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SI3000 History of Physics and Epistemology 5.0 credits

Fysikens historia och kunskapsteori

  • Educational level

    Third cycle

  • Academic level (A-D)

    D

  • Subject area

  • Grade scale

    P, F

At present this course is not scheduled to be offered.

Learning outcomes

This course aims at giving students a general overview of the history of science with emphasis on physics. It also aims at giving basic knowledge of the epistemology of science applied to physics, as well as incitements to self-reflection on the participants own research seen from a broader perspective. 

As can be seen from the title of the course, its main emphasis is on physics. Apart from this the course is tailored from the participants’ interests and preferences inside reasonable limits (see the titles of previous seminars in the seminarieövningslista (link)). The course is usually given in English.

Course main content

Epistemological aspects of the history of ideas in physics.

Disposition

The course is given in the format of seminars where the participants present various aspects of the history of ideas in physics. The epistemological aspects will be treated partly by lectures and partly by discussions after each presentation. To run the course there need to be at least 8 participants.

Eligibility

PhD students in Physics/Theoretical Physics/Applied Physics and other interested PhD students.

Literature

  • A.F. Chalmers: Vad är vetenskap egentligen?, Nya Doxa (1995). (What is this thing called science?)

Other literature:

  • M.S. Longair: Theoretical concepts in physics, CUP (1984).

  • S. Sjöberg: Naturvetenskap som allmänbildning, Studentlitteratur (2000).

Examination

  • PRO1 - Project, 5.0 credits, grade scale: P, F

Requirements for final grade

Self-study of the course book, 70% attendance at the seminars plus one presentation.

Offered by

SCI/Theoretical Physics

Contact

Håkan Snellman

Examiner

Tommy Ohlsson <tohlsson@kth.se>

Version

Course plan valid from: Spring 09.
Examination information valid from: Spring 12.