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Module PHILOSOPHY OF NATURAL SCIENCE

Module code: PH313A
Credits: 5
Semester: 2
Department: PHILOSOPHY
International: Yes
Overview Overview
 

The aim of this module is to present a historical and a systematic account of the philosophy of science. Historically, we shall be moving from antiquity (Aristotelian worldview) to the early modern period (Newtonian worldview), to Contemporary world-view in physics (Einstein, quantum theory etc.) and biology (evolution), and systematically we shall discuss modern theories of scientific method and practice, where notions such as progress, experiment, theory, observation, discoveries, continuities, breaks, paradigms, and revolutions play a key role. The conceptual shift from a scientific approach with is base on essentialism and teleology, and to a scientific account of causes and effects to natural phenomena by means of universal and mathematical laws, will be outlined historically by recourse to the ideas of thinkers from Aristotle to Galileo. Problems with causality (and induction) will be raised in terms of Hume’s reflections on inferences. Reponses to these problems will be considered in terms of John Stuart Mill, and Karl Popper. As such our systematic discussion will include some classical theories in the philosophy of science by Karl Popper, Thomas Kuhn, Imre Lakatos, and others.

Open Learning Outcomes
 
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Open Autumn Supplementals/Resits
 
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