Introduction to Philosophy of Science
The course deals with a selection of basic scientific philosophical problems and issues, and links these to methods we use in science. The course is aimed at anyone wanting a broad philosophical orientation of the most important ideas about how science works, and assumes no prior knowledge of philosophy or research methodology.
Science is a phenomenon that is important in a number of ways, but perhaps most central is that it incessantly produces new knowledge, about phenomena that we could otherwise know nothing about. This course deals with questions of a metaphysical and epistemological nature that modern science confronts us with. Among the problems raised and discussed during the course are: what distinguishes (genuine) science, as opposed to quasi- or pseudo-science? How are scientific theories supported by sense experience? Are there difficulties with the notion that science develops and makes progress? What does the objectivity that science is often thought to be characterised by mean? During the course, philosophical questions that are relevant within specific scientific research fields are also dealt with, such as: What is space-time? Can we explain artificial intelligence? And more.
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Course structure
More about the course content
This course is aimed at anyone who wants an orientation in the most significant ideas about how science works. The course provides a historical perspective on these ideas, and also addresses some important problems in today's philosophy of science.
Lectures and some stand-alone texts introduce basic theories and arguments, and the coursebook contributes with deepening and examples from science.
Some questions that are touched upon are: What does it mean that science is fallible? What is a scientific explanation? How should we understand the relationship between different scientific disciplines? How are scientific theories related to what we can observe? How and to what degree is science objective? Can we expect our best scientific theories to be literally true?
Teacher
The course teacher this semester is Siska De Baerdemaeker.
Learning platform
Study instructions, detailed course planning, etc. will be posted on the course's Athena page. Admitted students who have activated their student account and been registered on the course automatically become participants on the course's Athena page.
Language of instruction
Language of instruction this semester is English.
Form of teaching
The teaching consists of pre-recorded lecture films, and discussions of these on campus.
Expected study results, as well as information about the grading scale
See the syllabus.
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course. -
Course reports
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Contact
Examiner: Siska De Baerdemaeker siska.debaerdemaeker@philosophy.su.se
Student office: info@philosophy.su.se
Director of studies: Sama Agahi sama.agahi@philosophy.su.se
Study councelling: studievagledning@philosophy.su.se
