new studies in germany

Universities are cutting down subjects in Germany – to give you an example, a couple of years ago they removed Logic & Philosophy of Science from the curriculum of the Ludwig-Maximilian-University in Munich. It’s a common and sad phenomenon.

Therefore it’s good news when new academics open up.
Or is it?

• The University of Magdeburg announced to open a master in homoeopathy, starting 2011. Studies have confirmed that the effectiveness of homoeopathy does not exceed the placebo effect in controlled settings – for example, check this lancet meta-study (BBC), or this blogpost I did in 2005 (German). There are more recent studies, but I can’t cite them by heart. I expect a Department for Astrology in Magdeburg, soon. Maybe we could even get back to some decent witch burning?
• Three days ago the Institute for Theologican Zoology in Münster was opened up. It is actually officially supported by Jane Goodall. My explanation is that she supports the institute because she thinks it’s a good thing for animals when religious people start considering animals as beings with a soul. But then again … theological zoology? Seriously? I always thought theology and biology tried to explain different things – or to put it more bluntly: that only one of these is a science.

Hm. I’d rather want Logic & Philosophy of Science back.