The Rotman Institute of Philosophy's Mission is to bring philosophers into productive engagement with scientists, policy makers and the public.

Originally founded in 2008, the Institute continues to foster outstanding and collaborative research thanks to the generous support of the Rotman Family Foundation and Western University.

Who We Are

Members of the Rotman Institute include scholars who work on history and the philosophy of science, research ethics, bioethics, science and values, and feminist approaches to science. We come together in a unique collaborative workspace to engage, explore and exchange ideas. This “philosophy laboratory” is the heart of the Rotman Institute.

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Rotman Projects

Research at the Rotman Institute takes an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together philosophers and scientists to focus on theoretical issues and their practical and ethical implications in areas of science from cosmology to conservation ecology, evolutionary biology, and medicine.

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What We Do

Philosophy of science has become disconnected from scientific practice. Philosophers have a valuable set of skills to contribute to the problems faced by scientists. We challenge assumptions and invoke philosophical and ethical concepts that range from the nature of causation to the demands of justice.

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Einstein @ Rotman 2015

One hundred years ago, in November 1915, Albert Einstein achieved his long-sought theory of gravitation: the General Theory of Relativity. In developing the General Theory, Einstein brought together ideas from philosophy, mathematics, and physics, to create a remarkable new conception of gravity, space, and time. His work is a model of the engagement between philosophy and science that is the main mission of the Rotman Institute of Philosophy. To celebrate the achievements of the 20th century’s greatest philosopher-scientist, the Rotman Institute is pleased to announce Einstein@Rotman 2015 – a year-long program of activities for both scholars and the general public, centred around the stunning successes and enduring mysteries of Einstein’s ideas. Join us for our inaugural lecture Gravity, Geometry, Philosophy: 100 Years in Einstein's Universe by Robert DiSalle on March 2nd at 7pm at Wolf Performance Hall.

 
 

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