FSI3000 History of Physics and Epistemology 5.0 credits

Epistemological aspects of the history of ideas in physics.

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.

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

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

Övrig litteratur:

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

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

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

• DEL1 - Participation, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• SEM1 - Seminars, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, 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.

Approved grade on both parts.

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

Mattias Blennow

• 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.