Philosophy of Science - PHI00080I
Module summary
This module introduces key issues in contemporary philosophy of science. Each week, we attempt to focus on, analyze, and evaluate various aspects of science. We begin with the question of whether science has "a" method, and if not, what this means for our ability to identify "real" science and defend ourselves (and others) from pseudoscience. Then we move on to the nature of scientific theories, models, representations, experiments, and computer simulations, discussing, e.g., whether theories are meant to be true or merely useful instruments, and when it's rational to prefer computer simulations over laboratory experiments. Finally, we turn to political influences on science, biases and bad science, and the relationship between science, technology and society.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
The module aims to present information about the foundations and practice of modern science, to get students familiar with issues discussed in contemporary philosophy of science and the different ways of doing philosophy of science, and also to develop students' abilities to apply philosophical methods to debates in and about science and technology - in other words, to learn how to move from descriptions of a practice to normative philosophical claims about that practice.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- understand and explain a range of key problems, issues, and debates in the philosophy of science and express this understanding in clear, precise, and accessible terms;
- develop and articulate ranges of alternative solutions to problems and issues in the philosophy of science in an open-minded way, drawing on module materials;
- develop and articulate arguments for the alternative solutions considered in relation to problems and issues in the philosophy of science, drawing on module materials, identifying some points of weakness and some potential points for development;
- make a judgement about what is the best view on a particular problem in the philosophy of science and argue in defense of this judgement;
- identify some of their strengths and weaknesses by evaluating their own work in relation to departmental marking criteria;
- apply simple strategies for improving their work, based on critical reflection, advice, and feedback.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Module feedback
All formative and summative feedback will be returned within current University and Departmental guidelines.
Indicative reading
Bortolotti, L. (2008). An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. London: Polity
Ladyman, J. (2002) Understanding Philosophy of Science. London: Routledge
Okasha, Samir. 2016. “What is science?” Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: OUP. https://doi.org/10.1093/actrade/9780198745587.003.0001.
Sven Ove Hansson. 2016. “Science and Non-Science.” In The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Science edited by Paul Humphreys. DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199368815.013.27.