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  6. PH2533: SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY 2

PH2533: SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY 2 (2014-2015)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

This course introduces students to selected topics in general philosophy of science and in the philosophy of the special sciences. Here are some of the questions we will consider: Do we have reasons to believe that our best confirmed scientific theories are true? Do theoretical entities like electrons exist or are they conceptual tools for research? Are scientific explanations in some sense 'objective' or do they merely provide us with a warm feeling of understanding? What makes a scientific explanation good or bad? Among the special sciences, we will explore topics in physics, chemistry, the life sciences, and psychology. 

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Guido Bacciagaluppi
  • Dr Ulrich Stegmann

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

None.

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course elaborates on some of the topics discussed in the level 1 course (Science and Philosophy I). Among these topics are the rationality of science, the existence and roles of scientific method(s) and paradigms, the nature of explanation, as well as scientific realism and anti-realism. The course also covers new topics both in general philosophy of science (e.g. experiments) and the special sciences, especially in physics, chemistry, and biology. The exact content of the course may change from year to year.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: one 2500 word essay (50%) and 1 two-hour written examination (50%).

Resit: One 2500-word essay (100%).

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback

None.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.
 

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