The program "Ancient Philosophy and History of Ancient Science" is dedicated to ancient philosophy and the ancient sciences, their methods, their intellectual and philosophical foundations as well as their practical applications in their social and cultural contexts. The main sources are scientific and philosophical texts, but also scientific instruments and other forms of material evidence. Geographically, the program includes the ancient Greek and Roman world and extends as far as the Near East and Egypt, with comparative studies including even ancient China; chronologically, it reaches into the early Modern Age, encompassing the reception of ancient science in the Arab world and the Latin Middle Ages. Specific philological reading competences and methodological skills for the study of ancient philosophy and the sciences are central components of the program. The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) contributes to the training of PhD students particulary through lecture series, workshops and conferences. The historians of science who work at the institute investigate how categories of thought, evidence and experience have historically developed through interaction between the sciences and the surrounding cultures.

If you have any questions about the doctoral program, please contact: carmen.marcks-jacobs@berliner.antike-kolleg.org

To apply for admission to the program, please use our application portal.

For questions about the application and much more, see our FAQ.

Members of the managing committee

The members of the Executive Committee review the applications received for study places and scholarships, decide on an invitation to a selection interview and conduct the selection interview with the applicants. The chair of the committee is also responsible for the academic management of the program and, in cases of doubt, decides on the recognition of academic achievements for the curriculum.

Prof. Dr. James Wilberding (HU) (chairman)
Prof. Dr. Gerd Graßhoff (HU/MPIWG)
Prof. Dr. Bernd Roling (FUB)
PD Dr. Oliver Overwien (HU) (academic associate)
Dr. Carmen Marcks-Jacobs (coordinator)
Lacy Giles M.A. (FU) (student representative)

Departments and institutes connected with the doctoral program

Freie Universität Berlin

• Institute for the History of Knowledge in the Ancient World
• Institute of Greek and Latin Languages and Literatures
• Institute of Jewish Studies
• Institute of Philosophy

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

• Department of Philosophy

Information on requirements for admission as a doctoral student in your chosen subject can be obtained from the relevant doctoral office (Promotionsbüro) of the responsible faculty (at the Humboldt-Universität) or department (at the Freie Universität). Please bear in mind: the doctorate regulations of the responsible faculty/department determine whether persons chosen to act as supervisor are eligible to serve as reviewers of the dissertation.

You can find more information in the FAQ.