WHAT ARE WE? HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY OF THE SCIENCES

From the ancient world to modern laboratories, the (physical) sciences continue to regularly contribute to the modern world. From new medicine to giant telescopes, the sciences are often seen as tools for improving human life and expanding our realm of knowledge. Yet, what are the extent and limits of the sciences, what are the problems they still struggle with, and how did the current sciences even come about? This course will consider the development of the sciences from natural philosophy and reflect on the historical development of subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, earth science and astronomy.