Undergraduate Course: Realism, relativism, and reality (PHIL10138)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course provides an introduction to the vast arena of philosophical inquiry that goes under the names of realism and relativism. Metaphysical, epistemological, and semantic issues will be our concern as we go along. The course is structured in two Parts. In Part I, we read some classical texts (from Quine's ontological relativity, to Goodman's ways of worldmaking and Rorty's epistemic relativism, among others). Part II of the course zooms into contemporary debates on realism in science and on the values of truth, objectivity, disagreement and progress in scientific research. |
| Course description |
What is truth in science? Why do scientists disagree sometimes on the same evidence? Are our knowledge claims relative to different sets of principles endorsed by different communities? Join this course to explore these cutting-edge questions for contemporary science. The course will map the territory of the vast debate between realism and relativism in science, with a focus on both classic texts and more contemporary approaches.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed
Philosophy of Science 1 (PHIL08005)
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 3 Philosophy courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
| By the end of this course, students will have a well-rounded view of the field, and an enhanced set of critical skills that will allow them to work further on their own.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Michela Massimi
Tel: (0131 6)50 3662
Email: Michela.Massimi@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Susan Richards
Tel: (0131 6)51 3733
Email: sue.richards@ed.ac.uk |
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