Minor Concentration History and Philosophy of Science (18 credits)

Offered by: Philosophy     Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Program Requirements

History and Philosophy of Science at McGill is an interdisciplinary program that aims to provide students with an understanding of science through the study of both its historical development and of some of the fundamental philosophical principles upon which it rests. For more information about the program and events, please visit http://www.mcgill.ca/hpsc.

Complementary Courses (18 credits)

18 credits with a maximum of 9 credits at the 200 level selected as follows:

Philosophy of Science

6-12 credits of courses focused on the Philosophy of Science with no more than 6 credits at the 200 level chosen from the following:

Communication Studies (COMS)

  • COMS 210 Introduction to Communication Studies (3 credits)

    Offered by: Art History & Communications (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Communication Studies : The social and cultural implications of media. Surveys theory and case studies relevant key issues such as the ownership, structure and governance of media industries; the significance of emergent media technologies; and the roles of media as cultural forms and practices.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Sterne, Jonathan (Fall)

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ENGL 278 or ENGC 210

History and Philosophy of Science (HPSC)

  • HPSC 300 Independent Studies: History and Philosophy of Science (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Hist & Phil of Science : Offered by special arrangement between students in Arts or Science and a professor in either a Science or a Social Science Department. The purpose is to enable a student to undertake for credit the study of a special topic in the History or the Philosophy of Science.

    Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Restriction: Permission of Director and History & Philosophy of Science Committee

  • HPSC 500 Interdisciplinary Seminar: History & Philosophy of Science (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Hist & Phil of Science : At least one topic will be chosen from each of the four major areas: the mathematical, the physical, the biological, the social sciences.

    Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Restriction: none

Philosophy (PHIL)

  • PHIL 210 Introduction to Deductive Logic 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Philosophy : An introduction to propositional and predicate logic; formalization of arguments, truth tables, systems of deduction, elementary metaresults, and related topics.

    Terms: Fall 2023, Summer 2024

    Instructors: Hallett, Michael Frank (Fall)

    • Restriction: Not open to students who are taking or have taken MATH 318

  • PHIL 221 Introduction to History and Philosophy of Science 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Philosophy : A survey of the development of modern science since the Eighteenth Century.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Tal, Eran (Winter)

  • PHIL 306 Philosophy of Mind (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Philosophy : A survey of major positions of the mind-body problem, focusing on such questions as: Do we have minds and bodies? Can minds affect bodies? Is mind identical to body? If so, in what sense "identical"? Can physical bodies be conscious.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Davies, David (Fall)

  • PHIL 310 Intermediate Logic (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Philosophy : A second course in Logic. NB. The course will be technical in nature, and some mathematical aptitude is essential. The emphasis is on the expressive properties of standard logical systems, including implications for the philosophy of mathematics. We will study the Completeness of First-Order Logic, then the 'limitative' theorems of Tarski and Gödel.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Hallett, Michael Frank (Winter)

  • PHIL 311 Philosophy of Mathematics (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Philosophy : This course provides an historically informed introduction to philosophy of mathematics. It gives the student an overview of prominent issues and arguments, to enable her to follow and discuss contemporary research in philosophy of mathematics.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • PHIL 341 Philosophy of Science 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Philosophy : A discussion of philosophical problems as they arise in the context of scientific practice and enquiry. Such issues as the philosophical presuppositions of the physical and social sciences, the nature of scientific method and its epistemological implications will be addressed.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Magal, Oran (Fall)

  • PHIL 350 History and Philosophy of Ancient Science (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Philosophy : Topics in ancient pure mathematics (geometry and number theory), "mixed mathematics" (astronomy, music theory, optics, mechanics), and/or natural science (including medicine), studied with a view to philosophical issues raised by the content of ancient science and/or by the logic of scientific argument.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Menn, Stephen (Fall)

  • PHIL 411 Topics in Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Philosophy : A course focusing on some philosophical issue (e.g., the nature of numbers or the relation of truth to provability) as it arises in the study of mathematics and logic.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Hallett, Michael Frank (Fall)

    • Prerequisites: PHIL 210 or the equivalent, and one intermediate course in philosophy

  • PHIL 441 Philosophy of Science 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Philosophy : An analysis of some key philosophical ideas in science and technology, e.g. problem, explanation, forecast, testability and truth.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Magal, Oran (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: PHIL 341 or written permission of the instructor

  • PHIL 453 Ancient Metaphysics and Natural Philosophy (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Philosophy : An examination of central themes of ancient metaphysics and/or natural philosophy as treated by two or more contrasting philosophers or philosophical traditions - probably including Plato and/or Aristotle, and possibly including some Hellenistic or post-Hellenistic schools.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

History of Science

6-12 credits of courses focused on the History of Science with no more than 6 credits at the 200 level chosen from the following:

Anthropology (ANTH)

  • ANTH 359 History of Archaeological Theory (3 credits)

    Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Anthropology : A systematic investigation of the theories that have guided the interpretation of prehistoric archaeological data since the Middle Ages; the relationship between these theories and theoretical developments in the other social sciences.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Couture, Nicole (Winter)

Biology (BIOL)

  • BIOL 210 Perspectives of Science (3 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : This course is an introduction to the thinking, language and practices of scientists. Its objective is to bridge the gap between science and the humanities, and in particular to allow students enrolled in the Minor Concentration in Science for Arts to pursue their interests in specific scientific disciplines.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Watt, Alanna; Hendricks, Michael (Fall)

    • Fall

    • 3 hours lecture

History (HIST)

  • HIST 249 Health and the Healer in Western History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : The natural history of health and disease and the development of the healing arts, from antiquity to the beginning of modern times. The rise of "western" medicine. Health and healing as gradually evolving aspects of society and culture.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Weisz, George; Kroupa, Sebestian (Fall)

    • Note: Also available to first-year medical students in their options program.

