Philosophy of Science (V7076)

15 credits, Level 5

Spring teaching

This module will explore the epistemic and social authority of science and look at the following questions:

  • how does science work?
  • are there limits to scientific knowledge? If so, what are they?
  • is science objective?
  • what role do values, identities, and interests play in science?
  • should ordinary citizens trust and defer to science?
  • why do some people dissent from scientific consensus?
  • what does it mean to “believe in science”?

You'll have the opportunity to examine and develop your own positions on these issues.

Teaching

50%: Lecture
50%: Seminar

Assessment

100%: Written assessment (Essay)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We鈥檙e planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We鈥檒l make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: