Science, Technology and Medicine in the Ancient World

Freie Universität Berlin

Overview

Science, Technology and Medicine in the Ancient World from Freie Universität Berlin offers a broad overview of the different types of knowledge that existed in the ancient world, as well as the different ways in which ancient forms of scientific thought have been studied over the last century. Alongside standard coursework in methods and approaches, the program focuses especially on the history of notation, writing systems and human consciousness.

Quick Facts:

• At the heart of the program is the idea that all people of all times and in all places have used signs - both observable and conventional - to make sense of their world. It is only, however, with the emergence of knowledge practices that are embodied in artifactual materials, and especially with the development of notational systems in the fourth millennium BCE, that we can trace the calculating mind through time.
• As part of this program, you will examine both textual and non-textual records, although with the textual elements as the primary point of orientation to non-textual materials.
• Through courses in ancient medicine, astronomy and mathematics and/ or the various forms of divination in the ancient world, program participants will develop a fine-tuned awareness about the different epistemological and ontological paradigms at work both in the ancient world and several present-day analytical approaches and disciplines.
• Alongside the core content of the program, the master's program also seeks to inculcate the principles of scientific practice, which are explicitly taught throughout the program.