History and Philosophy of Science
The History and Philosophy of Science program began in 1946 at the University of Melbourne as one of the first departments of its kind in the world.
Our vibrant, interdisciplinary program will challenge the way you think about the world. We address questions about the nature of scientific inquiry; the way in which our knowledge of the natural world, as well as the human body and mind, has changed throughout history; the complex relationship between science, culture, religion and politics; and the place of technology in the modern world.
As one of the most eclectic programs at the University, we embrace an interest in ‘almost everything’ and combine the critical thinking of the humanities with the knowledge and discoveries of the sciences.
Read more about the history of our program
Explore our research
Our world-class researchers use historical, philosophical and sociological methods to critically reflect and explore the most pressing issues in science and technology of our time.
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The repliCATS project
The repliCATS project is among the first projects to address one of the most pressing controversies of modern science: scientific replicability.
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Disposal of the Dead: Beyond Burial and Cremation
The DeathTech research team have been studying questions at the intersection of death, technology, and society for more than a decade.
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Gender Diversity Narratives in the Australian Context
Do Australians think workplace gender diversity is important? This research project explores the question by examining articles published in Australian print media between 1995-2020.
Study with us
The History and Philosophy of Science program is one of the most eclectic in the University, inviting you to reflect critically on science and technology in modern life. Find out more about our:
Explore our stories, news and events
Delve into our student profiles, research articles, academic interviews, news, events and more.
Meet our History and Philosophy of Science staff
Our academics are leading teachers, researchers and industry professionals.
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Professor Fiona Fidler
Professor of History and Philosophy of Science; History and Philosophy of Science Discipline Chair
Phone: +61393056315
Email: fidlerfm@unimelb.edu.au -
Professor Michael Arnold
Professor of Social Studies of Technology
Phone: +61383447020
Email: mvarnold@unimelb.edu.au -
Professor Cordelia Fine
Professor in History and Philosophy of Science
Phone: +61390354697
Email: cfine@unimelb.edu.au -
Associate Professor Sara Wills
Assoc. Professor in Historical and Philosophical Studies; Associate Dean (Advancement)
Phone: +61383449975
Email: s.wills@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr James Bradley
Lecturer in History of Medicine and Life Sciences; Undergraduate Coordinator; Graduate Certificate Coordinator; Graduate Certificate in Arts Coordinator; Graduate Diploma in Arts Coordinator
Phone: +61383443851
Email: jbradley@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Kristian Camilleri
Senior Lecturer in History and Philosophy of Science; Honours and Graduate Diploma (Advanced) Coordinator; Undergraduate Coordinator Semester 2
Phone: +61383447573
Email: kcam@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Darrin Durant
Senior Lecturer in Science and Technology Studies
Phone: +61390354397
Email: ddurant@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Gerhard Wiesenfeldt
Lecturer in History of Science; Undergraduate Coordinator Semester 1; Honours Coordinator; Master of Thesis Coordinator
Phone: +61383447983
Email: gerhardw@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Kerstin Knight
Teaching Periodic
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Dr Martin Bush
Senior Research Fellow & Teaching Periodic
Phone: +61383444000
Email: martin.bush@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Fallon Mody
Score Project Qualitative Research Fellow & Teaching Periodic
Email: fallon.mody@unimelb.edu.au
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Dr Kate Lynch
Lecturer in Philosophy of Science - Life Sciences
Email: kate.lynch@unimelb.edu.au