Philosophy
Philosophy of Science
Module code: V7076
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay
This module will explore the epistemic and social authority of science and look at the following questions:
- how does science work?
- are there limits to scientific knowledge? If so, what are they?
- is science objective?
- what role do values, identities, and interests play in science?
- should ordinary citizens trust and defer to science?
- why do some people dissent from scientific consensus?
- what does it mean to “believe in science”?
You'll have the opportunity to examine and develop your own positions on these issues.
Module learning outcomes
- Present a coherent and detailed understanding of key issues in the philosophy of science.
- Analyse key arguments in important texts in the philosophy of science.
- Analyse key concepts in the philosophy of science, such as 'natural law', 'explanation' and 'theory'.
- Present and defend some independent views with regard to the issues.