Science acquired in modern society a central status that makes its claims better regarded in public debates than any other kind of discourse or argument. This scientific authority has historical roots, philosophical justifications and social implications. The aim of the course is to discuss what stands as a scientific fact/argument, what makes it so robust and what use can be made of it.
The course opens with an introduction to philosophy in general and to the philosophy of science in particular. The first sessions will be devoted to arguments. Students will be asked to develop and assess arguments. For the purpose, some key concepts of informal and formal logic will be introduced (truth, validity, soundness). Then the course will turn to scientific reasoning and practice. Some central concepts in philosophy of science (knowledge, hypothesis, paradigms, explanation, causality) will be discussed. Finally the course will explore issues connected to the applications and implications of science and technology in society (expertise, governance, ethics of science and technology, science popularization).
- Õpetaja/Teacher: Egert Juuse
- Õpetaja/Teacher: Piret Kähr
- Õpetaja/Teacher: Keegan David Braun Mcbride
- Õpetaja/Teacher: Amirouche Moktefi
- Õpetaja/Teacher: Ahti-Veikko Pietarinen