The Department of Philosophy and History of Science at the Faculty of Science represents a unique interdisciplinary institution within Charles University, focusing on the theoretical examination of biology and other natural sciences from both a historical perspective and in the context of contemporary sciences and their epistemological approaches. We engage in theoretical-biological and philosophical-historical research influenced by current general trends and explore natural sciences in a broad cultural context, utilizing a plurality of perspectives offered by contemporary social and humanities sciences as well.
The empirical and experimental research conducted at the department focuses on evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology, extending into biosemiotics, evolutionary psychology, and the general morphology of living organisms. In theoretical biology, we focus on organism-centric and systemic approaches, as well as the mutual interconnectedness of various levels of biological hierarchy. In the field of philosophy and history of science, we track paradigm shifts in different disciplines and the development of scientific rationality in early European culture, its forms and challenges in modern times in connection with societal developments, and the role of theories, technologies, ideologies, and their institutional forms.
For more information about the department’s history and the tradition of its fields at the Faculty of Science of Charles University, click here.
The Department of Philosophy and History of Science primarily provides:
Master's degree program:
Two doctoral degree programs:
Department also provides broad range of courses such as Evolutionary biology, Evolution of life, Theoretical biology, History of science, and all compulsory and elective philosophical course of the bachelor's and master's programs in scientific disciplines.
The department has its own seminar room on the ground floor of the building at Viničná 7, a specialized library, its own laboratory for interdisciplinary empirical and experimental research, special documentation collections, and space for individual work and meetings with PhD and Master's students.