Philosophy

Do you want to enhance your philosophical knowledge? Do you want to learn ‘thinking beyond’ the realm of what is considered self-evident? Do you not shy away from intense and informed debates? Then the one-year Master’s in Philosophy may be just your thing.

Master’s in Philosophy

In the Master’s programme Philosophy, you’ll learn to analyse theoretical issues about numerous subjects like knowledge, truth, morality and politics, from different perspectives. By asking the right questions and precise reasoning, you’ll try and reach the essential core: what is really important in this matter? How can a complicated issue be subdivided into manageable sub-questions? You’ll learn to access conflicting claims. Do humans possess free will or are our actions determined by hereditary of cultural factors? You’ll learn to form your own opinions and to express them clearly with consistent and convincing arguments.

Why study Philosophy at Radboud University?

• You’ll learn how to acquire in-depth knowledge in one of the four specialisations.

• In especially designed seminars, you’ll develop skills such as critical reading and analytical thinking,speaking and writing techniques, as well as the power of argumentation and persuasion.

• The small-scale set up of the seminars guaranties intensive personal guidance and interaction between teachers and students.

• This one-years Master’s programme in Philosophy is focused on a career outside of research.

• Our students rate this Master’s programme 8.2 out of 10 according to the National Student Survey 2017.

Specialisations

The Master’s programme in Philosophy offers four Master’s specialisation, one in English and three in Dutch.

Philosophy and Science

In this specialisation, you’ll analyse the relation between philosophy and science in terms of their historical development, as well as the current situation. In ancient Greece, ‘philosophy’ was understood to be an activity that focused on gaining knowledge on any and every part of reality. In modern times, several sciences have detached themselves from the philosophy. What does this mean for philosophy and its relationship with the sciences?

Philosophy and science don't mix. Or do they? What we nowadays call "science" used to be part of "philosophy." It is not without reason that Isaac Newton called his physical masterpiece "The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy." And today, the two are still closely connected. Our current worldview is strongly shaped by scientific thought. We look to science for both answers to our theoretical questions and solutions to our practical problems.

The Master's specialisation in Philosophy and Science analyses the relation of philosophy and science in terms of their historical development, as well as the current situation. How did the scientific worldview come about? What are its ingredients? What models for the relationship between philosophical and scientific thinking have been proposed?

This Master's specialisation will give you a better understanding of the evolution, the current status and the implications of the scientific worldview. Professionally, it prepares you for several possible avenues, including science administration, research, journalism, and policy-making.