PSYK1100 Philosophy of Science, and Ethics Course description

The course highlights key issues in the Western history of ideas. These form the basis for choosing methods based on a research/evidence-based perspective, and for our understanding of the importance of science to general academic knowledge.

Admission to the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge;

The student can

• describe the most important areas of the philosophy of science (metaphysics, epistemology and ethics) and selected perspectives from the philosophy of science
• explain the philosophy of science as a basis for psychology and behaviour analysis as disciplines
• explain scientific method
• explain different theories of ethics
• explain the ethical guidelines and guidelines for professional conduct that are described by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
• describe the key principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Regulations of the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC)

Skills

The student can

• describe and reflect on ethical issues relevant to the psychology field
• describe and reflect on conflicts of values and ethical dilemmas at individual, group and society levels
• describe and reflect on experiment as a scientific method

Competence;

The student can

• reflect on positions in the philosophy of science in relation to choices of methods and different theories of normative ethics

Work and teaching methods used in the course are lectures and self-study. Seminars will also be held where the students present subject matter. Participation in these seminars is compulsory. Students will present texts from the syllabus, encourage discussion and receive guidance on further reading. During the course, the students will submit four assignments related to key topics in the syllabus. The assignments will be set by the lecturer. The students’ learning outcomes will be documented through presentations, written papers and the examination.

The language is normally English.

Technologies, from the stone axe to the computer, have been integral in shaping how we live, think, interact, and work. Advances in digitalization have made digital competences a significant factor in ensuring the employability of candidates in all professions vital to our society. Understanding the benefits, the limitations, and the transformative power of technologies on public and private life as well as professional practice is crucial.

In this course, students will acquire the basic knowledge needed to harness the potential of digital technologies and identify opportunities to use technology to foster inclusion, active participation, and sustainability in society and the workplace. Through individual reflection, shared exploration and group discussions, students will gain awareness of how technological developments might impact their future professions, and their role as citizens in an increasingly digitalized society.

This course will provide students with the foundational knowledge and means to become a responsible agent of change in their own profession and field of study. Students will learn to recognise limitations, strengths and potentially disruptive consequences of technological innovation and grapple with the social, ethical, and political issues that arise as technology becomes both increasingly complex and essential to the function of society.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge 

Upion successful completion of this course the student understands: 

• basic concepts, mechanisms, and tools behind digitalization
• how digitalization shapes public and private life
• the role of technological innovation and development in equity and justice, sustainable development, and civic engagement
• how technological infrastructures shape and support society and the welfare state.

Skills 

Upon successful completion of this course the student can: 

• apply critical and analytical strategies to evaluate and critically discuss the possibilities and challenges of existing and potential technologies 
• reflect on social, ethical, and political consequences of technological change
• provide examples of local and global technological disparity, both in general terms, and in relation to their field of study
• analyse and interpret the processes by which information and disinformation is distinguished, disseminated and used in different contexts.
• identify and discuss central sustainability challenges with digital technologies

General Competence 

Upon successful completion of this course the student can: 

• discuss ethical, social, and political challenges arising at the intersection of technology and society
• understand how digitalisation and digital technologies facilitate and shape interdisciplinary collaboration
• examine contemporary, real-world cases from multiple perspectives 
• evaluate the potential impact of new technologies and digitalization processes on an individual and societal level
• understand the importance of user-oriented perspectives in the use and development of technology
• communicate concepts and models related to the use of technology in a structured manner.

The course uses a blended learning approach, with a combination of attendance-based seminars and digital learning materials. Students will explore real-world cases emerging at the intersection of society, technology and their future profession.

English will be the primary language of communication.

An individual home exam consisting of three exercises.  Each of the exercises are between 800 and 1200 words. The maximum length of the exam submission is 3000 words.  

The submission is assessed as a whole and given one single pass/fail grade, but the three individual assignments that constitute the exam must receive a pass grade in order to pass the exam.

The exam submission must be written in either English or a Scandinavian language.

The exam can be appealed.

New/postponed exam: In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. Students are required to submit a new exam, not an improved version of their previous exam submission. In case of a second failed exam or legal absence, the third and final exam attempt will be an oral examination.

New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for applying for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are followed.