History and Philosophy of Science?

Question

I'm currently an undergrad majoring in Chemistry and English. The university I'm at, while a tier one school, is very focused on science and technology. The humanities departments are small tend to get the shaft.

What I'm really interested in is History and Philosophy of Science, but unlike most of the other places I applied my school doesn't offer that as a major. The philosophy department focuses almost entirely on logic, and the history deaprtment is mostly geared toward poli-sci. The English department, on the other hand, has quite a few faculty who have done work in science and literature. Because an English major would allow me to do the most coursework in science and culture, that's what I chose.

I've seen a few places that offer graduate studies in History and Philosophy of science. Could I still enter that field with my English/Science background, or would I be restricted to just English or Chemistry?

Answer 1

It would have helped if you said where you are.

If you really want to enter that field -- you will need to go to graduate school. You should take as many philosophy classes as you can -- even those that seem unrelated. You will find that the courses in logic and analytical philosophy will help you.

I fashioned a "minor" in the same field -- taking courses in Philosophy of Mathematics, Philosophy and Physics, a course in how engineering and society interact, a history of Math class -- even a course called "Religion and Science." Look in every department to see what they offer. Talk to the Logic guys about doing an independent study in Philosophy of Science. Make it happen.