanist and materialist thought, several critical editions and/ or translations are being prepared. The influence of mechanical philosophy in the eighteenth century is also included.
Research in Theoretical Philosophy
In philosophy of science, general methodological issues in the sciences are studied, such as the nature of inter-theoretic relations, as well as more specific subjects from the physical sciences, such as quantum computation. In logic, we study pure logic, which comprises modal logic, constructive logic, arithmetical theories and proof theory, as well as applied logic. Another important theme is the History of Logic, in which research focuses on the work of the famous Dutch mathematician L.E.J. Brouwer. Finally, in Philosophy of Logic, research is carried out on subjects such as confirmation theory, decision theory, the realism debate, and on naturalist and empiricist approaches to semantics.
Founding father
In 1935 Erwin Schrödinger, one of the founding fathers of modern quantum mechanics, proposed his notorious cat and cyanide thought experiment in order to elucidate the role of observation in quantum theory . The prevailing interpretation of quantum mechanics says that the result of an observation does not correspond to something that was already there before the observation. But, if that´s true, what can we say about a cat that – if observed – can surely be found to be alive or dead, both with a probability of 50%? Is it not self-evident that the cat must have been dead (or alive) before anyone looked? Now, more than 70 years later, discussion is still raging on this question. Recently experimental scientists have joined the debate with experiments on physical systems that are analogous to Schrödinger´s with the cat.
need to be interpreted. For example, one question you can ask is whether they reflect the world as it is, or whether such theories should be seen as tools that enable us to make predictions at the observational level, without pretending to describe the unobservable parts of reality. This is typical of the questions we ask and without which you simply can´t understand the meaning of science. Looking at science this way leads to countless intriguing questions. What exactly does relativity theory tell us about space and time? What does it mean to say ”I´ve always been fascinated by
fundamental questions like “what is space, time, mass and energy?” Of course, the natural sciences have a lot to say about such issues, but they do not tell us everything. Scientific theories themselves
“I´ve always wanted to get to the heart of things –
to understand their essence.”
Dennis Dieks, Professor of Philosophy and Foundations of Science at the Institute of History and Philosophy of Science
that space-time is curved? A particularly fascinating theory is quantum mechanics. It appears that the classical picture of the world, according to which everything consists of localized particles that interact via force fields, doesn´t hold true in light of what quantum theory tells us. But what kind of world picture should take its place? Are there not in fact many different interpretations of quantum mechanics that each tell a different story? Studying questions like this gives you the feeling of reaching beyond science and penetrating into the very essence of things.”
“The teachers convey a sense of how rewarding
curiosity can be and give full support to student
initiatives.”
Martin Weiss graduated in History and Philosophy of Science in 008
In Utrecht we combine research and education in a natural way. All GSNS Master´s programmes are firmly embedded in renowned Utrecht research institutes, which are equipped with modern facilities. The eight institutes and the Graduate School offer Master´s and PhD students a stimulating environment in which to work, including contacts with top-class researchers such as Nobel Prize winning physicist Professor Gerard ´t Hooft.
Graduate School of Natural Sciences
Talented Master´s and PhD students at the Utrecht Graduate School of Natural Sciences (GSNS) acquire the knowledge, skills and insight needed to take on top positions around the world, including those in research. Graduates receive a sound academic training and gain an excellent understanding of the role played by the natural sciences in contemporary society. The GSNS provides a thorough fundamental scientific education, which you can adapt to your own needs by choosing specific courses and research subjects. Some of our Master´s programmes, such as Game and Media Technology as well as Meteorology, Physical Oceanography and Climate, are unique worldwide.
Each year we organise several summer schools, teaching topics related to our Master´s programmes. The Graduate School also facilitates incoming Master´s student exchanges within the context of the Erasmus programme. Participating in a summer school or an exchange programme is a great opportunity to get to know our educational philosophy, the open and professional atmosphere here in the University, and the city of Utrecht.
All Utrecht Master´s programmes that include mathematics, information and computer sciences, cognitive artificial intelligence, physics, and chemistry are taught within the GSNS. In order to ensure a high level of research in an international environment, we combine cutting-edge research with academic skills in our training, much of which is multidisciplinary.
“When I finished school I found it hard to decide which subject to study at University. History, mathematics, physics, medicine, literature – it all sounded so exciting. I eventually decided to study physics in my home country, Germany, and some years later I came to Utrecht.
Hoping to broaden my horizons, I took some courses on the history and philosophy of science. It was as if a whole new world had opened up! I knew then that I wanted to follow the Master´s programme in this subject.
In fact, looking back, what´s most remarkable about this programme is the stimulating learning environment – and the high standards of the courses. The teachers convey a sense of how rewarding curiosity can be and give full support to student initiatives. What´s more, my
fellow students came from a wide variety of academic backgrounds, and from all over the world. English is the common language.
