Philosophy of science [ LSC2220 ]

The aim of the course is to invite Master students in science to reflect on some of the current central themes in the philosophy of science, which are related to their interests and the scientific discipline in which they have specialised. They will have to analyze, alone or in a group, a specific philosophical issue that they will choose in relation to the themes addressed in the classroom lectures. Students will have to convey the results and conclusions of their investigations in a written essay as well as through an oral presentation.

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.

The evaluation consists of two elements: a written exam (50% of the final grade) and an oral presentation in small groups (50%).

During the second session, the evaluation consists of an exam (50%) plus the presentation grade (50%). If the presentation grade is absent or has already been used, this grade will be replaced by a personal research essay.

The first part of the course consists in lectures on the three themes. In the meantime, students will register on the course's website and form teams of maximum three members. Each team will choose a presentation subject in relation with one of the themes. The subject, the related list of references and the oral presentation plan will have to be approved by the professor. He shall be available to help students develop their presentation.The second part of the class will be devoted to the oral presentations. The final exam will cover all lectures and presentations.

A list of references and reading material will be available via the course's website.