SPOVIT Philosophy of Science Course description

Philosophy of science is understood as the systematic study of scientific knowledge and scientific activity. This course focuses on those aspects of philosophy of science that concern the social sciences. This involves questions regarding the explanation of social phenomena as well as various assumptions about both individual behaviour and the connection between micro- and macrophenomena. The course aims to deepen participants understanding of the fundamental questions in the social sciences and enable them to analyse the assumptions that underlie their own research and the research of others.

A master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent.

The following learning outcomes are associated with the successful completion of this course:

Knowledge

The candidate

• has a broad and up-to-date overview of the central questions and issues within the philosophy of science as it relates to the social sciences

• can analyse philosophical questions and issues within their own research, and the research of others

Skills

The candidate

• can participate in philosophical discussions about the foundations of their own field and different scientific disciplines

• can apply philosophical reflection in their own research projects.

• can critically evaluate scientific research through analysis of concepts, models, and methods.

The following subjects will be addressed:

• Causality, laws, and mechanisms

• Intentional explanations

• Functional explanations

• Action and rationality

• Interpretation of meaning

• Methodological individualism and collectivism

• Realism and social constructivism

• Science and values

This course is taught using lectures and discussion. Different approaches to the academic content of the course are discussed through concrete examples, which can include the students’ own research projects.

Active participation in class is a prerequisite to develop good understanding of the course content. Student attendance of at least 80 % is therefore mandatory to be eligible for examination. The course leader can exempt students from this requirement only under special and individual circumstances. In these cases, extensive reading of the course literature can compensate for the lack of attendance.

Mandatory assignments are evaluated as a pass or fail.

Assessment-/exam format

Participants will receive 5 ECTS for successful completion of the course. This includes the attendance requirement as well as passing the essay examination. The essay can draw upon the student’s own thesis, but this is not required. The essay must lay out and discuss a precise question within the field of philosophy of science. The essay is to be approximately 10 pages long, formatted with font size 12pt, double-spaced, and must be handed in before the submission deadline.

The essay will be examined by the course leader and is assessed as a pass or fail. If the essay is not passed, students are given another chance to edit their submission on a later agreed upon deadline.

The essay examination is based on the descriptions of the course’s learning outcomes.

It is not possible to request an extension of the submission deadline. Exceptions from this are only made in cases of documented sick leave. The deadline for submission will then be postponed based on the documented period of sick leave.

Support materials for assessment/examination

All

Right to appeal

Students may appeal their grade and formal errors in accordance with the Act relating to universities and university colleges and Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University.

This course is primarily meant for students enrolled in a Ph.D. program. If the course leader has the capacity to take on additional students, other applicants whose educational background (Master’s degree or equivalent) is deemed relevant will be considered for admission.