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HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE (HPS)

Students of history and philosophy of science develop a deep appreciation of the many interrelations between the sciences and the humanities. Through the history of science, they learn how the modern sciences came to be and how their birth and growth was strongly influenced by a myriad of factors in the philosophical, religious, cultural, and political contexts. Through the philosophy of science, students develop a critical understanding of the methods and presumptions of science in general as well as the fundamental principles and special problems of the individual sciences. Students also study the pervasive enduring importance of the sciences to the broader society in its many facets, including its philosophy, religion, culture, and politics. The ultimate goal of study is a unified understanding of science and the humanities that synthesizes the perspectives and methods of the historian, the philosopher, and the scientist.

A major in HPS is an excellent choice for students who want to combine course work in the sciences with work in the social sciences and humanities. Because HPS courses are closely tied to the sciences, and because HPS majors are expected to complete 15 hours of science credits, a double major in HPS and one of the sciences is especially attractive.

Major Requirements

Before declaring a major, students must complete at least two HPS courses with a B- or better; and pass HPS 0611 or PHIL 0500 with a B- or better; or receive the permission of the major advisor. HPS majors must complete a minimum of 36 credits in the major, including the following:

• Four elective courses in HPS, one of which should be at the 1000 level
• The logic requirement, which may be fulfilled by taking HPS 0611 (Principles of Scientific Reasoning) or PHIL 0050 (Intro to Logic)
• HPS 1653 (Philosophy of Science)
• HPS 1702 (Junior/Senior Seminar)
  Prerequisites: HPS 0611 or PHIL 0500; HPS 1653; a History of Science course (e.g., HPS 0427, HPS 0545, HPS 0515) or any other suitable course approved by the director of HPS undergraduate studies.
• HPS 1703 (Writing workshop for HPS undergraduate majors)

• Other requirements and information for HPS majors follows:
  
  • Students must maintain at least a 2.00 QPA in all HPS courses to graduate with an HPS major.
  • Letter grades are required for all course work counting toward the major.
  • Any of the natural or social sciences is acceptable for the CAS required 12-credit related area. Majors must pursue at least one science at an advanced level.
  • In addition to the major, the department offers a certificate program in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine designed especially for students who wish to develop a multidisciplinary understanding of modern medicine. (See CAS Certificate Programs for information.)

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