Philosophy of Science
(Master of Arts)
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Short Description
The study programme is developed around the observation that modern societies are increasingly influenced by scientific and technological developments. These developments have profound effects on social and political systems and on our understanding of ourselves. They thus need to be critically analyzed—a task to which philosophy is ideally suited. Philosophy involves reflection on the conceptual foundations of the sciences, and it can analyze the role of values in science and the sources of the special credibility of scientific results. This Master’s Programme aims to provide students with the ability to participate in critical reflection on the sciences.
The Master's Programme offers courses in core areas of contemporary philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of mind and moral and political philosophy. There is particular focus on the philosophy and ethics of science.
Course Content
- Comprehensive research-oriented training for philosophers
- Focus on ethics and epistemology of the natural sciences, life sciences, humanities and social sciences
The degree programme offers participants targeted specializations in different areas of philosophy of science, ethics and political philosophy as well as epistemology and metaphysics. In addition, philosophical core competencies (e.g., research and presentation skills) are also taught, and students are introduced to cutting-edge research topics.
The degree programme consists of required and elective modules (see below)
In addition to required modules, students select two modules from the following required elective modules:
- Ethics and Philosophy of Science (2 Courses)
- History and the Philosophy of Human Sciences (2 Courses)
- Philosophy of the Life Sciences (2 Courses)
- Philosophy of the Physical Sciences (2 Courses)
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required Module | Core Course: Introduction to Philosophy of Science | Core Course: Introduction to Formal Methods | ||
| Required Module | Project Module | Project Module | ||
| Required Module | Metaphysics, Epistemology, Mind & Language (MEML) | MEML | MEML | |
| Required Module | Moral, Social and Political Philosophy (MSPP) | MSPP | MSPP | |
| Required Module | Elective courses | Elective courses | ||
| Required Electives | Required Elective Module I | Required Elective Module I | ||
| Required Electives | Required Elective Module II | Required Elective Module II | ||
| Required Module | Master's Thesis |
This programme is suited to students who have completed their undergraduate studies in philosophy or a closely related subject (whether as a major or a minor), and wish to expand and deepen their philosophical education, with a special focus on questions in philosophy of science.
- A university career in philosophy
- Research management at higher education institutions and research institutes
- Work for authorities and ministries (particularly in the fields of science, research, education, technology, the environment, health and social matters)
- Committees (particularly ethics committees)
- Involvement in funding bodies, private foundations and associations
- Publishing, media, freelance journalism and consultancy
Admission Requirements
An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as
Or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification at a German university or a foreign university belonging to the Bologna signatory states in philosophy or in another relevant undergraduate degree, or in an academic discipline relevant for the Master’s degree programme Philosophy of Science (including physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, mathematics, political science, sociology, psychology, historiography or economics).
The selection committee shall decide whether a degree programme or related academic discipline is suitable; the decision may be accompanied by the condition that missing modules or courses must be completed within two semesters.
For master's degree programmes with unrestricted admission, all applicants who fulfil the admission requirements will be admitted a university place. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations:
Application Deadlines
First-year students from Germany and the EU
- June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester
- December 1st – January 15th of the year for the summer semester
First-year students from non-EU countries (VPD from uni-assist is required)
- April 15th – May 31st of the year for the winter semester
- October 15th – November 30th of the previous year for the summer semester
Students resuming their studies and transfer students from Germany and the EU (application in a higher semester)
- June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester
- December 1st – January 15th of the year for the summer semester
Students resuming their studies and transfer students from non-EU countries (application in a higher semester)
- April 15th – May 31st of the year for the winter semester
- October 15th – November 30th of the previous year for the summer semester
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30167 Hannover
30167 Hannover
