IC2002 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 Underdetermination
IV. Induction, Prediction, and Evidence
V. Confirmation and Relevance: Bayesian Approaches
VI. Models of Explanation
VII. Laws of Nature

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 theory 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.

For single-course students:

Bachelor degree/180 hp (120 old credits) in information technology, information systems, computer science or computer and systems sciences.

Preliminary:

Martin Curd and J. A. Cover (eds.): Philosophy of Science (Upplaga: 1), W W Norton & Co Inc, 1998, 0-393-97175-9

Compendium of papers and book excerpts. Exact contents will be determined closer to the start of the course. 

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

• PRO1 - Report, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• SEM1 - Active Participation, 3.0 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.

Mandatory group discussions with active participation and moderation will be graded as pass or fail. At the end of the course there is also a written exam, in the form of an essay, to test individual abilities and understanding, graded on the ordinary 7-step scale A/B/C/D/E/Fx/F.

To pass the course, both the essay and group discussion part must be graded pass, and the course mark will be based on that of the essay.

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 mandatory group discussions, the student should actively participate in (at least) all but two discussion groups, as well as moderate one discussion group should the examiner so require.

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.

The course is evaluated and developed according to the KTH policy for course analysis.