This module will provide a critical overview of philosophical questions about the aims and methods of science. To start, we will question what the difference is between science and pseudo-science, and from here, examine core features of the scientific method, and identify potential problems associated with them. We will also look at more contemporary work on the nature of scientific progress and change, particularly from the point of view of treating science as a social institution. Finally, we explore the nature of scientific explanation and whether it differs across scientific disciplines, in what way scientific theories can be said to be true, and how we can know that entities like electrons are real. The philosophical arguments described in the course will be illustrated using simple scientific case studies (no previous training in science required).

·         Understand and describe classical and recent work in philosophy of science

·         Identify problems with philosophical positions as well as potential responses to them

·         Construct arguments, both verbally and in written work, drawing on relevant philosophical and empirical work

·         Engage critically with media portrayals of scientific research

·         Work independently

The course will be taught through weekly lectures and seminars. There will be two coursework essays.

Students will practise and develop the following skills:

• the ability to decompose, reconstruct and analyse philosophical arguments
• the ability to describe and critically assess the main strengths and weaknesses of philosophical positions  
• the ability to construct clear arguments, both verbally and in written work, drawing on relevant philosophical (and empirical) work where relevant
• the ability to work independently

Students will develop employability skills which include the ability to synthesise information, operating in group-based discussion involving negotiating ideas and producing clear, informed arguments in a professional manner.

The formative assessment for this module will consist of two essays.

The summative assessment for this module will consist of one essay of 2,000 words maximum, and one examination of 1.5 hours.

This module is assessed according to the Marking Criteria set out in the Philosophy Course Guide. There are otherwise no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

A critical review of central theories in philosophy of science, including the following topics:

1) Introduction: What is philosophy of science?, Science vs. pseudo-science

2) Logical empiricism to Popper: Logical positivism and empiricism, the Duhem-Quine thesis, induction, confirmation, falsificationism

3) Scientific change, science as a social institution: Kuhninan normal science, Kuhnian scientific revolutions and incommensurability, Lakatos’ research programs and Laudan on research traditions, Feyerabend’s ‘anything goes’ approach to science, feminist philosophy of science

4) Explanation: Covering law, statistical relevance, causal mechanical and unificationism approaches to explanation, explanation and laws in biology

5) Realism: Realism, pessimistic meta-induction, constructive empiricism, experimentation and realism

Many of the readings will be drawn from these textbooks, and other readings will be provided either in a course handbook or will be made available online. However, you are advised not to purchase books until seeing the reading list.

Theory and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. P. Godfrey Smith, 2003, University of Chicago Press.

Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues. J. A. Cover, M. Curd and C. Pincock, 2012, W. W. Norton and Company. (Or 1998 first edition).