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.