The Descartes Centre for the History and Philosophy of the Sciences and the Humanities is a joint collaboration of all seven Faculties at Utrecht University. The Descartes Centre contributes to the social and political debate by critically reflecting on the foundations and the dissemination of scientific knowledge and the role of rhetoric in these processes. The Centre was founded in 2007 by prof. dr. Wijnand Mijnhardt, who was also the Centre’s first director.

Save the date: History of Knowledge Conference

The third History of Knowledge Conference will be organized in Utrecht on 25-27 August 2027. The conference brings together scholars from a variety of backgrounds to further develop the field and its impact on other disciplines and society. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Decentering the History of Knowledge’.

Read more about this conference

  • News

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  • Events

    • Defence Dialogue: Militarisation of Education

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      As international unrest persists, defence budgets grow, and the Dutch Ministry of Defence may expand its investment in knowledge and research, questions about the relationship between education and the military are becoming increasingly pressing. This dialogue, part of a series on the relationship between academia and the defence sector, examines what the militarisation of education actually entails in practice, and how Utrecht University might address this issue.

    • Lecture Una McIlvenna: Disaster Ballads in Early Modern and Nineteenth-Century Europe

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      In this UUCEMS Annual Lecture, Una McIlvenna will discuss songs about disaster in early modern and nineteenth-century Europe.

    • Studium Generale | Wat een man óók kan zijn

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      Social scientist Linda Duits is working with theatre makers to investigate the appeal of the manosphere and how we can break through stereotypical masculinity.

    • Descartes Centre Afternoon

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      On June 3rd, the Descartes Centre wants to present herself to the entire Utrecht University. We hope to welcome a broad spectrum of attendees: from long-term DC collaborators to students interested in our topics and to colleagues visiting a DC activity for the first time.
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Areas of expertise: history of science | philosophy of science | knowledge society | scientific integrity | research funding | disciplines and interdisciplinarity | university history