På Svenska

AK2032 Theory and Methodology of Science (Social Science) 4.5 credits

Vetenskapsteori och vetenskaplig metodik (samhällsvetenskap)

The aim of the course is to provide a deeper understanding of the methodological and underlying philosophical issues that arise in science, and inspire to reflection on such issues within the student’s own area of study. After having taken the course the student should have acquired basic knowledge of the foundational issues in the methodology and philosophy of science.

  • Educational level

    Second cycle

  • Academic level (A-D)

    D

  • Subject area

  • Grade scale

    A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Course offerings

Spring 13 TaMoS for programme students

  • Periods

    Spring 13 P3 (4.5 credits)

  • Application code

    60213

  • Start date

    11/01/2013

  • End date

    2013 week: 11

  • Language of instruction

    English

  • Campus

    KTH Campus

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    Normal

  • Number of places

    No limitation

  • Schedule

    Schedule (new window)

  • Course responsible

    John Cantwell <cantwell@kth.se>

  • Teacher

    John Cantwell <cantwell@kth.se>
    Till Grüne-Yanoff <gryne@kth.se>

Autumn 13 TaMoS for programme students

  • Periods

    Autumn 13 P1 (4.5 credits)

  • Application code

    50619

  • Start date

    2013 week: 36

  • End date

    2013 week: 44

  • Language of instruction

    English

  • Campus

    KTH Campus

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    Normal

  • Number of places

    No limitation

  • Schedule

    Schedule (new window)

  • Course responsible

    John Cantwell, cantwell@kth.se

  • Teacher

    John Cantwell, cantwell@kth.se

  • Target group

    Open for students from all master programs.

Spring 14 TaMoS for programme students

  • Periods

    Spring 14 P3 (4.5 credits)

  • Application code

    60938

  • Start date

    2014 week: 4

  • End date

    2014 week: 12

  • Language of instruction

    English

  • Campus

    KTH Campus

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    Normal

  • Number of places

    No limitation

  • Schedule

    Schedule (new window)

  • Course responsible

    John Cantwell, cantwell@kth.se

  • Teacher

    John Cantwell, cantwell@kth.se

  • Target group

    Open for students from all master programs.

Learning outcomes

After completed course, the student should be able to

  • account for and apply fundamental concepts from the theory and methodology of science on problem areas within the theory and methodology of science.
  • account for fundamental theories concerning the epistemological and explanatory status of science.
  • identify and critically discuss, both orally and in writing, fundamental theoretical and methodological issues in the technical, natural and social sciences.
  • identify and critically discuss, both orally and in writing, specific metodological problems in a study, the design of an exeriment, the use of a particular method of measurement, or the use of a particular model.
  • analyze the relationship between the basic results of a study and the conclusions that legitimately can be drawn on the basis of the results.

Course main content

  • Scientific knowledge
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Causes and correlations
  • Observations and measurements
  • Experiments
  • Models
  • Laws and explanations
  • Philosophy of economics
  • The development of science
  • Scientific writing
  • Research ethics

Disposition

Lectures and seminars.

Eligibility

180 ECTS credits university studies. Proficiency in English corresponding to English B in Swedish gymnasium.

Literature

To be announced at course start. The following literature has been used previously:

  • Malcolm Williams "Introduction to philosophy of social research".
  • Sven Ove Hansson "The art of being scientific" (compendium).
  • Articles distributed during the course.

Required equipment

None.

Examination

  • SEM1 - Seminars, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements for final grade

Seminars (SEM1; 1.5 credits) and written exam (TEN1; 3 credits).

Offered by

ABE/Philosophy

Contact

kurser.tamos@abe.kth.se

Examiner

John Cantwell <cantwell@kth.se>

Version

Course plan valid from: Autumn 11.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 08.