Argumentation and Philosophy of Science (5cr)
Course unit code: C-10122-FIL--FIA--003
General information
- Credits
- 5 cr
- Institution
- University of Tampere
Objectives
The participants have developed their skills in critical thinking. They are aware of different philosophical accounts of scientific knowledge and they are capable of reflecting on their shortcomings and virtues. They understand the nature of scientific knowledge so that they are able to describe the role of scientific reasoning, empirical evidence, and social practices in the making of scientific knowledge.
Content
The course provides an introduction to the theory of argumentation and philosophy of science. It covers such topics as the role of empiricism in philosophy of science, causality and explanation, models in scientific knowledge, and the role of values in science. It offers a historical survey of 20th century philosophy of science, from positivism to post-positivist approaches. The course includes exercises on the analysis and evaluation of arguments.