The Department was founded in 1946 by Professor Sir Karl Popper. The focus of research in the Department is in the philosophy of the natural and social sciences, and normative analysis of public policy. Members of the Department have made recent highly regarded contributions to the literature in these areas. The links provided on this page will take you to detailed information about the 12-month Masters (MSc) programmes| and the MPhil/PhD programme|.
The Department's approach to teaching and research is resolutely interdisciplinary. Members of the Department (staff and students) work regularly with other social scientists in the LSE and also with other philosophers and scientists throughout the University of London. This interaction is promoted by the interdisciplinary Centre for the Philosophy of Natural and Social Science|, which is located at LSE.
The range of postgraduate masters degrees offered by the Department reflects its strengths. The Department offers four different MSc programmes, each dedicated to the teaching of one of its particular specialties:
The MSc programmes are complemented by a MPhil/PhD programme| which creates an active intellectual environment with students working in general philosophy of science, philosophy of physics, philosophy of biology and cognitive science, philosophy of economics, philosophy and public policy, rational choice and scientific methodology.
The MSc programmes are taught by world-class academics: Dr Jason McKenzie Alexander|, Professor Richard Bradley|, Professor Luc Bovens|, Professor Nancy Cartwright|, Dr Amandine Catala, Dr Foad Dizadji-Bahmani|, Dr Roman Frigg|, Dr Kristina Musholt|, Dr Armin Schulz|, Dr Katie Steele|, Dr Alex Voorhoeve|, Dr Charlotte Werndl|, and Professor John Worrall|.
The strength of the Faculty is reflected in international rankings:
Philosophical Gourmet Report 2009|: 1st in the world for Philosophy of the Social Science|; Group 2 for General Philosophy of Science|; Group 2 for Decision, Rational Choice, and Game Theory|; Group 3 for Philosophy of Physics|.
Good University Guide for 2011| - LSE ranked 3rd for Philosophy in the UK|.
Our programmes range of career options as demonstrated by testimonials from our former students|.
The Department contributes to the strength of London as a major location for philosophy. In many respects, London provides a philosophical environment that is beyond compare. (See the Philosophy Fixtures List|.) The Department is a member of the Institute of Philosophy of the School of Advanced Study of the University of London, which organises a large number of conferences, seminars, and public lectures every year, and which supports lecture series such as the Logic and Metaphysics Forum and the Aesthetics Forum. Other London Colleges run seminars and lectures that are open to LSE students, and the meetings of the Aristotelian Society, the Royal Institute of Philosophy, as well as the British Society for the Philosophy of Science are held in London.
A variety of sources of funding| are available to applicants.
For videos about the Department and its programmes, click here|.
For further information about available programmes, see the Graduate Prospectus|.