Adopting a seminar style, this unit provides students with an advanced knowledge of the skills necessary to conduct their own original research in the sociology, history and philosophy of science. Participants will be given a weekly set of core readings, and specialists both from within the Unit and from outside will present their views on the topic in question. This presentation will form the basis for a discussion involving the students, the academic members of the Unit, and invited speakers. Topics will include: the use of case studies in the philosophy of science, how to conduct oral history projects, institutional history, and sociological methodology.

In this course we explore a range of issues from within the philosophy of science. We focus on the interpretation of scientific theories and examine how these theories might describe our world. The course will assume some basic mathematical literacy, but most technical matters will be introduced in class.

This unit explores major episodes in the history of science from the 18th century until the present as well as introducing students to historiographic methods. Special attention is paid to developing practical skills in the history and philosophy of science.

This seminar discusses a range of approaches to the social theory of modern science. We will read key texts on questions such as: what makes science part of Western modernity? What is the role of science in the social transformations of the industrial era? In what sense, if at all, can science be said to offer privileged access to reality? What is the relationship between scientific knowledge and social reality?

An examination of one area of the contemporary literature in the history and philosophy of science. Special attention will be paid to development of research skills in the history and philosophy of science.

Adopting a seminar style, this unit provides students with an advanced knowledge of the skills necessary to conduct their own original research in the sociology, history and philosophy of science. Participants will be given a weekly set of core readings, and specialists both from within the Unit and from outside will present their views on the topic in question. This presentation will form the basis for a discussion involving the students, the academic members of the Unit, and invited speakers. Topics will include: the use of case studies in the philosophy of science, how to conduct oral history projects, institutional history, and sociological methodology.

An intensive reading course, supported by discussion seminars, into core topics in HPS.