Dissertations at the Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine are methodologically based within the areas of humanities or social sciences. It is necessary to become thoroughly familiar with these research methods. For this reason, relevant method-oriented seminars, which the doctoral students must attend, are offered at the Institute at regular intervals. It is also expected that the doctoral students will present results of their research regularly and publish them internationally with the support of the Institute. Experience has shown that the duration of such a dissertation is three to five years.

Dissertations in history of medicine are usually based on the historical indexing and interpretation of sources (mostly archival documents). Medico-ethical or medico-theoretical works are normative or oriented on empirical social science research.

In the area of medical sociology, doctoral theses on the topic of social and psychological factors influencing health can usually be completed within the framework of current research projects. Typically, it is empirical work that to a certain extent requires statistical analysis.

 

If you are interested in a dissertation at the Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, please contact the respective supervisor (box on the right with a link to the current dissertations) directly by email.

If you are looking for supervision directly from the Director of the Institute, Professor Steger, please send to the secretariat your curriculum vitae (including a high school diploma and, if applicable, your “Physicum” grade), current grade list/grade certificate and a short letter of motivation as an attachment (Why history or theory and ethics of medicine? Which topic or area interests me? Why?).