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  6. PH303Y: PHILOSOPHY OF BIOLOGY

PH303Y: PHILOSOPHY OF BIOLOGY (2014-2015)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

Over the last decades philosophy of biology has matured into a dynamic field of philosophical inquiry. Apart from reflecting on specific findings and controversies within the life sciences, such inquiry can shed light on debates in general philosophy of science and philosophy of mind. This course examines both classical topics and more recent developments. It will address questions such as: Do genes really carry information or is this just a metaphor? What does it mean to say that the function of the heart is to pump blood? Are biological species natural kinds? Do animals have beliefs and desires? 

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • 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

The life sciences cover a broad range of disciplines, from molecular genetics, neuroscience and developmental biology to physiology, evolutionary biology, ethology, and ecology. Philosophers of biology explore the key concepts and fundamental methodologies employed in these disciplines. Over the last decades philosophy of biology has matured into a separate and dynamic field of philosophical inquiry. Apart from reflecting on specific findings and controversies within the life sciences, such exploration can shed light on debates in general philosophy of science and philosophy of mind. This course provides an introduction to the field by examining some classical topics as well as more recent developments. It will address questions such as: Do genes really carry information or is "information" simply a colourful metaphor for ordinary causal processes? What does it mean to say that the function of the heart is to pump blood? Can such teleological descriptions be "naturalised"? Do biological species have essences or are they collections of spatio-temporally extended objects? Are we ever justified in attributing beliefs and desires to animals?

Further Information & Notes

No advanced knowledge of biology is required. The biological background will be provided in the lectures and tutorials/seminars. Students should be willing to familiarize themselves with this background.

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 for level 3 students: 2 x 2500 word essays (90%) plus participation in tutorials (10%) Resit for year 3 students: 1 x 2500 word essay (100%)

Formative Assessment

Feedback on essays; individually arranged conversations during office hours/by appointment.

Feedback

Written on essay and marking sheet; office hours/appointment.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.
 

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