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AH2014 Theory and Methodology of Science 7.5 credits

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Information per course offering

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.

Course syllabus as PDF

Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.

Course syllabus AH2014 (Autumn 2012–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus AH2014 (Autumn 2012–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

  • Introduction to the concepts knowledge, truth and belief
  • The distinction between subjectivity, intersubjectivity and objectivity
  • Causality vs. covariation,
  • Scientific explanation, observation and measurement,
  • Issues in the methodology of the social sciences,
  • Quantitative vs. qualitative methodology,
  • The path from science to policy,
  • Hypothesis testing: verifying and falsifying hypotheses,
  • The nature of scientific models and simulations
  • Research ethics.

Intended learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide a deeper understanding of the methodological and underlying philosophical issues that arise in science, in particular the social sciences, and inspire to reflection on such issues within the student’s own area of study. The course introduces key concepts in the philosophy and methodology of science. This version of the course has a special focus on philosophical and methodological issues arising in the social sciences

Learning outcome:

After the course the students should have acquired basic knowledge of the foundational issues in the methodology and philosophy of science, especially as regards the social sciences.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

A completed Bachelor's degree and documented proficiency in English, corresponding to English B or equivalent (TOEFL, IELTS eg).

Literature

Boumans, M.; Davies, J.B.,2010. Economic Methodology - Understanding Economics as a Science. Pelgrave Macillan.

Samt 5-10 artiklar som delas ut under kursen.

Examination and completion

Grading scale

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

Examination

  • TEN1 - Examination, 7.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Other requirements for final grade

Active participation in seminars and exercises

Examiner

No information inserted

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

ITM/Industrial Economics and Management

Education cycle

Second cycle