Science as an organized and systematic procedure of acquiring knowledge is one of the foundations of modern culture. Since the first scientific revolution up to present times it has acted as a driving force for the modernization of society. Its impact, however, has always been subjected to controversial judgement. On the one hand, science has been valued for its contribution to a rational world view, as a paradigm of progress, and as a basis for increasing prosperity. On the other hand it has been criticized for being a tool of repression, alienation, economic inequality and the exploitation of nature.
Both points of view agree, however, that science is one of the most influential factors of the present and that it determines human life in multiple ways. Science studies in the Bielefeld Master’s program focus on the historical, philosophical and sociological dimensions of science. Students will acquire the knowledge as well as research methods enabling them to understand the epistemological characteristics and institutional structures of science in a social and historical context.
These three disciplinary perspectives have been successfully linked for several years in research efforts and in the training of doctoral candidates at the IWT. The sociology of science conceives of science as a social system constituted by specific social institutions, rules of action, and communicative patterns. The philosophy of science focuses on the analysis of scientific rationality and epistemic evaluation criteria. It places special emphasis on the ethical aspect of responsibility. The history of science investigates the development of science in its changing interactions with other societal fields. The goal of the Bielefeld Master’s is to enable students to use these complementary disciplinary approaches as resources for a better understanding of science in society.
Das Bielefeld’s interdisciplinary Master’s Program conforms with other international programs. It is designed to impart knowledge and skills in the following areas:
In addition to the ability to carry out research using scientific methods, the training program equips the students to carry out their own research projects and to identify problems and innovative strategies for their solution in the areas of science and technology policy, research management and science communication. Independent judgment, reflected use of language and the ability to present their work in word, text and image belong to the key qualifications gained through this program.
Current changes in the relations between science and society that are described with the concepts of “knowledge society” and “information society” are shaped to a great degree by science and technology. The professional perspectives for the graduates of the Master’s program are very positive. Our experience is that there is an increasing professional demand for academics who have been trained in the assessment of the organization and management of research and teaching, transfer of knowledge to the media and the public, evaluation of quality standards of research and expertise, and the crucial role of science in innovation networks.
Training in the Bielefeld Master’s program is focused on the acquisition of essential skills in the administration of science and science policy. Major areas of professional work are as follows:
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