Centre for History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine

There has been a long and distinguished record of activity in the History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine (STM) at the University of Aberdeen, with past staff including prominent historians of medicine (Andrew Wear, David Smith), chemistry (Nick Fisher), the medieval period (George Molland) and early modern natural philosophy (Jim Bennett, Mario Biagioli, Catherine Wilson). In 2008 the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy established and funded a Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine, directed by Ben Marsden, David Smith and Ralph O'Connor.

Overview

The Centre for History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine was established and funded by the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) in 2010. With an expanded remit, it acts as a focus for research, teaching and engagement in the history, philosophy and ethics, literature and museology of science, technology and medicine. Staff are situated within History, Philosophy, English, Visual Culture and other departments and units, including Anthropology, the Marischal Museum, Physics and Computing.

Research and teaching strengths are currently located in the following areas:

• Literature, medicine, and science
• Science, religion and philosophy since 1650
• History of medicine since Antiquity; medicine in literature and film since the 18th century
• History of scientific travel, exploration and natural history
• History and philosophy of the life sciences; current issues in philosophy of biology
• History and philosophy of technology
• Science, technology and literature
• Science and popular culture since 1800
• Material culture of science and museology

We welcome inquiries from prospective researchers and students on these and related topics. Staff associated with the Centre have wide relevant research interests. We offer graduate students the opportunity to study for PhD in History, Philosophy or other disciplines. CHPSTM works in close association with other research centres in the University, including the Centre for Medical Humanities, and the city of Aberdeen, including the Aberdeen Maritime Museum.

CHPSTM also has productive relationships with clusters of scholars in the humanities of science, technology, and medicine in Scotland (notably at St Andrews, Edinburgh (including the National Museums Scotland) and Glasgow) and internationally.