Master Topic in Philosophy of Science

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

Philosophy of science is concerned with fundamental questions about science and with the implications of science for society. Some of these key-questions are: What counts as science? Is there a Scientific Method, and what is it? Are scientific theories reliable sources of knowledge? What is the general purpose of science (if any)? Although there is little consensus on the answers to many key-questions in the philosophy of science (including the issue of induction, or the ability of science to tell us true things about 'unobservables'), this course attempts to provide a general overview of these responses, and to evaluate their credibility. There are strong and natural connections between science and other branches of philosophy, such as metaphysics and epistemology. The main emphasis lies on contemporary philosophy.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

After completing the course students should have good knowledge of the key-concepts, arguments and positions in the philosophy of science.

Skills:

After completing the course the student should be able to: - discuss orally and in writing central issues, concepts and arguments in philosophy of science (eg. falsificationism, realism v. different versions of antirealism such as instrumentalism or constructive empiricism, bayesianism, etc.) - consider the relevant arguments in philosophy of science (e. g. the 'no miracles argument ') - work individually with philosophical questions and problems - discuss the value of science to society

ECTS Credits

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Spring or Fall

Place of Instruction

Required Previous Knowledge
Bachelor degree with 90 credits specializing in philosophy or equivalent.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
A good proficiency in English is necessary since it ought to be assumed that much of the prescribed reading will be in English.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
A condition for entry into this course is having been accepted for the Masters programme in philosophy.
Teaching and learning methods

Teaching is offered in the form of lectures and/or seminars.

Individual tuition: up to 1 hours per student.

The number of gatherings may be reduced if the number of students attending the course is less than 4. In that case, the students will be compensated with individual or group tutoring.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

An approval of compulsory requirements is valid for three semesters, including the semester in which the approval is given.

Submission of a draft of the semester assignment paper before supervision.

Individual supervision given by the teacher of the course.

Forms of Assessment

A supervised semester assignment paper of 4000- 6000 words (not including table of contents, list of references etc.) The topic of the paper must be approved in advance by the teacher of the course. The semester assignment paper will be assessed at the end of the semester.

Exams in the course are held every semester.

The compulsory activities have to be formally approved before one can take an exam in the course.

The compulsory requirements have to be formally approved in a semester in which there is teaching in the relevant course in order to register for the examination in a semester in which there is no teaching in that course.

Grading Scale
From A to F
Assessment Semester
Reading List
Course Evaluation
The teaching will be evaluated from time to time.
Examination Support Material
Programme Committee
Course Coordinator
Course Administrator