Aims

The aim of the course is to introduce the students to contemporary philosophy of science.
By the end of the course, the student should have mastered the central problems and main authors concerned with articulating a philosophy of nature in the 20th Century. The student should be able to present a question (orally or in writing), in a clear, synthetic, and precise manner. The student will be expected to argue in a rigorous manner in favor of one of the positions addressed while also taking a critical stance towards that same position. Finally, the student will be able to orient him or herself in the literature on philosophy of science.

Main themes

The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to contemporary philosophy of science, understood as a philosophical theory of scientific knowledge and practice. Such a philosophical reflection about science cannot but be articulated in close relationship with the sciences themselves, particularly in their historical dimension. Consequently, we shall throughout the course make references to the scientific disciplines themselves.
The main topics addressed will be: the epistemic status of scientific theories and models; the dynamics of science; the scope, and limits, of scientific knowledge; scientific explanation; realism; reductionism; the role of finality; naturalism; etc.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Pre-requisites:
The course presupposes an elementary knowledge of formal logic.

Assessment:
The course will be taught by three lecturers, who will work together closely, and will be evaluated through one, final, exam.
The assessment will take the form of an oral exam based on the issues discussed in the class or on an essay written by the student.

Supporting material:
Complete class-notes as well as a bibliography are available.

Course holder/Course Supervision:
Lecturers only.

Other credits in programs