SVH-8008 and SVH-8009 Philosophy and Theory of Science (3/5 ECTS)
SVH-8008 and SVH-8009 Philosophy and Theory of Science (3/5 ECTS)
The course invites you to investigate some of the fundamental epistemological and ontological assumptions underlying their research.
It covers some of the central issues in the philosophy and theory of science, and provides you with opportunities to relate those issues to your own fields and projects.
The core version (3 ECTS) is a three-day course consisting of two main parts:
- A common part where all the participants are introduced to some central and overarching questions in general philosophy/theory of science
- Specialized sessions where the participants delve deeper into the ways in which such questions arise within their own fields and in relation to their own projects
There will be one day devoted to the common part, which will consist mainly of lectures and Q&A sessions. And there will be two days devoted to specialized sessions, which will consist mainly of seminar discussions, workshops and other forms of teaching that emphasize student participation.
The specialized sessions will include broad sessions devoted to the various scientific fields, as well as sessions devoted to more specific issues. The sessions on more specific issues may vary from semester to semester but may include topics such as "making causal claims", "indigenous research" and "the nature of social constructs".
The extended version (5 ECTS) also has a second gathering (two days) with further specialized seminars where the participants further explore central questions from the philosophy/theory of science in the context of their respective fields and their own research projects.
Pre-Work
Reflection paper (approximately two pages; submitted before the course starts; approved - not approved)
Coursework Requirements
In addition to the pre-work, participation and 80% attendance.
For the extended version a preliminary draft of the exam paper must be submitted (3-5 pages)
Exam
An individual 2800-3200 word paper for the core version and a 3200-4000 word paper for the extended version. In the paper the candidate relates some of the topics from the course to their own project or discipline. The exam will be assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.
