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Alan Francis Chalmers' Birth
Alan Francis Chalmers was born in Bristol, England in 1939. -
Chalmers' Undergraduate Studies
Alan Francis Chalmers attended the University of Bristol, England where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Physics in 1961. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, Alan would continue on to another university to pursue his graduate degree. -
Chalmers' Graduate Studies
After receiving his bachelors degree in physics, Alan Francis Chalmers decided to pursue his masters degree in science at the University of Manchester. Alan graduated with his Masters of Science degree from the University of Manchester in 1964. Upon completion of his M.S., Chalmers remained at this university for two years where he became faculty, teaching physics and the history of science before leaving to pursue his doctorate degree. -
Chalmers' Doctorate Studies
Upon leaving his faculty position at the University of Manchester, England, Alan Francis Chalmers returned to his studies as a full-time student at the University of London, Chelsea College to pursue his doctorate degree in history and philosophy. This program took Alan approximately five years to complete. Pols, H. School of History and Philosophy of Science. https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-history-and-philosophy-of-science.html. -
Chalmers' Post Doctorate Career
Upon completing his lengthy academic journey which spanned over a period of eights years, Alan Francis Chalmers moved to Sydney, Australia to continue his career in academia as a professor. When he arrived to Sydney, he was entered into the faculty system as a post-doctorate fellow at the University of Sydney, Australia. -
What is this thing called science?
After completing his doctorate degree and relocating to Sydney, Australia, Alan wrote and published a book titled, "What is this thing called science?" In this book Chalmers describes the reasons for doubting facts obtained by simple observation and experiments which are are straightforward and secure and have traditionally been assumed. He argues that scientific knowledge can neither be conclusively proven nor conclusively disproved by reference to facts. -
Video - What is This Thing Called Science?
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Present Day
At the age of 81 years old, Alan Francis Chalmers is still active in the world of academia as he continues teaching. He is currently an associate professor in the History and Philosophy of Science Department at the University of Sydney, Australia. In addition to his many accomplishments, he was recently elected as a fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities. Alan remains one of the most sought after educators in the entire university and as no plans of retiring anytime soon.
