The British Society for the History of Science

The Division of History and Philosophy of Science offers a broad range of teaching and research expertise in the historical, sociological and philosophical aspects of the field. As part of the Department of Philosophy it can also draw on the resources of one of the largest such departments in the UK. The University of Leeds is a long-established major teaching and research institution situated close to the city centre, but within easy access to some of the most spectacular countryside in Britain. The Division of History and Philosophy of Science at Leeds is one of the largest groups in the country devoted to the subject, with a strong tradition in both teaching and research. We offer courses which analyse science and technology from historical, philosophical and social perspectives. Questions such as the following are addressed: Can scientific theories ever be proved true? What sense can be made of the world revealed by quantum mechanics and relativity theory? Can biology be reduced to physics? What conditions led to the rise of modern science in 17th century Europe? How did Newton frame his theory of universal gravitation? What impact has Darwin's theory of evolution made on society? Is modern Western medicine superior to Chinese, Ayurvedic or 'alternative' medicine? Do consumers get the technologies they want? Is science gender neutral?