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Philosophy of Science

Module description

This module will introduce you to contemporary debates in philosophy of science. It will begin with foundational debates in the field before quickly moving on to engage with cutting-edge work in the field. We will explore topics such as: the nature of scientific reasoning, the nature (and limits) of scientific rationality and objectivity; the relationship between science and its social, technological and political context; the role of theories and models in science; representation in science and art; the nature of scientific understanding; experiment and scientific practice. The module will also consider links between philosophy of science and related disciplines, such as the history and sociology of science. The module assumes no prior background in the field or in any particular sciences

Module aims - intentions of the module

To provide a thorough and rigorous discussion of the main issues in contemporary philosophy of science. To foster techniques of analytical and critical inquiry.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Understand a range of different theories and approaches in philosophy of science
• 2. Analyse and evaluate those theories and approaches in a rigorous, informed and critical way
• 3. Understand the significance of these debates within a broader historical and sociological context.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Appreciate the diversity of different methods used in philosophical research
• 5. Critically and rigorously evaluate a range of different philosophical styles and approaches
• 6. Reflect critically upon the relationship between philosophy and other disciplines

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Engage in complex arguments verbally and in small groups
• 8. Critically engage with written texts in a clear and rigorous way
• 9. Present complex ideas to peers and respond to questions in a clear and respectful manner

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Introduction
• Popper
• Kuhn
• The Sociology of Scientific Knowledge
• Social epistemology
• Science and values
• Theories and models
• Scientific representation
• Understanding
• Experiment
• Practice

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Barnes, B., Bloor, D., & Henry, J. (1996) Scientific Knowledge: A Sociological Analysis. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Cartwright, N. (1983) How the Laws of Physics Lie. Oxford: Clarendon.
Curd, M., Cover, J.A. and Pincock (Eds.) (2012) Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues. New York: Norton.
Godfrey-Smith, P. (2003) Theory and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science, Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Goodman, N. (1954) Fact, Fiction, and Forecast. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Kuhn, T. (1970) The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Chicago: Chicago University Press.
Latour, B. (1987) Science in Action: How to Follow Scientists and Engineers through Society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Lipton, P. (1991) Inference to the Best Explanation. New York: Routledge.
Okasha, S. (2002) Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford: OUP.
Popper, K. (1959) The Logic of Scientific Discovery. London: Routledge.
Psillos, S. (1999) Scientific Realism: How Science Tracks Truth. London: Routledge.
Van Frassen, B. (1980) The Scientific Image. Oxford: Clarendon.

Key words search

Philosophy Science