UV9002 ¨C Philosophy of Science

Course content

The course gives a reasonably broad overview of central philosophical and epistemological topics. The course comprises a common part and a self-selected (specific) part, and is organized over three, two-day meetings.

The common part comprises three main topics: scientific reasoning; justification, and representation. Some of the topics and authors are from classical times and are expected known. The main intention of the course is to offer tools for critical reflection and analysis.

What we can offer with regard to self-selected options depends on teacher availability. The general focus is the development and discussion of the course paper. The optional content is to supplement the common part with selected topics from the philosophy of the social and human sciences and/or philosophical perspectives on educational psychology.

If the number of participants is eight or less, the optional part is not offered.

Learning outcome

Course aim is to strengthen the participants¡¯ understanding of the scientific premises for their dissertation.

The common part is to develop an understanding of central philosophical and epistemological problems, for example induction, abduction and deduction, falsification, theories of truth, the concept of knowledge, under-determination, theory-ladenness, forms of representation, etc.

Both the common and self-selected parts are to provide tools for critical reflection about own and others¡¯ research, tools for identification and evaluation of underlying assumptions, etc.

The self-selected part, including the paper, offers the opportunity for immersion in themes participants find particularly interesting and/or relevant for their own dissertation.

Admission to the course

The Philosophy of Science course is obligatory for those admitted to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Educational Sciences. It is possible to take an equivalent course at other institutions and apply to have it count as UV9002.

Admission to the PhD programme is a prerequisite. The course is open for PhD candidates from other institutions. Applicants who hold a Master¡¯s degree can be admitted to the course if there are free places.

Candidates admitted to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Educational Sciences should apply through Studentweb

Other applicants may apply using this application form

The course registration for spring semester 2024?opens December 1, 2023.

For information about the registration deadline, please check the semester webpage for this course.

If you have questions concerning?admission, please contact Olga Mukhina.

Recommended previous knowledge

Participants with limited knowledge of the philosophy of science are recommended to acquaint themselves with the field before the course. Read for example James Ladyman (2002) Understanding philosophy of science (London: Routledge).

Teaching

The course comprises lectures, seminars, presentation of and commentary on paper drafts.

The following elements are compulsory:

Meeting 2: Presentation of own paper draft and a prepared commentary on somebody else¡¯s draft. The reading of all paper drafts and participation in the discussions.

Meeting 3: Presentation of own draft of full paper and a prepared commentary on somebody else¡¯s draft. The reading of and participation in the discussion of all drafts.

Course structure:

Meeting 1 is the common part; meetings 2 and 3 comprise the self-selected part. Between meetings 1 and 2 participants write a first (short) paper draft and distribute it to all members of the group. During meeting 2 we will work with the special topics and drafts that are presented and discussed. Between meetings 2 and 3 the participants are to complete a draft of the full paper. The structure of meeting 3 is the same as for meeting 2.

Philosophical problems and questions require concentration, reflection, discussion, maturation. The course is therefore distributed over the semester.

You will find the schedule and the reading list on the semester webpage for this course.

Examination

To obtain 5 study points participants need to submit an individual philosophical paper (3500-4000 words) after the course. 80% attendance is required.

The course teachers evaluate the papers. All papers are read and graded by at least two persons. All papers receive written comments.

You will find the deadline for paper submission on the semester webpage for this course.

Papers are to be submitted electronically in Canvas.

Language of examination

You may write your paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Papers that do not pass are revised on the basis of the comments and resubmitted.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.