Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information below is subject to change,
in particular that concerning the teaching mode (presential, distance or in a comodal or hybrid format).
5 credits
30.0 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Guay Alexandre (coordinator); Pence Charles; Pence Charles (compensates Guay Alexandre); Verdée Peter; Verdée Peter (compensates Guay Alexandre);
Language
French
Main themes
The seminar will focus on a theme in the area of the philosophy of natural science, to be determined by its members in relation to research projects they are currently involved with. Active participation at seminar meetings is strongly encouraged. Professors and researchers from the UCL interested in the topic and specialists in the topic from outside the UCL may participate in the seminar.
Aims
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 |
/ |
Content
This year’s topic is: scientific explanation. The course will be centered around three hot topics in the current literature on philosophy of scientific explanation.
Mechanism and complex systems
Mathematical explanation
Scientific understanding
The students are asked to put together, as a group, a two-hour presentation on each of these topics.
Mechanism and complex systems
Mathematical explanation
Scientific understanding
The students are asked to put together, as a group, a two-hour presentation on each of these topics.
Teaching methods
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.
This student-led course consists of:6 hours ex cathedra teaching devoted to a quick introduction to the literature on scientific explanation and the three topics
Three times two-hour presentations by students
Workshop sessions to help students in putting together their presentations. Students get to ask questions on the bibliography, the content itself and presentation techniques.
Evaluation methods
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.
The presentations by the students and the written preparation of the presentation will count as the final evaluation. There is no exam during the June exam session. In August, there will be an open book oral exam on the three central topics.
Other information
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Online resources
See course Moodle website.
Bibliography
Les étudiants intéressés par une brève introduction au sujet peuvent consulter Bonnay, «L’explication scientifique», Précis de Philosophie des Sciences, éd. Barberousse, Bonnay, Cozic (2011, Vuibert).
Faculty or entity
EFIL
