What We Do

The Rotman Institute helps solve important problems in science and explores the philosophical questions that emerge from contemporary science.

Philosophy of science has become disconnected from scientific practice. We are changing this by bringing philosophers and scientists together to work on problems faced by scientists that can have global significance and tracing the implications of science for society.

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. Our members work on diverse areas of contemporary science, including cosmology, condensed matter physics, applied mathematics, foundations of statistics, computer simulations, evolutionary biology, ecology and clinical trials.