Philosophy

Science and Reason

Module code: V7080
Level 4
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar, Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework

Science has a special status in our understanding of the world. According to many scientists and philosophers, it's our most reliable source of knowledge about reality and our place in it.

On this module, you'll explore the nature and scope of science as a mode of inquiry. Questions you'll explore include:

• what is science?
• how does science differ from other ways in which people seek to understand the world?

Some philosophers and scientists argue that there is no place in a modern, scientific world, for many of the things that make up our understanding of the world. Are they right? You'll work to answer this, and more, in this module.

Module learning outcomes

• Describe the philosophical issues raised by the special status of science which are considered in the course
• Present the familiar arguments which underlie problems raised by the special status of science
• Evaluate the arguments which underlie the problems raised by the special status of science
• Argue for the student's own view of the philosophical issues raised in the module.