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The Center for Philosophy & History of Science is one of twenty-two independent research centers and institutes within Boston University’s College of Arts of Sciences. Founded in 1960, the Center’s mission is to build bridges between the humanities and sciences by promoting interdisciplinary research into the historical, philosophical, ethical, and social factors that govern the theory and practice of science. For over 60 years, the Center has organized the Boston Colloquium for Philosophy of Science, which brings together the world’s leading researchers on half a dozen themes each year in a premier international forum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

Mathematics with a Human Face
Monday, April 22, 2024
The question of the human as mathematician is emblematic for our time, when larger philosophical and cultural questions about the automation of human labor become increasingly central. Is human bias something to be celebrated or eradicated? What is the relation of mathematics to cultural concerns and values

 

The Nature of Devotion: Philosophical and Scientific Perspectives
May 9-10, 2024
Devotion seems to involve a particularly robust form of commitment, which might differ from standard forms of commitment in its intensity, stability, resistance to compromise, epistemic status, or deliberative weight. But how, exactly, should we understand devotion? This workshop aims to explore the way in which existing scientific literatures and philosophical discussions can be integrated with the study of devotion. Conference website: https://www.philosophyofdevotion.com/2024-conference.html   

News Announcement

We are happy to welcome Rachell Powell as the new Director, effective July 1st, 2023. We look forward to continuing to fulfill the Center’s mission.

Recent Events

Lise Meitner and the Discovery of Fission
Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 @ 4:00-5:30pm / Kilachand Center, Room (101)
In this lecture by Anthea Coster (MIT), we will learn how of Lise Meitner’s important contributions to atomic physics were overlooked both in history and in the recent film Oppenheimer.

 

PHILOSOPHY OF THE GEOSCIENCES

Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th, 2023
CDS 263, 665 Commonwealth Ave.
10:00am – 5:30pm

LOSS, ERASURE & THE AVALONIAN EDIACARAN

Wednesday, September 14th, 2022
STH 525, 745 Commonwealth Ave.
4:00pm – 6:00pm