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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences : Philosophy

Undergraduate Course: Realism, relativism, and reality (PHIL10138)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis course provides an introduction to the vast arena of philosophical inquiry that goes under the names of realism and relativism in science. What is truth in science? and why do experts disagree on scientific evidence? what good might relativism be? 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? Is our scientific knowledge relative to different principles endorsed by rival scientific communities? When it comes to allocating research funds for scientific programmes, what principles should guide policy-making? 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.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Philosophy of Science 1 (PHIL08005)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. By the end of this course, students will demonstrate a well-rounded view of central debates in philosophy of science
  2. engage with essential readings by identifying strengths and weaknesses in the arguments
  3. understand reasons for defending or rejecting specific philosophical views
  4. analyse philosophical ideas and learn how to refine them
  5. write with clarity and originality
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserProf Michela Massimi
Tel: (0131 6)50 3662
Email: Michela.Massimi@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Ann-Marie Cowe
Tel: (0131 6)50 3961
Email: Annmarie.Cowe@ed.ac.uk
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