The HPS Podcast - Conversations from History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science

Leading scholars in History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science (HPS) introduce contemporary topics for a general audience. Developed by graduate students from the HPS program at the University of Melbourne.

Lead Host: Thomas Spiteri (2025-2026).

More information on the podcast can be found at hpsunimelb.org

Podcasting since 2023 • 76 episodes

The HPS Podcast - Conversations from History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science

Latest Episodes

Mazviita Chirimuuta on Simplification in Neuroscience

This week, Thomas Spiteri speaks with Dr Mazviita Chirimuuta, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh and author of The Brain Abstracted: Simplification in the History and Philosophy of Neuroscience (MIT Press, 202...

August 12, 2026 • Season 6 • Episode 2 • 37:53

Magdalena Skipper on Scientific Publishing

This week, Thomas Spiteri speaks with Dr. Magdalena Skipper, Editor-in-Chief of Nature. Skipper has held the role since 2018, and has a background in the genetic sciences. She is also nota...

July 30, 2026 • Season 6 • Episode 1 • 38:49

Steven Shapin on the Social Life of Scientific Knowledge

This week, Thomas Spiteri speaks with Steven Shapin, Professor Emeritus of the History of Science at Harvard. Shapin reflects on his path into the history and sociology of science and discusses the central concerns of his work: how knowledge is...

October 19, 2025 • Season 5 • Episode 11 • 50:24

Cordelia Fine on "Patriarchy Inc"

This week, Thomas Spiteri speaks with Professor Cordelia Fine — psychologist, award-winning writer, and professor in the History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Melbourne. Cordelia is one of today’s leading voices on how science ...

October 03, 2025 • Season 5 • Episode 10 • 52:57

Miriam Solomon on How Stigma Shapes Psychiatry

This week, Thomas Spiteri speaks with Professor Miriam Solomon, Professor of Philosophy at Temple University and a leading voice in philosophy of science, medicine, and psychiatry.Solomon reflects on her intellectual trajectory, from her...

September 19, 2025 • Season 5 • Episode 9 • 26:09