Philosophy of Science and Ethics

When analyzing an elephant with only a microscope, you won’t easily grasp the big picture. That is the risk of scientific specialization.
This course is about zooming out, looking for the big picture, and reflecting on the relations between science and ethics:

1. Firstly we will analyze the scientific method. How does science work? What is the difference between scientific and pseudo-scientific knowledge claims? (Philosophy of science).
2. Secondly, we will reflect on the moral question ‘How are we to live?’, and the political philosophical question ‘What is a just society?’ (Ethics, political philosophy)
3. Thirdly, we will focus on two important moral issues: the humans-nonhuman animals relation, and the humans-nature relation, which addresses the environmental problems including climate change. (Animal ethics, environmental ethics).

This course contains an Honours component on Bilding (open to all students).

This course is the entry requirement for:

• Bachelor’s thesis GSS (GEO3-2422).

Please note: the information in the course manual is binding.
After completion of the course, the student is able to:

• reflect upon science and the scientific method;
• reflect upon moral problems in relation to (environmental) science;
• coomunicate to a general audience on environmental issues, using philosophical tools & knowledge.

Do you study at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) or Wageningen University and Research (WUR)? You can enrol via eduXchange.nl

Max.120 students in period 4. In case more students are enrolled for the course the rules of the Teaching and Examination Regulations will be followed to appoint the students.

• Book Okasha, Samir, Philosophy of Science. A Very Short Introduction, 2nd edition
• Book Blackburn, Simon, Being Good. A Short Introduction to Ethics
• Book DeGrazia, David, Animal Rights. A Very Short Introduction
• Book Miller, David, Political Philosophy. A Very Short Introduction
• Book Attfield, Robin, Environmental Ethics. A Very Short Introduction
• Book Mautner, Thomas (ed.), Dictionary of Philosophy
• Book Berg, Floris van den, Philosophy for a Better World