Philosophy of science and technology

In Module 1, we discuss general issues related to reasoning in science and technology. We analyze the structure of arguments, and strategies to judge them. Finally, we will consider what sets arguments in science and technology apart from other kinds of arguments and how we can go about evaluating them.

Module 2 concerns the question of whether there is progress in science and technology. We will look at the philosophical arguments against (Kuhn) and for (Lakatos) such progress.

Finally, in Module 3, we read and discuss a couple of primary texts in the philosophy of science and technology. The texts are critical in nature: they challenge widely cherished qualities of science and technology, e.g., their supposed rationality, objectivity, and promotion of human welfare.

Additional information Exams

Students will make five individual assignments in preparation for each of the tutorials. In total, these assignments will count for 20% of the final grade. The teacher will give students’ assignments a “fail” or a “pass”. Students get a: 10 for 5 passes, a 7 for 4 passes, a 5 for 3 passes, a 3 for 2 passes,a 1 for 1 pas.

The course has the following learning objectives:

• At the end of the course, students are able to describe major themes and rivaling views in the philosophy of science and technology
• At the end of the course, students are able to apply major themes and rivaling views in the philosophy of science and technology to contemporary societal issues
• At the end of the course, students are able to recognize, in speech and written text, different types of scientific reasoning
• At the end of the course, students are able to evaluate, in speech and written text, the strength of instantiations of different types of scientific reasoning
• At the end of the course, students can construct, both orally and in writing, valid and strong (scientific) arguments

Je moet voldoen aan één van de onderstaande verzamelingen met eisen

• Verzameling 1
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) afgerond
• Verzameling 2
• Schakelprogramma afgerond

• A selection of compulsory readings.