Philosophy of Science (P01283)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : PPL-P-MSCSCI

This course comprises seminars on current issues in the philosophy of biology and the philosophy of quantum mechanics. The philosophy of biology seminars cover issues in the nature of evolutionary explanation, the units of selection, species and natural kinds, function and teleology in biology. The quantum mechanics seminars discuss the problems of interpreting of QM. Quantum mechanics is instrumentally very successful but when one tries to interpret it realistically it seems to contradict much of our common-sense view of the world.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Philosophy, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 12 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	16:10	18:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The coursework involves close and critical analysis of various historical and current views on central issues in the philosophy of science. Students are asked to read, critically assess and discuss some of the most important texts in these fields. Students are encouraged to develop their skills in individual research through the writing of essays, and to develop their critical, analytic and communication skills through informal discussion and oral presentations in tutorial groups.