A) Theoretical and Evolutionary Biology

Subject Description

This study programme provides training for scientific work in the area of theoretical (mathematical or philosophical) reflection on biological data, and in the history of biology. Graduates can continue in postgraduate programs with similar contents. Graduates will get insights into areas related to problems concerning the evolution of life and its interpretation (mathematical, genetic, philosophical), the philosophy of life, the history and philosophy of biology, and similar boundary areas. They can become members of teams in the field of biology (processing and interpreting data) as well as in the humanities, where reflection on the hotspots of modern biology is often lacking.

Subject-area Board

B) Philosophy and History of Science

Subject Description

Philosophy of science investigates the principles of rational understanding to animate as well as inanimate nature. The scientific knowledge has period specific nature characterized by the noun paradigm. The history of a science represents the merger of scientific and other cultural influences. Historical development of a particular scientific branch provides the specific depiction of a paradigm under investigation. „Philosophy and History of Science“ is primary accessible to graduates of Faculty of Sciences and Philosophical Faculty; entrance requirements involves the possession of MSc or MA degree (Mgr).

Lecturing

The list of recommended lectures and seminaries is included in the study program of Faculty of Science (PřF UK - Department of Philosophy and History of Sciences) and Philosophical Faculty (FF UK - Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies). The individual study plan is determined by the subject committee and can be modified according to the need of particular specialization.

Research Topics

Phenomenology and hermeneutics of animate nature.
Space, time, and shape in living nature and in intellectual perception (with special regards to paradoxes of individual and species identity in metabolic and evolutionary change).
Mimetism and related phenomena, biological resemblances, and its historical development.
Aesthetics of animate nature in ancient Greece and nowadays (especially in the works of Ch. Darwin and A. Portmann).
History and epistemology of natural sciences.
The concept of nature (fysis): origin of philosophy and science in the Presocratic thinkers.
The history of human nature in the context of science and philosophy.
The philosophical fundaments and methodologies of the main stream science since antiquity to presence; comparison with alternatives and non-scientific traditions.

Subject-area Board