Science, Knowledge, Practice

The course provides an introduction to recent theories of science and knowledge, with emphasis on the relationships between science, society, ethical reflection and action.

Key themes:

• Theory of Science: Theory, language and reality; science, technology and power; 'scientification'; science, society and ethics.
• Argumentation Theory: formal logic; rationality; scientific argumentation.
• Theory of Knowledge: knowledge, justification and scepticism; rationality and wisdom in thought and action.
• Ontology: Fundamental conceptions of reality (metaphysics), including moral reality; realism and anti-realism.

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge and skills):

Knowledge

• knowledge of key debates in the philosophy of science from the 1900s and 2000s, and of the societal roles of science in the light of ethics and political philosophy
• acquaintance with theories of different forms of knowledge, and with the application of knowledge to different areas, especially in relation to ethical issues
• knowledge of philosophical theories about truth and about the nature of reality (metaphysics), related to the above points about knowledge and science

Skills

• insight into scientific and practical reasoning, and ability to apply this insight in multidisciplinary contexts; use of formal logic in philosophical analysis

Lectures, groups and self-study. In order to sit the exam, students must get approved a logics test and a written assignment (1600-3200 words, 12-point Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing). The written asignment and logics test are only given in the semester when the subject is taught, but is valid for this and the subsequent semester.