Module Details |
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module. |
Title | Philosophy of Science: Science in Society | ||
Code | PHIL240 | ||
Coordinator |
Dr I Markolefas Philosophy Ilias.Markolefas@liverpool.ac.uk |
||
Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
Session 2019-20 | Level 5 FHEQ | Second Semester | 15 |
Aims |
|
Students will have a basic, but comprehensive understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry, including its difference from other forms of inquiry, its specific methodology, the nature of scientific explanation, and the ways in which scientific claims or theories can be justified or assessed. They will also become aware of the debates surrounding the overall aim of science to provide a comprehensive worldview. Students will become aware of the social-historical dimension of scientific practice, understanding how and why scientific theories change over time and realising that science is situated within a broader social and cultural context. Students will be exposed to some important incidents and episodes in the history of science (as well as to contemporary issues concerning scientific practice and its social impact) and will be able to discuss and assess them in a critical manner informed by philosophical analysis. Students will be able to participate in import ant contemporary debates about the role of science and technology in our society. |
Learning Outcomes |
|
(LO1) Students will be able to identify, explain, and evaluate some of the most important rival philosophical accounts of the structure, methodology, and outcome of scientific inquiry. |
|
(LO2) Students will understand and learn how to use key notions in philosophy of science and study the works of some of the major contributors to the field. |
|
(LO3) Students will become aware of the social-historical dimension of science and acquire the proper conceptual framework to assess the epistemological importance of this dimension. |
|
(LO4) Students will gain an understanding of the impact of science to society through technology and explore in a philosophically articulate way this complex interface between epistemology and moral/political philosophy. |
|
(LO5) Students will be able to discuss and evaluate critically claims and arguments pertaining to the role of science within society. |
|
(LO6) Students will be able to write coherently and rigorously about philosophical issues raised by scientific practice. |
|
(S1) Students will enhance their abilities in reading and understanding texts and in comprehending abstract material. |
|
(S2) Students will develop their skills in thinking critically, analysing problems and reconstructing and evaluating arguments. |
|
(S3) Students will enhance their ability to identify complex issues that underlie debates from a variety of perspectives. |
|
(S4) Students will develop their ability to sift through information, assessing the relevance and importance of the information to what is at issue. |
|
(S5) Students will enhance their written communications skills and develop skill in explaining complex material in a precise manner. |
|
(S6) Students will develop their ability to understand a particular case by applying a general theoretical framework. |
Syllabus |
|
Indicative: Reading material will be accessible though the module reading list and VITAL. The student will be expected to complete some designated reading in preparation for seminars. |
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
|
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture Teaching Method 2 - Seminar Teaching Method 3 - Workshop Self-directed learning - Reading primary and secondary texts and online support materials. Preparing for seminars. Preparing the essay and studying for the examination. |
Teaching Schedule |
Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
Study Hours |
10 |
10 |
2 |
22 | |||
Timetable (if known) | |||||||
Private Study | 128 | ||||||
TOTAL HOURS | 150 |
Assessment |
||||||
EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
Assessment description - Case Study Assessment type - written exam Reassessment Opportunity - Yes Penalty for late submission - Late submission is not possible Anonymous assessment - Yes | 120 minutes | 50 | ||||
CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
Assessment description - Course essay Reassessment opportunity - Yes Penalty for late submission - Standard UoL penalty applies Anonymous assessment - Yes | -2000 words | 50 |
Recommended Texts |
|
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. |