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.

History and Philosophy of Science
Students in the HPS subject Astronomy in World History.

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

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Arts West
Students in Arts West (Building 148).

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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:

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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.

Profile picture of Fiona Fidler

Prof Fiona Fidler

Professor of History and Philosophy of Science; History and Philosophy of Science Discipline Chair
fidlerfm@unimelb.edu.au +61393056315
Profile picture of Michael Arnold

Prof Michael Arnold

Professor of Social Studies of Technology
mvarnold@unimelb.edu.au
Profile picture of Cordelia Fine

Prof Cordelia Fine

Professor in History and Philosophy of Science
cfine@unimelb.edu.au +61390354697
Profile picture of Sara Wills

A/Prof Sara Wills

Assoc. Professor in Historical and Philosophical Studies; Associate Dean (Advancement)
s.wills@unimelb.edu.au +61383449975
Profile picture of James Bradley

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
jbradley@unimelb.edu.au
Profile picture of Kristian Camilleri

Dr Kristian Camilleri

Senior Lecturer in History and Philosophy of Science; Honours and Graduate Diploma (Advanced) Coordinator; Undergraduate Coordinator Semester 2
kcam@unimelb.edu.au
Profile picture of Darrin Durant

Dr Darrin Durant

Senior Lecturer in Science and Technology Studies
ddurant@unimelb.edu.au +61390354397
Profile picture of Gerhard Wiesenfeldt

Dr Gerhard Wiesenfeldt

Lecturer in History of Science; Undergraduate Coordinator Semester 1; Honours Coordinator; Master of Thesis Coordinator
gerhardw@unimelb.edu.au
Profile picture of Kerstin Knight

Dr Kerstin Knight

Assistant Lecturer in History and Philosophy of Science
kerstin.knight@unimelb.edu.au
Profile picture of Martin Bush

Dr Martin Bush

Senior Research Fellow; Teaching Periodic
martin.bush@unimelb.edu.au +61383444000
Profile picture of Fallon Mody

Dr Fallon Mody

Score Project Qualitative Research Fellow; Assistant Lecturer
fallon.mody@unimelb.edu.au +61390353185
Profile picture of Kate Lynch

Dr Kate Lynch

Lecturer in Philosophy of Science - Life Sciences
kate.lynch@unimelb.edu.au
Profile picture of Jacinthe Flore

Dr Jacinthe Flore

Lecturer in Philosophy of Science - Technology
jacinthe.flore@unimelb.edu.au

History and Philosophy of Science honorary staff