Philosophy of Science
Full course description
This course deals with the question: What is science? We will start with common sense ideas that science is based on observation, and that this is what distinguishes it from other types of belief. From there we will move to more sophisticated positions like critical rationalism, the so-called historical and sociological turn in the theory of science. In the last part of the course we will focus on problems in the social sciences.
Typical issues in this course are: what is the role of observation in science? What is a scientific explanation? What roles do theories and experiments play in science? What is the nature of scientific progress? Can we rationally decide between scientific viewpoints? How do the social sciences explain human behaviour? What is the role of social science in society?
Course objectives
To familiarize students with the philosophical foundations of scientific method.
Prerequisites
None. It is strongly recommended not to take the course in your first semester.
Recommended reading
- Chalmers, D. (1999). What is This Thing Called Science?
- E-Readers.