Philosophy of Science (5cr)

Objectives

The participants understand that good scientific practice is based both on epistemic and moral values. They are capable of describing how the so called constitutive values of science should be manifested in research processes and results, in the practices of scientific communities, and in the virtues of individual scientists. They understand that the so called contextual values of science can intervene in scientific inquiry in many ways.

Content

The course provides a more thorough overview of different theories of scientific reasoning and explanation than the introductory level course on argumentation and philosophy of science. The main focus is on the role values in scientific inquiry and attempts to control their impact on scientific knowledge. The course pays special attention to the challenges posed by research in humanities and social sciences. The participants are required to reflect on case studies in research ethics.