Philosophy and Theory of Science - Introductory Course

The course provides a basis for academic study at NTNU through an introduction to the history of philosophy and science, plus the theory of science, tracing lines of development from the world picture of antiquity to discussions in our own time. The course is divided into three main blocks:
1. Antiquity;
2. The Scientific Revolution and more recent philosophy;
3. Modern theory of science.
The Greek view of nature, science, art and handicraft are presented together with their understanding of morality, politics, rationality and argumentation. The next main theme is the Scientific Revolution and the modern world picture, which is related to newer ideas in epistemology and ethics. The rise of human science and Darwin’s evolutionary theory are presented. This is followed by a discussion of the basic concepts and traditions in contemporary philosophy and theory of science, together with some basic themes from more recent argumentation theory and ethical-political theory.

Knowledge
Knowledge of basic concepts and thinkers in the history of philosophy, history of science and modern theory of science (see contents above).

Skills
Ability to discuss the argumentation in the central problems of the history of science and philosophy, and of the theory of science.

Ability to relate the different epochs/themes to one another and to understand the progression in the history of thought.

General competence
Ability to relate in a reflective manner to one’s own particular area of study and to the academic disciplines more generally.

Awareness of the academic and critical mode of thought, and of the standards of the academy in written work.

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars. Two exercises are set, and both must be submitted and approved in order to sit the exam. The lectures present the main outlines of the syllabus and provide a basic historical and systematic introduction to concepts and thinkers/positions. The seminars involve smaller group teaching, in which the students work on exercises under supervision. The exercises should be written in groups of 3-5 people, though can also be written in pairs or individually. Through discussion and writing students are trained in scientific and philosophical argumentation, in both oral and written form.