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 different theories of ethics
• explain the ethical guidelines and guidelines for professional conduct that are described by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

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

Competence

The student can

• compare and discuss different theories of normative ethics
• reflect on how positions in the philosophy of science influence scientific work including choices of methods

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 person responsible for the course. The students’ learning outcomes will be documented through presentations, written papers and the examination.

To prepare for the examination must the following obtain approved:

• Presence throughout the day at 1 seminar, including participation in own presentation in a group or opponent role in a group
• Submission of 4 individual written assignments (Reaction Paper), maximum 1000 words.

Supervised written examination (school examination), 4 hours

None

Grade scale A-F

All answers are assessed by one examiner.

An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.