  • HIST 319 The Scientific Revolution (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : The intellectual and cultural history of science and technology, in Europe and in the wider world, from the time of Leonardo to the time of Newton (c. 1500-c.1700).

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Dew, Nicholas (Fall)

  • HIST 335 Science and Medicine in Canada (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : The social and intellectual history of science and medicine in Canada, from early exploration, through the rise of learned societies, universities and professional organizations, to World War II.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 350 Science and the Enlightenment (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Explores the relationship between the natural sciences and the eighteenth-century Enlightenment. Examination of works in post-Newtonian science as well as their broader cultural meaning, the history of material practices, the origins of social science, and the role of geography and international context beyond Western Europe.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Dew, Nicholas (Winter)

  • HIST 356 Medicine in the Medieval West (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : The history of ideas about the human body, disease and therapeutics and the diverse practices of medicine in western Europe in the Middle Ages (ca. AD 300-1500), with particular attention to their social, intellectual, cultural and religious context.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 410 Topics in History of Science (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Specific theme in the history of science, such as scientific instruments, experimental practices, uses of the body, knowledge and museums, scientific institutions, or science and empire.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: A prior course on history of science or HPSC 300 or permission of Instructor.

    • Restriction(s): Not open to U0 or U1 students

    • Themes (and/or periods) vary year to year.

  • HIST 452 Topics in Pre-Modern Medicine (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : The history of the evolution of ideas about the human body, disease and therapeutics and the diverse practices of medicine prior to the advent of modern clinical and laboratory medicine in the 19th c., with particular attention to social, political, cultural and religious context.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Kroupa, Sebestian (Winter)

    • Prerequisites: HIST 214 or HIST 249 and a 300-level course in History or permission of instructor.

    • Priority is given to students registered in the Minor Concentration in Social Studies of Medicine

  • HIST 457 Topics in Medical History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : This course explores different topics in medical history. Topics to be explored include the role of medicine from ancient to modern times.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Harper, Jonathan (Winter)

  • HIST 558 Modern Medicine: Seminar (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : The emergence of scientific medicine, medical professionalization, the development of public health and the process of medical specialization since 1700.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 559 Modern Medicine: Research (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Supervised design, research, writing, and discussion of a major research paper on a theme in the history of modern medicine since 1700.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 567D1 Seminar: Medieval Medicine (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Models of the body, disease and medical intervention current in western Europe between 400 and 1500 AD will be examined through analysis of primary sources in translation, and modern historical scholarship.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 567D2 Seminar: Medieval Medicine (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Models of the body, disease and medical intervention current in western Europe between 400 and 1500 AD will be examined through analysis of primary sources in translation, and modern historical scholarship. The sequel to this course is HIST 496.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: HIST 567D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both HIST 567D1 and HIST 567D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

History and Philosophy of Science (HPSC)

  • HPSC 300 Independent Studies: History and Philosophy of Science (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Hist & Phil of Science : Offered by special arrangement between students in Arts or Science and a professor in either a Science or a Social Science Department. The purpose is to enable a student to undertake for credit the study of a special topic in the History or the Philosophy of Science.

    Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Restriction: Permission of Director and History & Philosophy of Science Committee

  • HPSC 500 Interdisciplinary Seminar: History & Philosophy of Science (3 credits)

    Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Hist & Phil of Science : At least one topic will be chosen from each of the four major areas: the mathematical, the physical, the biological, the social sciences.

    Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Restriction: none

Islamic Studies (ISLA)

  • ISLA 345 Science and Civilization in Islam (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : History of scientific traditions and ideas in Islamic civilization, from the origins of Islam to the early modern period. Emphasis is on the derivation, development and transmissions of Islamic science, as well as on the assimilation and influence of science within Islamic culture.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of the instructor.

    • Note: All readings are in English.

Mathematics (MATH)

  • MATH 338 History and Philosophy of Mathematics (3 credits)

    Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Egyptian, Babylonian, Greek, Indian and Arab contributions to mathematics are studied together with some modern developments they give rise to, for example, the problem of trisecting the angle. European mathematics from the Renaissance to the 18th century is discussed, culminating in the discovery of the infinitesimal and integral calculus by Newton and Leibnitz. Demonstration of how mathematics was done in past centuries, and involves the practice of mathematics, including detailed calculations, arguments based on geometric reasoning, and proofs.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Fortier, Jérôme (Fall)

Psychology (PSYC)

Faculty of Arts—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 31, 2023) (disclaimer)
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