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THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGHDEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2007/2008
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Philosophy of Science (P01283)? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : PPL-P-MSCSCI This course is in two parts, comprising seminars on two sets of current issues in the philosophy of science. The first part covers the debate between scientific realists and anti-realists, and the second part covers the philosophy of biology. The realism/anti-realism seminars discuss the major arguments for scientific realism and the range of anti-realist alternatives, (including instrumentalism, conventionalism and constructive empiricism). The philosophy of biology seminars cover issues in the nature of evolutionary explanation, and may include discussions of such topics as the units of selection, species and natural kinds, function and teleology in biology. Entry Requirementsnone Subject AreasHome subject areaPhilosophy, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I) Delivery Information? Normal year taken : Postgraduate ? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4) ? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 12 weeks First Class Information
All of the following classes
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.
Assessment Information
Assessment will be by a 2500 word essay.
Exam times
Contact and Further InformationThe Course Secretary should be the first point of contact for all enquiries. Course Secretary Miss Toni Noble Course Organiser Dr Alasdair Richmond Course Website : http://www.philosophy.ed.ac.uk School Website : http://www.ppls.ed.ac.uk/ College Website : http://www.hss.ed.ac.uk/ |
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