A thirst for knowledge, a certain faith in and awareness of one´s own capabilities, and experience with international issues seem to me to give you a decisive advantage whatever career path you choose – they certainly help you write a PhD, which is what I myself have gone on to do after graduating.”
Career prospects
Postgraduate opportunities
When you graduate in History and Philosophy of Science at Utrecht University you will be extremely well prepared to enter a PhD programme in the Netherlands or elsewhere. PhD positions in the Netherlands are typically fully funded for four years. A number of our graduates have entered PhD programmes outside of history and philosophy of science or have started a career in, for example, science journalism, science communication, science centres and museums, science policy or science management.
So what kind of jobs do our alumni tend to get? 47% become PhD students in the Netherlands 22% become PhD students outside the Netherlands 31% become consultants or strategy advisors •
• •
This programme prepares you for intensive research at PhD level and qualifies you for a wide range of jobs. Graduates of our programme usually either enrol in a PhD programme or seek employment in organisations in which insight into the nature and history of science and critical reflection on scientific claims and methods is particularly valued.
“Christiaan Huygens (1629-1695) is generally regarded to have been one of the most famous and influential Dutch scientists. He was one of the pioneers of the so-called scientific revolution of the seventeenth century, who made important discoveries in the sciences of mathematics, astronomy, mechanics and optics. Some of his works can be consulted at www.phys.uu.nl/~huygens.”
“One of the most famous and influential
Dutch scientists”
Practical Matters
• `Early bird´ deadline: For students who wish to apply for scholarships elsewhere or need an early notification of admission.
• Main deadline: For all students who completed their previous education outside the Netherlands.
• Late deadline: For students from Utrecht University, other Dutch universities or institutions for higher professional education (HBO), and for students with foreign qualifications who do not need a visa, nor housing arranged by the university.
Application and admission procedures
If you are interested in this particular Master´s degree programme, you can apply online. Once your complete application has been received (online application, additional documentation and application fee), the Admissions Office will assess your application to see if you meet the general entry requirements. The selection committee of the Master´s programme will determine if you meet the specific programme requirements. If you are accepted for the Master´s programme, your enrolment at Utrecht University will be finalized through our website.
The Master´s programme History and Philosophy of Science is officially registered under the name `geschiedenis en wijsbegeerte van de wiskunde en natuurwetenschappen´ (code 60711). You will need to use this Length of programme: 2 years
Number of ECTS: 120 Teaching language: English
Starting dates: 1 September and 1 February Degree/title: Master of Science (MSc) Costs of books: ca. 500 euro
Admission requirements
Applicants are expected to hold one of the following bachelor degrees:
a Bachelor´s degree of Science with a major in Physics
a Bachelor´s degree of any of the Sciences with preferably a minor in History and/or Philosophy
a Bachelor´s degree with a major in History and/or Philosophy, and a minor in one of the Sciences
a Bachelor´s degree in any of the Humanities with preferably a minor in one of the Natural or Life Sciences. A good command of English is required. Check the precise requirements regarding your proficiency in English at www.uu.nl/ internationalmasters.
Please include a statement of motivation with your Master´s programme application. The Admissions Committee may set additional entrance requirements.
Application deadlines
There are three different deadlines for application:
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•
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name and code when you apply for this programme.
Applicants with foreign qualifications pay an application fee of 50 euro.
Financial matters
All students who register at Utrecht University must pay annual tuition fees. Grants and scholarships seldom cover all of the costs of studying and living. You will need more support and besides this, an enrolment in a Master´s degree programme at Utrecht University does not automatically constitute an offer of financial support. More information about grants, exchanges and scholarships: www1.phys.uu.nl/masters/scholarships/; www.grantfinder.nl; www.nuffic.nl/studying.nl; www.uu.nl/financialassistance; www.nuffic.nl/nfp.
Utrecht Feel at Home service
To emphasise Utrecht´s international character, the university offers the unique `Utrecht Feel at Home Service´, guaranteeing housing for its foreign visitors and offering support for visa applications, amongst many other things. • • • • •
Application and admission
www.uu.nl/masters (for Dutch students)
www.uu.nl/internationalmasters (for international students) On these websites you can also find the application deadlines and the general requirements for the prospective master students.
Master´s programme History and Philosophy and Science
www.phil.uu.nl/HPS/
Programme leader History and Philosophy of Science
prof.dr. Dennis Dieks D.G.B.J.Dieks@phys.uu.nl +31 30 253 1895/8040
Summerschools: www.science.uu.nl/summerschools
Frequently asked questions: www.uu.nl/qdesk
Further information
Colophon September 2009. Published by: Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Utrecht University. Compiled and produced by: Faculty of Science and Communication Services. Text editing: Michael Gould Associates BV. Photography: Ivar Pel, Pieter van Dorp van Vliet. Design: www.taluut.nl. Print: Joh. Enschedé Amsterdam. Although this brochure has been compiled with the greatest care, no rights may be derived from any of its contents.
