Module PHIL3021: PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY SCIENCE

Department: PHILOSOPHY

PHIL3021: PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY SCIENCE

Prerequisites

• At least one Level 2 module in Philosophy OR in the History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine, OR other appropriate evidence.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The aim of this module is to introduce central issues, theories and arguments arising from a philosophical examination of the contemporary natural sciences.

Content

• The topics to be covered will include: scientific realism, continuity and scientific change;
• classification and natural kinds in physics, chemistry and biology.
• laws, explanation and causation in physics, chemistry and biology.
• unity of science.
• philosophy and the sciences (genetic research, evolutionary psychology and the environment).
• objectivity and experiment in science.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have knowledge and understanding of core philosophical questions arising in the natural sciences, the key metaphysical and epistemological theories relating to those questions, and arguments for and against those theories.

• By the end of the module students
• will be able to identify and explain core philosophical questions arising in the natural sciences
• will be able to explain key metaphysical and epistemological theories relating to the questions
• will be able to use relevant research material to examine and assess arguments for and against such theories.

• express themselves clearly and succinctly in writing
• comprehend complex ideas, propositions and theories
• defend their opinions by reasoned argument
• seek out and identify appropriate sources of evidence and information
• tackle problems in a clear-sighted and logical fashion

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Structured teaching within seminars will deliver basic module-specific information, and provide a framework for further study.
• Seminars will provide the opportunity for students to present their own work in progress, to test their understanding of the course material, and defend and debate different opinions on theories and questions presented in that material.
• Guided reading provides a structure within which students exercise and extend their abilities to make use of available learning resources.
• The formative essay provides the opportunity for students to test and extend their knowledge and understanding of the module content, and develops their ability to present and defend relevant arguments and theories using available learning resources, uninhibited by the need for summative assessment.
• The summative essays test knowledge and understanding of the course material, and the ability to identify and explain philosophical questions raised by the natural sciences, and, using relevant research material, to present relevant philosophical theories and arguments that claim to answer those questions, and to make reasoned judgements on the merits and demerits of such theories.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 2000 word essay, due at the end of the Michaelmas Term.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University