FIV3000 Philosophy of Science 7.5 credits

The contents of the course will follow the main book closely, and deal with the following topics in the natural sciences.

I. Science and Pseudoscience

II. Rationality, Objectivity, and Values in Science

III. The Duhem-Quine Thesis and Under determination

IV. Induction, Prediction, and Evidence

V. Confirmation and Relevance: Bayesian  Approaches

VI. Models of Explanation

VII. Laws of Nature

VIII. Inter-Theoretic Reduction

The compendium deals with those aspects of the philosophy of science that are special to the social sciences, and with other aspects not directly covered by the course book.

The student upon completion of the course will be able to:

- give an account of important events in the history of science

- explain the (ideal and factual) requirements on scientific  work

- describe his or her own view on science, and compare this to his or her view on engineering

- apply scientific work to practical problems

- give an account of fundamental concepts of philosophy  of science,  and of ethics in science

- survey and present original texts in the area of philosophy  of science

- instrumentalise scientific  problems.

Martin Curd and J. A. Cover (eds.): Philosophy of Science (Upplaga: 1 eller 2), W W Norton & Co Inc, 1998,

0-393-97175-9

Kompendier

Kompletterande artiklar och bokutdrag.

Martin Curd and J. A. Cover (eds.): Philosophy of Science (1st or 2nd edition), W W Norton & Co Inc, 1998,

0-393-97175-9

Compendium

Additional articles and book excerpts.

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

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.

At the end of the course there is a written exam (4,5 hp), in form of an essay, to test individual  abilities and understanding, graded on the ordinary  7-step scale A/B/C/D/E/Fx!F.

Students close to the requirements for passing the written exam will be given the opportunity to complete, to reach grade E, but not higher. Students will be notified of this opportunity at the time of return of examinations, and any completion must meet the time deadline set.

To pass the seminars, the student should actively participate in (at least) all but two. The marking of an essay start upon received  proof that the student  has read especially  developed  material and instructions on plagiarism,  to be made available during the course.

Magnus Boman

• 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.