LFU:online

Exposition and introduction to basic topics and concepts in contemporary philosophy of science and related methodological fields.

Traditionally, the philosophy of science is concerned with methodological issues of modern science, specifically the elusive relation between empirical evidence and theories based on evidence.

The course offers an introduction to (some of) the standard accounts of conceptualizing this relation and discusses the philosophical problems concerning induction, confirmation, and differences between science, social science, and humanities.

In addition to glimpses into the history of modern science questions concerning the relation between science and society will also be discussed.

In class lecture, opportunities for discussion

Final exam (written)

Bird, Alexander : Philosophy of Science; London, UCL Press, 1998.

Cartwright, Nancy: A Philosopher looks at Science; Cmabridge, Cambridge University Press, 2022.

Hacking, Ian: Representing and Intervening. Introductory Topics in the Philosophy of Science; Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1983.

Kitcher, Philip : The Advancement of Science; New York/Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1993.

Oreskes, Naomi : Why Trust Science? Princeton (N.J.), Princeton University Press, 2019

Staley, Kent W.: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science; Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2014.

(Further hints on literature in class)

none

Classroom teaching with opportunities for discussion.