Postgraduate Course: Philosophy of Science (PHIL11023)
Course Outline
| School |
School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College |
College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Not available to visiting students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits |
20 |
| Home subject area |
Philosophy |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None |
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| Course description |
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.
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Entry Requirements
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites |
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| Prohibited Combinations |
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Other requirements |
None
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| Additional Costs |
None |
Course Delivery Information
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
One 2500 word essay.
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Special Arrangements
| Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Alasdair Richmond
Tel: (0131 6)50 3656
Email: A.Richmond@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Miss Lynsey Buchanan
Tel: (0131 6)51 5002
Email: Lynsey.Buchanan@ed.ac.uk |
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copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh -
1 September 2010 6:33 am
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